The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun: Screenwriting Podcast

• Ep 300 - How to Fix a Boring Act 2

  We are celebrating our big 300th episode with in depth craft talk and our giveaway. Kristy breaks down seeing Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 in a packed theater, what real fan service looks like, and why understanding the assignment with IP can matter more than chasing four quadrant appeal. Geoffrey shares his hot take on Wicked For Good and why character motivation has to make emotional sense or the whole story starts to wobble. We talk about Netflix buying Warner Bros, what consolidation could mean for theaters and for working writers, and why packed screenings still matter. From there we dig into real listener questions, including what to do when your second act is boring in a contained script, how subplots keep a story alive, why cutting to the antagonist is a secret weapon, and why you should master features before jumping into pilots and series. If you are stuck in act two, worried your work is not ready, or wondering how to get your script seen when you feel like you live in the middle of nowhere, this milestone episode is for you. What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow to tell if your script is truly ready to be “out there”Practical ways to fix a boring second act in a contained storyWhy subplots and antagonists keep your pages from going flatThe real difference between features and pilots, and why that mattersWhat fandom driven hits like Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 can teach you about IP and audienceKey Moments00:20 – Celebrating episode 300 and announcing the big giveaway prizes01:12 – Kristy’s breakdown of Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 and writing for fandoms06:45 – Geoffrey’s Wicked 2 hot take, grief, and the missed John Wick moment12:17 – Netflix buying Warner Bros, what this means for theaters and writers23:42 – Listener question, how to fix a boring second act in a limited settingAbout the CoHostKristy Leigh is a writer, director, and co host of the show. She works in film and television, writes and directs vertical drama such as The Witch Wolf’s Mate for ReelShort, and helps writers level up their scripts through feedback and development.About the HostWith films on network television, streaming platforms, and in theaters, Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a screenwriter, author of The Guide for Every Screenwriter, and a passionate mentor in the industry. His mission is to inspire and empower writers and filmmakers at every level.Resources Mentioned in the EpisodeThe Guide For Every ScreenwriterFive Nights at Freddy’s 2Wicked For GoodInkTipScreenX and 4D style theatrical screeningsConnect with GuestKristy on Instagram:@kantoka127Kristy’s vertical drama The Witch Wolf’s MateConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter#ScreenwritingPodcast #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #ScreenwritingTips #SecondActProblems #BadScreenwritingAdvice #KristyLeigh #VirtualGeoffrey #InkTip #FiveNightsAtFreddys #WickedMovie🎬 Get Free Script Leads — be the first to know which producers are requesting scripts and accepting submissions.If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Share it with a fellow screenwriter who’d find it valuable!

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• Ep 299 - How to Survive Indie Filmmaking Without Burning Out

  In this episode, filmmaker Jesse McAnally joins Geoffrey to break down the real process of making an indie feature from scratch. Jesse shares how he developed The Daughters of the Domino, ran a successful Kickstarter, storyboarded every shot in Cine Tracer, and navigated the unexpected challenges that hit indie sets. From on-the-fly rewrites to managing clashing personalities, Jesse opens up about the realities most filmmakers never talk about.If you’re building your own film or planning to, this one is loaded with practical insight and encouragement.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow to develop a feature from a childhood conceptSmarter ways to run a Kickstarter without drowning in giveawaysWhy pre-visualization can save your productionHow to adjust performances and scenes in real timeThe truth about set conflicts and managing moraleWhy your film is your calling cardThe power of collaboration and treating people wellKey Moments00:20 Jesse explains the origin of The Daughters of the Domino02:50 How he structured a stress-free Kickstarter with digital perks05:40 Storyboarding every shot using Cine Tracer07:00 The first-day disaster and managing crew expectations10:26 On-set rewrites after discovering new opportunities in performanceAbout the GuestJesse McAnally is a filmmaker whose latest feature, The Daughters of the Domino, blends mystery, character-driven storytelling, and sharp visual planning. His work has screened at festivals across the country and continues to draw attention for its craft and originality.About the HostWith films on network television, streaming platforms, and in theaters, Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a screenwriter, author of The Guide for Every Screenwriter, and a passionate mentor in the industry. He hosts The Successful Screenwriter podcast to empower writers and filmmakers at every level.Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeThe Daughters of the Domino film info and festival updatesCine Tracer (previz/storyboarding tool)Connect with GuestInstagram: @jessemcanallyWebsite: https://www.jessemcanally.comConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter#screenwriting #filmmaking #indiefilm #podcast #thesuccessfulscreenwriter #kickstarterfilm #storydevelopment🎬 Get Free Script Leads — be the first to know which producers are requesting scripts and accepting submissions.If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Share it with a fellow screenwriter who’d find it valuable!

