The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun: Screenwriting Podcast Geoffrey D Calhoun

Hosted by: Geoffrey D. Calhoun, known for his dedication to educating and uplifting writers through The Successful Screenwriter Podcast. Geoffrey, has been deeply influenced by foundational texts in screenwriting and aims to honor the legacy of screenwriting legends through his work.Guest: Viki King, author of "How to Write a Movie in 21 Days," which is heralded as a cornerstone in screenwriting literature. Viki, the "mother of content" in screenwriting circles, brings an intuitive and heart-centered approach to storytelling, shaping the narratives of countless writers over her illustrious career.Episode Overview:
In this episode, Geoffrey and Viki engage in a deep dive into the core of screenwriting, discussing the spiritual journey of storytelling, the impact of seminal screenwriting texts, and the process of turning a spark of an idea into a compelling screenplay. This conversation offers invaluable insights into creating stories that resonate on a personal and universal level.

Key Moments:



Geoffrey Calhoun expresses his admiration for Viki King's work and its foundational impact on his screenwriting career.Viki King reflects on the early days of screenwriting education and her collaboration with Syd Field, emphasizing the complementary nature of their contributions to the craft.Viki praises Geoffrey's book for demystifying screenwriting, highlighting its practicality and the importance of format in storytelling.Geoffrey shares his personal journey with screenwriting, marked by dyslexia and the profound influence of Viki's book.Viki discusses the genesis of her book "How to Write a Movie in 21 Days" and the importance of staying true to one's heart in the creative process.The conversation turns to the evolving nature of screenwriting and the need for originality in an industry saturated with sequels and remakes.Geoffrey and Viki explore the concept of the "inner movie method," a personal journey of discovery through screenwriting.Notable Quotes:
"The deal is we all come in and we all have a piece of the puzzle. And it's our business to put the piece of the puzzle in the big picture. Otherwise, there's a hole in the picture. But we don't have to know who's looking at the picture. That's not part of the business. It takes everything you've got just to put your piece in." - Viki King
"I view what I do as part of my own personal growth. And to see someone like yourself who was a trailblazer kind of evolve through this industry is absolutely, inspirational." - Geoffrey CalhounClosing Thoughts:
This episode not only sheds light on the mechanics of screenwriting but also delves into the soulful aspects of the craft, encouraging writers to explore and express their deepest truths through storytelling. Viki King's perspective on writing as a journey of personal discovery and Geoffrey Calhoun's dedication to empowering screenwriters make for a compelling and profoundly inspirational discussion.Connect with Us:
Listen to more episodes: The Successful Screenwriter PodcastFollow Geoffrey D. Calhoun on Instagramr: @ScreenwriterpodDiscover Viki King's work: How to Write a Movie in 21 Days

Host: Geoffrey D. Calhoun
Guest: Brock Heasley, Writer and Director of "The Shift"

Episode Overview:
 In this compelling episode of "The Successful Screenwriter" podcast, Geoffrey D. Calhoun sits down with Brock Heasley, the creative mind behind the buzz-worthy film, "The Shift." A project that started from a small blog post during the MySpace era, "The Shift" has grown into a full-fledged cinematic experience, gaining traction across major social media platforms and starring renowned actors like Neil McDonald, Sean Astin, and John Billingsley.Key Topics Discussed:The Genesis of "The Shift": Brock shares the journey from a blog post to a feature film, highlighting the role of social media in its early promotion.Transition into Filmmaking: Brock recounts his pivot from a graphic design career to filmmaking, influenced by a lifelong passion for movies and a significant job loss.Collaboration with Angel Studios: The unique crowdfunding and guild-member decision-making process at Angel Studios that brought "The Shift" to a wider audience.Design and Casting Insights: Insights into the design process for the movie's iconic "Lancers" and the strategic casting choices that elevated the film.The Renaissance of Faith-Based Films: A discussion on the evolving landscape of faith-based cinema, emphasizing higher production values and a broader appeal.The Core Message of "The Shift": An exploration of the film's thematic focus on suffering, hope, and unexpected outcomes, grounded in personal experiences of loss and resilience.Watch "The Shift" on various platforms including Angel Studios' app, YouTube, Google Play, Amazon, Apple, and Voodoo to experience the multifaceted journey of its protagonist and the innovative storytelling that Brock Heasley brings to the screen.

