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PODCAST

The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun: Screenwriting Podcast

Geoffrey D. Calhoun

Real talk. No gatekeeping.Welcome to The Successful Screenwriter Podcast, where screenwriters Geoffrey D. Calhoun and Kristy Lee Lussier have honest conversations about writing, filmmaking, and navigating the industry.From developing and rewriting your screenplay to getting your work made, Geoffrey and Kristy break down the craft, business, frustrations, and realities of building a career in film.They also take the conversation live on Instagram, answering screenwriting questions from listeners and

tv & film film interviews

All Episodes

24:55

Ep 319 - AI in Film, Unlikable Characters & Writing...

The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun:... ·

2026/10/12

Stuck on that rewrite? I got you. Grab The Rewrite Workbook and work through your screenplay one draft at a time.Could AI let audiences rewrite a movie’s ending and what would that mean for screenwriters? Geoffrey D. Calhoun and co-host Kristy Leigh Lussier discuss the possibilities, the concerns, and the value of human storytelling.Then we tackle your screenwriting questions: Do characters have to be likable? How do you convey emotion without dialogue? Should you avoid adverbs? We also discuss

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32:14

Ep 318 - - Rewriting, Pacing & the Rules Writers Get...

The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun:... ·

2026/10/05

The Rewrite Workbook is out now! I wrote it to simplify the rewrite process, so you can stop feeling overwhelmed by your draft and start making clear, focused improvements. Grab your copy on Amazon.Are screenwriting “rules” helping your script or getting in the way? Geoffrey D. Calhoun and Kristy Leigh Lussier break down bad screenwriting advice, including character deaths, dramatic irony, rewriting, horror, first-draft self-doubt, and story pacing. Plus, Geoffrey talks about The Rewrite Workbook,

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22:48

Ep 317 - I infiltrated Screenwriting Reddit. Here's...

The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun:... ·

2026/09/06

Geoffrey D. Calhoun and Kristy Leigh Lussier explore what happened when Geoffrey entered Screenwriting Reddit to offer writers free advice without promoting himself or selling anything. His posts quickly reached thousands of writers—but a message encouraging compassion also attracted hostility from the community’s self-appointed gatekeepers.They break down why some online writing communities become toxic, how anonymous critics continually move the goalposts, and why writers need to protect their

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21:24

EP 316 – Screenwriters, Stop Writing Dialogue Like This

The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun:... ·

2026/08/17

Geoffrey D. Calhoun and Kristy Leigh Lussier break down one of the easiest ways to spot weak screenwriting: dialogue nobody would actually say. They share practical ways to write more authentic conversations before answering listener questions about first drafts, fixing scenes, formatting flashbacks, and whether a writer should ever give up on the dream.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why generic dialogue can immediately weaken a screenplayHow listening to real conversations can improve your

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21:29

EP 315 - The Secrets to Indie Film Success, George...

The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun:... ·

2026/07/19

Discover how an ordinary break room transformed into a post-apocalyptic set for Geoffrey’s new vertical thriller, Elsy. In this episode, Geoffrey and Kristy sit down with filmmaker and Vault Studio founder George Ansara to explore his journey from commercial videography to launching one of Michigan’s top independent film studios. Go behind the scenes of Elsy’s intense five-day shoot, and learn the keys to indie film success: preparation, collaboration, and community. George reveals how Vault Studio

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19:38

Ep 314 - Why Supergirl Doesn't Work (It's Not What...

The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun:... ·

2026/07/06

In this episode of The Successful Screenwriter, Geoffrey D. Calhoun and Kristy Leigh Lussier break down why some movies fail despite strong marketing, using Supergirl as a case study to explore how theme, character, and a worthy antagonist determine whether a story truly resonates with audiences. They also discuss the current state of Hollywood, the rise of independent filmmaking, and why audiences may be returning to theaters for the right films.Plus:Why a story without a clear theme feels

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44:53

EP 313 – ELSY: The Post-Apocalyptic Vertical Series...

The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun:... ·

2026/06/07

What if the voice keeping you alive couldn't be trusted?In this special episode of The Successful Screenwriter, Geoffrey D. Calhoun sits down with Assistant Director Kristy Leigh Lussier and interviewer Jess Paul to pull back the curtain on Elsy, a cinematic post-apocalyptic vertical series premiering this July. For over a decade, Elsy existed in different forms a web series, a feature film, a television project before finally finding its perfect home in the exploding world of vertical

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23:14

Ep 312 - Hollywood Is Changing Faster Than Most...

The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun:... ·

2026/06/01

Hollywood is in the middle of a major shift, and many writers may not realize how quickly the rules are changing. In this episode, Geoffrey and Kristy explore the success of creator-driven projects like Backrooms, the growing influence of online audiences. They discuss what today's moviegoers are actually paying to see, how YouTube creators and independent filmmakers are bringing audiences back to theaters, and what these changes mean for screenwriters trying to build careers in an evolving

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28:36

Ep 311 - Why Fan Service Is Killing Movies

The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun:... ·

2026/04/13

In this episode, Geoffrey and Kristy lighten things up after a heavy week and dive into what’s happening in movies right now. From walking out of Super Mario Bros 2 to breaking down why fan service is starting to replace real storytelling, this conversation gets honest about where the industry is heading. They also explore why adaptations like Project Hail Mary are resonating with audiences, how the Hero’s Journey is still alive and well, and answer real screenwriting questions from listeners. If

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15:36

EP 310 - I Was Hospitalized for Suicide (No One Talks...

