The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun: Screenwriting Podcast

Director Ben Semanoff returns to break down Netflix’s Black Rabbit. We talk about joining a show with a strong tone, how each directing block gently “pushes the circle,” and why the aesthetic grows more unhinged as the brothers’ lives unravel. Ben shares set stories, including the infamous burning bowling ball, the attic scene that runs seven to eight minutes, and how the production design turned New York into a character. We also cover collaborating with writer-producers, directing a director, and shaping visual language that shifts from disciplined to unstable as the story escalates.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow to enter an established series, honor the tone, and still add your voicePractical ways to build a visual progression that mirrors character descentThe reality of “tone meetings” and being prepared for on-set challengesCollaborating with writer-producers to protect story intent while solving production problemsProduction design as backstory and how it supports performance and blocking. Key Moments03:18 — On-set surprises and the burning bowling ball story07:57 — Directing a director: working with Jason Bateman12:47 — Minimal VFX, real locations, and a love letter to New York14:25 — Building the Black Rabbit interior and designing history into sets20:37 — Using visual style to reflect the brothers’ shifting dynamicAbout the GuestBen Semanoff is a director and cinematographer known for Ozark and The Night Of. On Black Rabbit he directed episodes that push the show’s aesthetic as the story darkens, drawing on a background in precise, deliberate camerawork while embracing a more unstable, naturalistic feel.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 EpisodeBlack Rabbit (Netflix)OzarkThe Night OfRipleyUncut GemsConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWebsite: TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: The Successful ScreenwriterEnjoyed the episode? Leave a rating on your favorite podcast app, drop a comment with your favorite insight from Ben, and share this with a filmmaker who loves grounded crime drama. #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #Screenwriting #Filmmaking #TVDirecting #BlackRabbit #JasonBateman #JudeLaw #SetLife #ProductionDesign #DirectingCraft🎬 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 live Q&A, Geoffrey D. Calhoun and co-host Kristy Leigh unpack M3GAN 2.0’s genre swerve from horror comedy to horror action, why Terminator 2 may have been the template, and how fast turnarounds can flatten story. Then they dive into Tilly Norwood and the rise of AI performers, what that could cost the industry in craft and jobs, and why strong scripts matter even more. Geoffrey closes with his “trash screenwriting advice” takedown of the luck in the industry and explains the Three Ts that actually move careers. Listener Q&A covers writing pages without knowing the full story, plotting vs pantsing, and the raw emotions that tell you a scene is working.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow a sequel’s genre shift can alienate core fansWhy speed-to-market can warp tone and structureThe real implications of AI performers for actors and writersWhy stronger scripts become critical in an AI pipelineThe Three Ts framework for breaking in without “luck”Plotter vs pantser: when each approach helpsEmotional checkpoints that signal your scene is landingKey Moments01:22 First take on M3GAN 2.0 and the head-punch opener05:31 Home Alone-style hijinks and tonal whiplash08:08 Tilly Norwood and the AI performer debate11:13 Prediction: indie and international adoption first17:55 Bad screenwriting tip: “You need luck”21:09 Q&A: writing pages without the full story25:14 Killing characters and arguing with your draftAbout the GuestKristy Leigh is a writer and producer who champions story craft, performance, and indie filmmaking communities, most recently at the Boise Film Festival.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 EpisodeM3GAN 2.0Terminator 2: Judgment DayThe Conjuring seriesCharlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) and John AugustBoise Film FestivalTilly Norwood (AI performer)Finding NicoleConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWebsite: TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: The Successful ScreenwriterHave a screenwriting question for the next live show? Drop it in the comments, and tune in next week. If today’s chat helped, share the episode with a writer friend.#Screenwriting #ScreenwriterPodcast #M3GAN2 #AIinFilm #WritingProcess #ThreeTs #IndieFilm #BoiseFilmFestival #PlotterVsPantser #HorrorWriting🎬 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 and Kristy kick off with the 80s classic Monster Squad, then break down a great subtext moment from the new F1 film. They unpack “on-the-nose” dialogue vs character voice, when to cut redundancy, and how to spot predatory “producer” offers. Listener Q&A covers why watching movies improves your craft and whether short action lines beat long descriptive blocks.What You’ll Learn in This Episode• How to spot and write effective subtext in quiet scenes• A quick gut-check to avoid on-the-nose dialogue• When longer action lines help vs hurt• Red flags for scammy “producers” and safer platforms to consider• A simple note-taking method to level up how you watch filmsKey Moments00:23 Welcome with Kristy01:04 Why Monster Squad still lands03:46 F1 takeaways and a subtext masterclass07:31 On-the-nose dialogue and finding voice12:53 The 50 percent “producer” red flag15:47 Vetting platforms and why Geoffrey trusts InkTip20:19 Q&A Watching movies to get better24:14 Q&A Short vs long action lines29:04 Wins of the week and encouragementAbout the GuestKristy Leigh Lussier is a screenwriter and producer with a background in development and story evaluation. She champions character-driven genre projects and mentors emerging writers.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• The Monster Squad 1987• The Lost Boys 1987• Shane Black scripts for voice study• F1 film as a subtext case study• InkTip• Coverfly mention and why vetting matters• The Guide for Every ScreenwriterConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWebsite TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.comInstagram @screenwriterpodYouTube The Successful ScreenwriterEnjoyed the show? Share with a writer friend, and drop questions for our next live Q&A.#Screenwriting #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #AmWriting #FilmCommunity #IndieFilm #ScriptNotes #WritingTips #Dialogue #Subtext #Storytelling #WritersLife #MonsterSquad #ShaneBlack #LostBoys #MovieChat #FilmDiscussion #WritingCommunity #ScriptAdvice #OnTheNoseDialogue #ProtectYourWork🎬 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 is joined by Kristy Leigh for a special live taping of Episode 287. They dive into the unique narrative style of Weapons, compare it with Barbarian, break down the shocking twists of 28 Years Later, and share some truly questionable “screenwriting advice” floating around the industry. Plus: a discussion on the new concept of the thumbnail pitchWhat You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow shifting POV can change the audience’s entire experience (Weapons)Why themes of grief, tragedy, and perspective make stories resonateThe shocking ending of 28 Years Later and what it sets up nextWhy “don’t write kids or animals” is terrible advice for screenwritersHow many drafts (or passes) pros go through before submitting scriptsWhat a “thumbnail pitch” is and why it matters for writers todayKey Moments00:00 – Live intro with Geoffrey & Kristy00:40 – Breaking down Weapons and its Rashomon-style POV shifts06:58 – The creepy aunt character and her layered origins11:59 – Reviewing 28 Years Later and its shocking final minutes16:15 – Thematic takeaways: humanity, death, and survival17:58 – Trash screenwriting tip: “Don’t write kids or animals”22:03 – Writing with (or without) passion vs. writing to sell23:29 – Industry chat: the rise of the “thumbnail pitch”26:43 – How many drafts is enough? Geoffrey & Kristy share numbers29:12 – Geoffrey’s red carpet story and calling out a one-draft film30:26 – Live Q&A wrap-upAbout the Guest:Kristy Leigh is a filmmaker and recurring guest of The Successful Screenwriter. She brings a producer’s eye to storytelling, offering practical insight on how scripts translate into production and what writers should consider when developing their stories.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 EpisodeWeapons (dir. Zach Cregger)Barbarian28 Years LaterConnect with usTheSuccessfulScreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: The Successful ScreenwriterEnjoyed this live episode? Don’t miss the next one—subscribe, rate, and share The Successful Screenwriter.Drop your screenwriting questions in the comments or DM Geoffrey for a chance to be featured in a future Q&A!  #ScreenwritingPodcast #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #WeaponsMovie #28YearsLater #ScreenwritingTips #FilmIndustry #LivePodcast🎬 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!