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Conclusion:
"The Shift" stands as a testament to the power of storytelling, resilience in the face of adversity, and the collaborative spirit of indie filmmaking. Brock Heasley's journey from a graphic designer to a celebrated filmmaker offers inspiration to aspiring screenwriters and directors, proving that with passion, creativity, and a bit of faith, anything is possible in the cinematic world.

Host: Geoffrey D. Calhoun (Instagram @Screenwriterpod)Guest Host: Reece TaylorSpecial Guest: Filmmaker Justin Mane"Crow" Fan Film: https://www.youtube.com/@CROWfanfilm
Introduction:

Welcome to another episode of our podcast, where we dive deep into the world of indie filmmaking and storytelling. In this episode, we're honored to have filmmaker Justin Mane discuss his feature-length fan film inspired by "The Crow." Joined by reoccurring guest host Reece Taylor, we explore the journey, challenges, and triumphs of independent cinema. This special installment sheds light on the passion and creativity thriving within the Michigan film community.Key Insights:Justin Mane shares his decade-long journey in filmmaking, highlighting his transition from acting to creating a standout indie film in Michigan.Notable Quote: Justin reflects, "It's about showcasing Michigan filmmakers on a broader scale and what we can actually do if given the right material and the right opportunities."The conversation reveals the intricate process of evolving a 15-minute short into a full-length feature, emphasizing pre-production planning and post-production creativity.Actionable Advice:For aspiring screenwriters and filmmakers, Justin emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration. He advises building a supportive network and continuously honing your craft through hands-on experience on sets.He also highlights the significance of pre-production and meticulous planning in bringing a vision to life.Episode Highlights:The episode delves into the visual storytelling and character-driven narrative of Justin's film, praising its artistic direction and emotional depth.Memorable moments include the discussion on the unique challenges of indie filmmaking, from budget constraints to the creative solutions that emerge.Resources Mentioned:"Crow" - The film discussed throughout the episode, available on YouTube.Books, articles, and websites on indie filmmaking techniques and storytelling were mentioned as resources for listeners aiming to deepen their understanding of cinema.Call to Action:We encourage our listeners to support independent filmmakers by watching "Crow" on YouTube and sharing their thoughts.Visit thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com for additional resources, and consider signing up for exclusive content that dives deeper into the craft of screenwriting and filmmaking.Follow us on Instagram @screenwriterpod to stay updated on upcoming episodes, events, and webinars.Closing Remarks:
Thank you to Justin Mane and Reece Taylor for an enlightening conversation, and a special thanks to our listeners for tuning in. We're excited about the future of indie filmmaking in Michigan and beyond. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll explore another facet of the screenwriting and filmmaking world.

***If you've been affected by online romance scams, or if you're seeking resources and support to navigate the complexities of digital deception, visit CatchTheCatfish.com.
Host: Geoffrey D. Calhoun(Instagram @screenwriterpod)Guest: Andre Moreau, Emmy Award-Winning Journalist and Content Creator(instagram @amoreaunow)Episode Overview:
In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of social media, its impact on personal identity, and the rise of online scams, through the experiences of Emmy award-winning journalist Andre Moreau. Andre shares his journey from a traditional news journalist to becoming an unintended icon in romance scams, revealing the darker sides of social media platforms and the urgent need for regulation and awareness.Key Topics Covered:
Transition to Digital Journalism: Andre discusses the evolution of news reporting with the advent of social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, emphasizing the additional workload but also the new opportunities for engagement it provided.The Unintended Consequences of Social Media Fame: Andre's personal account of how his social media presence, grown organically, unexpectedly made him a target for identity misuse in online romance scams.The Realities of Romance Scams: A startling revelation about the extent of the problem, with Andre discovering numerous FBI and police reports of scams carried out in his name, highlighting the global challenge of digital identity theft.Raising Awareness: Andre's efforts to use his platform to educate and warn others about the dangers of catfishing, collaborating with Anna Rowe of CatchTheCatfish.com, and their work towards better regulation and prevention.Legislative Action and Personal Advocacy: Andre's ongoing efforts to involve U.S. Congress in addressing the widespread issue of online scams, emphasizing the need for technological solutions like facial recognition to prevent identity misuse.The Personal Impact of Social Media Scams: Both Geoffrey and Andre share their experiences of being impersonated online, discussing the broader cultural acceptance and implications of identity theft and catfishing.A Call for Humanity and Responsibility: The episode concludes with a discussion on the ethical responsibilities of social media platforms, the importance of real human connection, and the potential for technology to both harm and heal.Closing Thoughts:
This episode sheds light on the complex interplay between technology, identity, and community in the digital age. As we navigate the vast potential and pitfalls of social media, the stories of Andre Moreau and others remind us of the need for vigilance, empathy, and collective action in protecting ourselves and others online.