The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun:... ·

2026/03/23

Listener discretion is advised. Episode contains discussion of mental health and suicidal ideation.If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone.Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support.In this deeply personal and powerful episode, Geoffrey shares his recent experience being hospitalized for mental health and suicidal ideation. What starts as a shocking revelation turns into an honest, raw conversation about depression, trauma, and the

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29:41

EP 309 – Vertical Series Are Changing Indie Filmmaking

The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun:... ·

2026/03/09

Geoffrey D. Calhoun and Kristy Leigh return from a short hiatus with exciting news: they’re officially launching their new vertical series. In this episode, they discuss what it’s like to move from talking about filmmaking to actually producing a project together, including casting, crew building, and preparing for production. They also dive into a major industry shakeup involving the rumored Paramount and Warner Bros. consolidation, what it could mean for creators, and why the rise of vertical

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28:03

Ep 308 - How YouTubers Are Replacing Movie Stars

The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun:... ·

2026/02/09

In Episode 308, Geoffrey D. Calhoun and co-host Kristy Leigh Lussier dig into one of the biggest shifts happening in film right now: the rise of YouTubers as box office draws. Using Iron Lung as a case study, they unpack how creator-driven films are outperforming studio releases, why Hollywood is resisting transparency around indie success, and what this power shift means for filmmakers. They also tackle persistent screenwriting myths about page numbers and beat timing, break down writer’s block

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23:21

Ep 307 - Is Story Dead? What Five Nights at Freddy’s...

The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun:... ·

2026/01/26

In this episode, Geoffrey D. Calhoun is joined by co-host Kristy Leigh to unpack what Five Nights at Freddy’s 1 & 2 reveal about the current state of Hollywood storytelling. What happens when IP, fan service, and box office data matter more than narrative coherence? Is this the future of studio filmmaking, and if so, where does that leave screenwriters who still care about story? The conversation expands into the larger industry landscape, including Netflix’s dominance, data-driven decision

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25:20

Ep 306 - Why Rewriting Too Early Kills Your Script

The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun:... ·

2026/01/19

In Episode 306, Geoffrey D. Calhoun and Kristy Leigh Lussier kick things off with a passionate recommendation for the absurd, whimsical thriller-comedy Dust Bunny, then pivot into what writers are feeling right now in the marketplace. They talk about how distributors are shifting toward data-driven “checkbox” content, why star power is not the safety net it used to be, and what that means for screenwriters trying to break in consistently. Then they get into some industry tea, including the rumors

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25:01

Ep 305 - Should You Take Writing Jobs You Don’t Care...

The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun:... ·

2026/01/12

In Episode 305 Geoffrey D. Calhoun is joined by Kristy Leigh Lussier for a wide-ranging conversation about storytelling, tone, franchise arcs, and industry realities, and taking a gig you don't love. From horror movies about rabid chimpanzees to why darker sequels often resonate more deeply, this episode blends craft analysis, industry news, and practical screenwriting advice straight from the trenches.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy tonal shifts in sequels can strengthen a franchiseWhat

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23:07

Ep 304 - What Algorithms Mean for Screenwriters in 2026

The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun:... ·

2026/01/05

In Episode 304, Geoffrey D. Calhoun and co-host Kristy Leigh kick off the new year with a wide-ranging conversation about endings, franchises, and the evolving business shaping how stories get made. From reactions to the finale of Stranger Things and Avatar 3, to a deep dive into the Netflix–Warner Bros–Paramount power struggle, this episode explores how data, algorithms, and vertical platforms are redefining opportunities for screenwriters. They also break down bad screenwriting advice, vertical

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39:53

Ep 303 - Why Empathy is the Real Screenwriting...

The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun:... ·

2025/12/29

Episode 303 is a packed Q&A with Geoffrey D. Calhoun and co-host Kristy Leigh, kicking off with holiday movie talk, a Star Wars tactical jacket upgrade, and why screenwriting can change how you watch films forever. Then they jump into the real stuff writers are asking right now: how to build characters that feel human, why empathy might be the hidden superpower behind great scripts, how to query smarter, what competitions are actually good for, how to adapt a novel into a screenplay, and what

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29:08

Ep 302 - Are Streamers Making Writers Dumb Down Their...

The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun:... ·

2025/12/22

In Episode 302, Geoffrey D. Calhoun is joined once again by Kristy Leigh Lussier for a wide-ranging, candid conversation that blends film breakdowns, screenwriting craft, and real-world industry advice. The duo digs into why Sisu: Road to Revenge works as a sequel, how emotional stakes elevate spectacle, and what filmmakers can learn from restraint. They also explore the surprising power of HBO’s Welcome to Derry, including why sometimes a story should end exactly where it does. From there, the

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13:38

Ep 301 - Netflix vs. Warner Bros: What This Means for...

The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun:... ·

2025/12/15

In this solo episode of The Successful Screenwriter, Geoffrey D. Calhoun breaks down the shocking acquisition bids involving Netflix, Warner Bros., and Paramount and explains what they actually mean for working screenwriters. With co-host Kristy Leigh Lussier sidelined by COVID, Geoffrey steps in to unpack the real industry impact behind the headlines, from shrinking theatrical windows and mid-budget film erosion to foreign investment, media consolidation, and soft power. Most importantly, Geoffrey

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29:03

Ep 300 - How to Fix a Boring Act 2

The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun:... ·

2025/12/08

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

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