Horror craft, sequel wins, and loglines that work. Geoffrey and Kristy pull takeaways from The Conjuring, Nobody 2, and the Red Sonja remake. You’ll hear how influence can feel fresh, how a sequel stays fun when tone shifts, and what breaks when character motivation is thin. They wrap with a one-sentence logline formula you can use today. Next week: the Naked Gun reboot and Weapons. Share your worst logline “tips” or a love-it or hate-it watch on Instagram @screenwriterpod and tag us.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow The Conjuring mixes classic influences without feeling datedWhy Nobody 2 works even with a tonal shiftWhere Red Sonja stumbles on motivation and consistencyA simple, reliable logline formula and the Die Hard testEasy ways to invite audience feedbackKey Moments00:00 Welcome and why The Conjuring still hits00:23 Spotting influences: Amityville open, Exorcist close, Hitchcock nod04:00 Nobody 2: expectations, character carryover, fun factor06:43 to 15:45 Red Sonja remake: motivation, tone, and CGI choices16:14 to 19:58 Bad logline advice debunked and the Die Hard test21:17 Next week’s watch list: Naked Gun reboot and Weapons20:46 to 22:28 Call for listener storiesAbout the GuestKristy Leigh Lussier is a writer and filmmaker who brings sharp story sense and a love for genre cinema.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 MentionedThe ConjuringThe Conjuring 2Nobody and Nobody 2Red Sonja (remake)John WickLogline examples: Die Hard, JawsConnect with us and Join the convo on Instagram via @screenwriterpod and tag Kristy @kantoka127 with your takes. Website: TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: The Successful ScreenwriterDrop your worst logline advice finds or a recent love-it or hate-it watch in the comments on @screenwriterpod.Hashtags #Screenwriting #Filmmaking #TheConjuring #Nobody2 #RedSonja #Loglines #WritingTips #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!

