The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun: Screenwriting Podcast

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 silent struggles many creatives face. Together with co-host Kristy Leigh, this episode explores what it feels like to hit a breaking point, what happens inside a psychiatric hospital, and why seeking help is not weakness but survival. If you’ve ever felt alone, overwhelmed, or like you’re not enough, this conversation is for you. This isn’t just about screenwriting. It’s about staying here. If this episode reaches one person who needs it, it’s done its job.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeThe difference between sadness and high-functioning depressionWhat really happens during a psychiatric hospital stayWhy many creatives feel isolated despite outward successHow “masking” hides internal strugglesThe importance of support systems during mental health crisesWhy seeking help is a strength, not a weaknessHow writing can serve as a lifeline during dark momentsKey Moments00:23 – Episode introduction and unexpected reveal00:49 – Geoffrey shares he was planning suicide03:19 – Inside the psychiatric hospital experience05:51 – Why people don’t reach out when they’re struggling08:33 – The reality of masking and hidden depression11:25 – Why writing became a saving grace11:43 – The importance of the 988 crisis lineAbout the CohostKristy Leigh Lussier is a filmmaker, writer, and creative collaborator who brings honesty and empathy to conversations about storytelling and life in the industry. As Geoffrey’s co-host, she helps guide meaningful discussions that go beyond craft and into the human experience behind it.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 the EpisodeSuicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.): Call or text 988Local mental health professionals and support groupsConnect with GuestInstagram: @kantoka127Watch Kristy’s vertical drama: The-Witch-Wolfs-MateConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriterYou’re not alone in this journey.#MentalHealthAwareness #ScreenwritingLife #CreativeStruggles #DepressionAwareness #FilmmakerLife #WritersJourney #YouAreNotAlone #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!

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 storytelling platforms may open new doors for independent filmmakers and screenwriters.Plus, Geoffrey and Kristy answer listener questions about writer’s block, creative doubt, genre preferences, writing habits, and surprising books that deserve film adaptations. If you're a screenwriter navigating the changing entertainment landscape, this conversation is packed with insight and perspective.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy vertical series may become a major opportunity for indie filmmakersThe difference between talking about filmmaking and actually producing a projectHow to break through writer’s block and restart creative momentumWhy self-doubt is normal for writers at every level of their careerHow major media mergers could reshape the future of film and televisionThe value of writing habits and routines for maintaining productivityKey Moments00:20 – Geoffrey and Kristy return from hiatus and tease their new vertical series02:05 – The origin of Elsy and why Geoffrey revived the script now03:46 – The rumored vertical storytelling platforms for indie filmmakers12:55 – Breaking through writer’s block and finding creative flow19:20 – Should writers focus on one project or juggle multiple scripts?22:33 – Dealing with doubt as a screenwriter26:29 – Writing nonfiction stories and handling sensitive personal materialAbout the CohostKristy Leigh Lussier is a screenwriter, filmmaker, and creative collaborator who works across multiple genres including horror and drama. She has experience in independent film production, writing, and on-set collaboration, and regularly shares insights into the filmmaking process with the screenwriting community.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 the EpisodeVertical storytelling platforms and mobile-first contentHBO series PrimalConnect with Kristy Leigh LussierInstagram: @kantokaWatch Kristy’s vertical drama: The Witch Wolf's MateConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter#ScreenwritingPodcast#ScreenwritingTips#VerticalSeries#Filmmaking#IndieFilmmaker#Scriptwriting#TheSuccessfulScreenwriter#WritingCommunity🎬 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!

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 from a neurological perspective, and have a candid conversation about how AI should and should not be used in the writing process.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy YouTubers are now the real box office starsHow Iron Lung succeeded as a low-budget, single-location indieThe truth about page numbers, beat sheets, and rigid structure rulesWhy writer’s block is often a physical response, not a creative failureHow AI can support writers without replacing themKey Moments00:20 – Seeing Iron Lung and why it works as contained horror02:25 – Why studios won’t release indie box office numbers04:22 – YouTubers as the new movie stars and marketing engines10:16 – The myth of hitting exact beats on exact page numbers22:23 – How AI should be used to help writers, not replace themAbout the CohostKristy Leigh Lussier is a filmmaker, producer, and screenwriter working in today’s independent film space. She brings a grounded, real-world perspective to writing craft, production realities, and industry shifts, especially where new media and traditional filmmaking collide.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 the EpisodeIron LungMarkiplierFive Nights at Freddy’sSnowpiercerThe Guide for Every ScreenwriterScreenplayStoryThe Writer’s JourneyConnect with KristyInstagram: @kantoka127Vertical Drama: The Witch Wolf’s MateConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter#ScreenwritingPodcast #IndieFilm #IronLung #YouTubersInFilm #FilmIndustry #WriterLife #ScreenwritingAdvice #Filmmaking🎬 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!