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• Ep 298 - Are You Letting Bad Advice Shape Your Script?

  Geoffrey and Kristy tackle some of the worst “rules” floating around screenwriting circles. They break down why advice like “the audience must always be ahead of your characters” or “every line of dialogue needs action underneath it” can actually limit your voice and make your script feel stiff. They dig into Predator: Badlands, Prey, and the new Deathstalker, talk about empathy for monsters, building lore that feels lived in, and how theme and character relationships elevate genre. Then they answer questions on action description, page density, and when it actually makes sense to bend or break format. If you’ve ever felt boxed in by conflicting advice, this episode clears the fog and shows you how to keep scripts clean and professional without losing your styleWhat You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy some “never do this” rules are just personal preferencesHow to choose whether the audience is ahead of, equal to, or behind your charactersWhen dialogue stands fine on its ownHow to keep action lines tight while still revealing characterHow to bend format without looking sloppyKey Moments00:20 300th episode giveaway teaser00:57 Predator: Badlands, empathy for a Predator, and theme talk08:30 Breaking down the “audience must be ahead” myth11:59 Why dialogue doesn’t always need action underneath20:48 When breaking format is smart instead of sloppyAbout the GuestKristy Leigh Lussier is a screenwriter, director, and producer focused on character driven storytelling. She brings a director’s eye to structure, performance, and theme, and she joins Geoffrey in the weekly livestreams to help writers level up their craft.About the HostWith films on network television, streaming platforms, and in theaters, Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a screenwriter, author of The Guide for Every Screenwriter, and a mentor dedicated to helping writers grow. He hosts The Successful Screenwriter podcast to support filmmakers at every level.Resources Mentioned in the EpisodePredator: BadlandsPreyDeathstalkerPearl Harbor (screenplay example)Star Wars Episode III fight sceneConnect with KristyKristy on Instagram: @kantoka127Kristy’s vertical drama: The Witch Wolfs MateConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram:@screenwriterpod YouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriterIf this episode helped you rethink some of the “rules,” subscribe, leave a quick review, and share it with a writer who needs to hear it. Screenshot this episode, tag @screenwriterpod, and tell us one writing “rule” you’re ready to let go of. And keep an eye on Instagram for the 300th episode giveaway.#screenwriting #screenwritingpodcast #screenwritingtips #amwriting #scriptnotes #indiefilm #PredatorBadlands #Deathstalker #writingadvice🎬 Get Free Script Leads — be the first to know which producers are requesting scripts and accepting submissions.If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Share it with a fellow screenwriter who’d find it valuable!

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• Ep 297 - Do You Really Need To State Your Theme?