Listeners are encouraged to be more critical of their online interactions, support efforts for digital literacy and regulation, and share this episode to spread awareness about the consequences of unchecked social media use.

Host: Geoffrey D. Calhoun
Guest: Bo Mirhosseni, Filmmaker

Episode Overview:
In this episode, Geoffrey D. Calhoun is thrilled to welcome filmmaker Bo Mirhosseni, the creative force behind the Shudder original film "History of Evil." Join us as Bo shares his journey from skate videos in Long Beach to directing music videos, commercials, and finally his leap into feature filmmaking. Dive into the origins of "History of Evil," a film that blends family drama with genre elements against the backdrop of the Iranian Revolution, showcasing a stellar cast including Paul Wesley and Jackie Cruz.

Takeaways
Transitioning from one creative medium to another can lead to new opportunities and growth as a filmmaker.Combining genre elements with a personal story can create a unique and engaging film.Working within budget constraints can force filmmakers to think creatively and find innovative solutions.Drawing inspiration from real-life events and personal experiences can add depth and authenticity to a film.Building connections and leveraging personal relationships can help in casting and financing a film.The journey from script to screen can be a long and challenging process, but perseverance and collaboration can lead to success.Writing what you love and incorporating personal emotions and experiences can bring passion and authenticity to your work.Exploring the potential for future projects and franchises can open up new opportunities for filmmakers.Subscribe and Follow:

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Host Geoffrey Calhoun welcomes author and retired cryptologist J.L. Hancock to the podcast. Hancock discusses his book, "The Hawk Enigma," a military techno-thriller inspired by his experiences embedded with special ops.Main Content:
J.L. Hancock's Background:Hancock shares his journey from growing up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to joining the military after 9/11, motivated by a desire to use his language skills. His path led him to the Defense Language Institute and eventually into cryptology, where he specialized in electronic warfare and radio wave interception.The Craft of Cryptology:Explains the role of a cryptologist and the difference between traditional communication roles and those involved in electronic warfare. Hancock highlights the challenges and requirements of becoming a linguist in the military, emphasizing the high attrition rates and the demanding nature of the training.Life in Special Ops:Discusses the unique challenges of working with special operations, including the difficulty of balancing technical skills, physical capability, and personality to fit into these elite teams. Hancock touches on issues of introversion, imposter syndrome, and the struggle for technical specialists to be accepted in predominantly alpha-male environments.The Hawk Enigma and Character Development:Hancock talks about the main character of his book, likening him to Q from James Bond but with the added complexity of having to prove himself in the field. The conversation explores themes of identity, the perception of technical staff as "enablers" vs. "technicians," and the personal growth that comes from confronting and overcoming these challenges.Dealing with Stress and Failure:Shares insights into handling stress through exercise and maintaining a routine, highlighting the importance of baseline stress management rather than reactive measures. Hancock also discusses the emotional toll of witnessing the impact of broader strategic decisions, such as the withdrawal from Afghanistan, on individuals and communities involved in military operations.Highlights & Takeaways:
Hancock's experiences underscore the complexity of military and intelligence work, emphasizing the importance of mental and physical resilience.The discussion on character development in "The Hawk Enigma" offers valuable insights for writers looking to create nuanced, realistic characters in military or techno-thriller genres.Encourages listeners to explore "The Hawk Enigma" for a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those in cryptology and special ops. Also invites aspiring writers to consider the nuanced character dynamics discussed for their own projects.Closing:
Geoffrey Calhoun thanks J.L. Hancock for sharing his unique insights and experiences, providing listeners with a fascinating glimpse into the world of cryptology and the personal journeys that inform compelling storytelling.For additional commentary and to listen to the full, uncut episode, join our website and check out our character database, a resource where writers can use interviews like this for research in their own projects.Contact Information:
For more insights and discussions, listeners are encouraged to subscribe to The Successful Screenwriter podcast and follow instagram @screenwriterpod for updates on future episodes.