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 making, the Stranger Things finale controversy, and what writers should realistically prepare for moving forward.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 abandons traditional storytelling in favor of fan serviceHow studios are prioritizing IP and data over narrative cohesionThe difference between box office success and storytelling successWhy the Stranger Things finale struggled and what writers can learn from itPractical advice for new writers developing loglines and short storiesWhere story-driven filmmakers still fit in today’s industryKey Moments00:25 – Geoffrey watches Five Nights at Freddy’s and immediately senses something is off03:00 – Kristy explains how fan service overtook story in the sequel07:00 – Geoffrey breaks down why the sequel has no clear plot or rules09:45 – Is Hollywood splitting into data-driven content vs story-driven films?15:00 – Why the Stranger Things finale failed structurally17:40 – Advice for writers handwriting drafts vs typing19:00 – How to turn loglines and short stories into real screenplaysAbout the GuestKristy Leigh Lussier is a producer, filmmaker, and longtime co-host of The Successful Screenwriter. She brings a grounded, industry-aware perspective to conversations about storytelling, IP adaptations, and the shifting realities of modern filmmaking.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 the EpisodeFive Nights at Freddy’s (Film Franchise)Netflix industry data and subscriber growthStranger Things behind-the-scenes documentaryA24 and Neon as story-first distributorsConnect with KristyInstagram: @kantoka127Vertical Drama: The Witch Wolf’s MateConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter#Screenwriting #FilmIndustry #HollywoodTrends #StoryStructure #ScreenwritersLife #PodcastForWriters🎬 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!

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 swirling around Stranger Things Season 5 and AI, and zoom out into a practical craft debate: is a “vomit draft” (or as a listener calls it, “Draft Zero”) actually the best path to finishing scripts and getting to the rewrite where the real work happens. The episode wraps with audience questions about getting a manager and what to do if you can see scenes in your head but struggle to get them onto the page.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy finishing a rough first draft is often the fastest path to a strong scriptWhat distributors and streamers want right now, and why it is increasingly data-drivenHow to think about concept clarity and producibility without losing your voicePractical ways to network with managers that do not feel transactionalA simple mindset shift that keeps you from rewriting the first 20 pages foreverKey Moments00:18 Dust Bunny: why Geoffrey calls it a rare “whimsical absurd” gem02:00 Visual subtext and symbolism in Dust Bunny, plus the “unreliable narrator” question05:13 AFM market shift: why actor names are not carrying films like they used to10:01 Stranger Things Season 5 AI rumors and the spectrum of AI use in writing15:45 “Bad advice” spotlight: why the vomit draft (Draft Zero) still mattersAbout the CohostKristy Leigh Lussier is Geoffrey’s longtime co-host and a sharp voice on screenwriting craft, industry trends, and the reality of building a writing career one draft at a time.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 the EpisodeDust Bunny (rented on Amazon Prime)Brian Fuller (discussion of his work including Pushing Daisies and Hannibal)Big Eyes (referenced as an example tied to credit and authorship)Draft Zero (listener Gary Thomas’s preferred term for the “vomit draft”)Geoffrey’s book: The Guide for Every ScreenwriterConnect with KristyInstagram:@kantoka127Vertical drama: The Witch Wolfs MateConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWebsite:thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter#screenwriting #screenwriter #writingcommunity #screenwritingtips #screenwritinglife #filmmaking #filmindustry #writingprocess #firstdraft #rewrite Tags 🎬 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!

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 Wicked: Part Two gets right that surprises non-musical fansThe storytelling mistake that doomed the 2011 Conan the Barbarian remakeHow long-form character arcs deepen emotional investmentPractical answers to audience screenwriting questions about dialogue, pitching, and career choicesKey Moments00:00–03:30 – Reviewing Wicked: Part Two and the power of darker second acts05:00–07:30 – Franchise arcs and why Harry Potter matures with its audience08:20–10:30 – The original vs. remake debate: Conan the Barbarian vs. the 2011 reboot10:45–12:30 – Industry Snapshot: MTV officially exits the music-video era14:20–18:20 – Listener Q&A: multilingual dialogue and writing outside your favorite genre19:30–22:40 – What actually happens after a successful pitch and why lawyers matterAbout the GuestKristy 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 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 Successful Screenwriter Membership (TV pilot course)Entertainment lawyers and contract basics for writersFranchise case studies: Harry Potter, Wicked, Conan the BarbarianConnect with KristyInstagram: @kantoka127Vertical Drama: The Witch Wolf’s MateConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter#TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #ScreenwritingPodcast #FilmIndustry #StoryStructure #TVWriting #ScreenwriterLife #FilmAnalysis🎬 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!