  In episode 297, Geoffrey and Kristy go live to talk remakes, theme, and the realities of writing inside a studio system. They compare the new Running Man to the Arnold classic, explore why Predator: Badlands feels like a surprise standout, and break down Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein as a case study in subtlety and adaptation. They also answer live viewer questions about originality in Hollywood, story structure, outlining, and how to keep writing from getting overcomplicated. Geoffrey shares two new Script Leads and previews the big 300th episode giveaway,What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow to weave theme into your story without stating it out loudWhy del Toro’s Frankenstein hits key book elements and where it still sidesteps the core nature vs nurture ideaThe difference between three act and five act structure, and how to spot it while watchingHow studio pressures shape “originality” in modern filmsA mind map technique to create new story ideas fastKey Moments00:37 Talking the 300th episode giveaway and Virtual Geoffrey01:38 Breaking down the new Running Man vs the 1987 original06:49 Why Predator: Badlands works and Dan Trachtenberg’s direction for the franchise09:03 Debunking the bad advice that writers must state the theme directly17:27 Why del Toro’s Frankenstein is the closest yet to the novel, and where the adaptation shifts focusAbout the GuestKristy Leigh Lussier is a screenwriter, producer, actress, and story analyst with a background in development and script evaluation. She champions character driven genre projects, has produced and contributed to numerous independent shorts and features, and mentors emerging writers in the craft and business of screenwriting.About the HostWith films on network television, streaming platforms, and in theaters, Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a screenwriter, author of The Guide for Every Screenwriter, and a passionate mentor in the industry. He hosts The Successful Screenwriter podcast to empower writers and filmmakers at every level.Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeThe Running Man (1987)The new Running ManGuillermo del Toro’s FrankensteinScript Leads blog on TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.comConnect with Guest: Kristy Leigh LussierInstagram: @kantoka127Vertical drama The Witch Wolf’s MateConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriterShare the episode, leave a rating, and send in your questions for next week’s live Q&A.#Screenwriting #ScreenwritingPodcast #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #WritingTheme #Frankenstein #RunningMan #Predator #ScriptLeads #WriteBetterScripts🎬 Get Free Script Leads — be the first to know which producers are requesting scripts and accepting submissions.If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Share it with a fellow screenwriter who’d find it valuable!

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• Ep 296 - When You Should (and Shouldn’t) Break Screenwriting Rules

  Geoffrey D. Calhoun and Kristy Leigh Lussier dive into horror films, story rules, and the art of breaking them the right way. From Geoffrey’s emotional reaction to Good Boy to their debate on flashbacks and narrative discipline, this episode is packed with insights for any writer exploring tension, fear, and structure. Plus, they brainstorm ideas for the upcoming 300th episode giveaway and talk about the films every horror fan should see.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow to break story rules the right wayThe importance of structure and consistency in screenwritingHow to use flashbacks effectively (and when they hurt your story)Writing fear through tension, atmosphere, and primal emotionWhat today’s horror films can teach about character and storytellingKey Moments00:22 Brainstorming ideas for the 300th episode celebration01:03 Geoffrey’s emotional reaction to Good Boy and dog-POV storytelling08:37 The Woman in the Yard and the danger of breaking story rules11:24 Trash Screenwriting Advice: “Just break the rules”19:28 Flashbacks and how to use them effectivelyAbout the GuestKristy Leigh Lussier is a filmmaker, writer, and producer with a passion for genre storytelling. She brings a sharp industry perspective and a love of horror to the conversation.Instagram: @kantoka127Watch her series The Witch Wolf’s Mate: Watch HereAbout the HostWith films on network television, streaming platforms, and in theaters, Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a screenwriter, author of The Guide for Every Screenwriter, and a passionate mentor in the industry. He hosts The Successful Screenwriter podcast to empower writers and filmmakers at every level.Resources Mentioned in the EpisodeThe Guide For Every ScreenwriterGood BoyWe Are ZombiesTurbo KidTerrifier seriesThe Woman in the YardHalloween (1978)The ConjuringThe ExorcistSession 9Connect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram:@screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriterWe’re only four episodes away from 300! Have an idea for our big celebration or giveaway? Send it in and don’t forget to share your screenwriting questions for next week’s show.#Screenwriting #WritingTips #Filmmaking #HorrorWriting #Podcast🎬 Get Free Script Leads — be the first to know which producers are requesting scripts and accepting submissions.If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Share it with a fellow screenwriter who’d find it valuable!

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