The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun: Screenwriting Podcast Ep 305 - Should You Take Writing Jobs You Don’t Care About?
Jan 12, 2026
25:01
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 Episode
Kristy Leigh Lussier is a producer, writer, and script consultant known for her sharp story instincts and deep understanding of character-driven storytelling. She brings thoughtful insight into franchise structure, tonal control, and navigating the industry with clarity.
About the Host
With 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 Episode
🎬 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!
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- Why tonal shifts in sequels can strengthen a franchise
- What Wicked: Part Two gets right that surprises non-musical fans
- The storytelling mistake that doomed the 2011 Conan the Barbarian remake
- How long-form character arcs deepen emotional investment
- Practical answers to audience screenwriting questions about dialogue, pitching, and career choices
- 00:00–03:30 – Reviewing Wicked: Part Two and the power of darker second acts
- 05:00–07:30 – Franchise arcs and why Harry Potter matures with its audience
- 08:20–10:30 – The original vs. remake debate: Conan the Barbarian vs. the 2011 reboot
- 10:45–12:30 – Industry Snapshot: MTV officially exits the music-video era
- 14:20–18:20 – Listener Q&A: multilingual dialogue and writing outside your favorite genre
- 19:30–22:40 – What actually happens after a successful pitch and why lawyers matter
Kristy Leigh Lussier is a producer, writer, and script consultant known for her sharp story instincts and deep understanding of character-driven storytelling. She brings thoughtful insight into franchise structure, tonal control, and navigating the industry with clarity.
About the Host
With 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 Episode
- The Successful Screenwriter Membership (TV pilot course)
- Entertainment lawyers and contract basics for writers
- Franchise case studies: Harry Potter, Wicked, Conan the Barbarian
- Instagram: @kantoka127
- Vertical Drama: The Witch Wolf’s Mate
- Website: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com
- Instagram: screenwriterpod
- YouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter
🎬 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!