Kristy Leigh Lussier, a writer-producer who builds stories across film, streaming, and vertical formats, dives into endings, franchises, and the industry’s power shifts. She discusses how data and algorithms are reshaping what gets made. Short takes cover Avatar’s structure, the Netflix–Warner–Paramount data tug, vertical drama expanding beyond romance, and why features like thrillers and horror still matter.

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 page counts make readers actually want to open your script.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy empathy is a major advantage in writing believable charactersHow to create stronger characters using simple, practical frameworksHow to query without spraying your script everywhereWhen competitions help, and when they are just noiseWhat page count makes your feature feel “readable” to industry folksKey Moments03:19 Does screenwriting “ruin” movies or deepen your appreciation?10:07 Geoffrey’s worst script read and why empathy matters on the page17:50 Building great characters26:41 Competitions: what they are good for, what to avoid, and why research matters29:42 Novel to screenplay: streamline Plot A, combine characters, and write efficiently36:24 Feature page count: what feels professional and what gets ignoredAbout the Cohost:Kristy Leigh is Geoffrey’s co-host and a performer with a sharp eye for story, structure, and what makes characters pop on screen. She brings a grounded industry perspective, plus the actor’s lens on why certain writing choices work.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 the EpisodeThe Guide for Every Screenwriter (Geoffrey’s book)WriterDuet (screenwriting software)InkTip Script Leads (Geoffrey shares free vetted leads)“Sinopedia” (Kristy’s horror script breakdown book recommendation)Films and shows discussed: Christmas Vacation, Die Hard 2, Die Hard 3, The Office, Avatar: The Way of Water, upcoming Avatar 3Enjoyable writing picks: DogMan (Luc Besson), SinnersConnect with KristyInstagram: @kantoka127Kristy’s vertical drama: The Witch Wolfs MateConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWebsite:thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter#TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #Screenwriting #ScreenwritingTips #Screenwriter #WritingCommunity #IndieFilm #Filmmaking #QueryLetters #ScreenplayStructure #CharacterDevelopment🎬 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!

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 conversation shifts into the realities of modern screenwriting, including the rise of “tell-don’t-show” storytelling for second-screen audiences, what that means for craft, and how writers can adapt without losing their voice. The episode wraps with practical career advice for emerging writers, a hard truth about querying too early, and a holiday debate that refuses to die: is Die Hard actually a Christmas movie?What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy Sisu 2 succeeds by keeping its original formula intactHow emotional stakes matter more than scale in sequelsThe risks of overtelling stories for second-screen audiencesWhen “tell-don’t-show” notes appear and how to handle them professionallyWhether characters must always change to have a strong arcWhy sending scripts too early can hurt your careerHow to protect yourself from common industry scamsKey Moments00:42 – Why Sisu: Road to Revenge feels like “Norwegian Fury Road”03:00 – Emotional stakes and weaponizing personal loss in sequels05:11 – Why Welcome to Derry delivers rare emotional closure09:39 – Is “tell-don’t-show” becoming the new normal?18:26 – Do characters have to change? The Big Lebowski debate22:27 – Why writers should not send scripts too early27:35 – Die Hard debate officially beginsAbout the Guest hostKristy Leigh Lussier is a filmmaker, producer, and longtime co-host of The Successful Screenwriter Podcast. Known for her honest industry insight and sharp storytelling instincts, Kristy brings a grounded, practical perspective to conversations about craft, career, and the realities of working in film and television.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 the EpisodeSisu: Road to RevengeWelcome to DerryThe Big LebowskiYoung AdultDie HardConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWebsite: https://www.thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/screenwriterpodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesuccessfulscreenwriter#ScreenwritingPodcast #ScreenwritingAdvice #FilmIndustry #WritingCommunity #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #StoryStructure #ScreenwritingTips 🎬 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!

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 offers clarity, perspective, and practical guidance on how writers can still build careers, get projects made, and create opportunity in a rapidly shifting entertainment landscape.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy Netflix’s business model puts mid-budget films at riskWhat Paramount’s bid could mean for theatrical releases and media controlHow monopolization affects writers, creators, and audiencesWhere writers can realistically get work made right nowWhy chasing gigs is less effective than building IPWhether moving to LA still makes sense in today’s industryHow to choose the right idea when none of them feel readyKey Moments00:00 Industry update and why this episode could not wait06:30 Netflix’s $80B bid and the future of theatrical releases15:20 Paramount’s $108B offer, foreign money, and CNN influence27:45 Why Netflix wins regardless of who acquires Warner Bros36:10 What writers should do now to survive and thrive48:30 Choosing the idea that is worth writingAbout 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 EpisodeWeekly free screenwriting leads athttps://www.thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter#Screenwriting #FilmIndustry #HollywoodBusiness #Netflix #WarnerBros #Paramount #ScreenwritersLife #FilmCareers #StreamingWars #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!