Geoffrey welcomes writer and filmmaker Kristy Leigh Lussier back for a brand-new hangoute episode. They dive into a horror binge of The Conjuring films, swap takes on wild fairy-tale reimaginings like The Ugly Stepsister, and share some of the worst (and most damaging) screenwriting advice floating around online. Plus, they break down the state of today’s industry and how Kristy rallied a 30-person crew to shoot a vertical micro-drama in Idaho.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeA simple Conjuring watch order to start your bingeWhy the first Conjuring still holds up as one of the best modern horror filmsHow bold fairy-tale twists like The Ugly Stepsister can inspire fresh writingWhy “don’t write from your life” is terrible adviceHow to find (or build) your own creative film communityKey Moments00:00 Welcome and new format with Kristy01:27 Why The Conjuring inspires and how it builds tension with heart03:20 The Warrens and casting that anchors the franchise03:56 Where to start with the Conjuring watch order07:10 Geoffrey’s take on The Ugly Stepsister (and a quick content warning)09:20 Public-domain horror trend: Pooh, Bambi, Popeye, Steamboat Willie12:21 Bad advice of the week: “Do not write from your life”16:05 State of the industry and why self-starting matters18:55 Kristy’s vertical micro-drama and how a 30-person crew came together22:33 Final encouragement and plans to continue the seriesAbout the GuestKristy Leigh Lussier is a screenwriter and filmmaker based in Boise. A horror fan with credits that include The Death of Snow White, she creates character-driven genre stories and recently directed a vertical micro-drama with a local crew.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 Conjuring and The Conjuring 2Insidious, SawJaws 50th anniversary IMAX releaseThe Ugly Stepsister (Amazon Prime)Public-domain horror examples: Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey, Bambi reimagining, Steamboat Willie horrorVertical micro-dramas and short-form seriesConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWebsite: TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: The Successful ScreenwriterEnjoyed this format? Leave a comment with your favorite Conjuring-style watch order or a fairy-tale twist you’d love to see on screen. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with a writer friend.#screenwriting #podcast #horror #Conjuring #filmmaking #indiefilm #writingadvice #storytelling #publicdomainhorror🎬 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!

Join renowned script consultant Linda Seger, a pioneer in the art of screenwriting, as she discusses her vast experience consulting on over 2,000 scripts. She dives into the power of visual storytelling and the importance of cohesive scene sequences. Linda explains how subplots add depth to narratives and emphasizes the need for a strong central theme. Also, get insights from her new book on crafting great dialogue, and discover how great screenwriters explore the complexities of the human condition.

In this lost episode from the archives, Geoffrey D. Calhoun sits down with screenwriting legend Dave Trottier, aka Dr. Format and author of The Screenwriter’s Bible. Together they explore the evolving rules of formatting, the balance of art and craft in screenwriting, and why clarity and consistency are vital to getting noticed in Hollywood. Dave also shares his insights on scriptments, bolding slug lines, writing natural dialogue, and building characters that leap off the page.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy screenwriting is both an art and a craft—and how to balance the twoHow formatting guidelines evolve to improve readability for script readersThe growing trend of “scriptments” and who they really benefitTips on character descriptions that avoid clichés and create depthHow to write dialogue with clarity, subtext, and natural flowWhy exposition should emerge naturally rather than through obvious info dumpsKey Moments00:23 – Welcoming Dave Trottier, Dr. Format and author of The Screenwriter’s Bible01:27 – Balancing art and craft in screenwriting03:27 – How formatting evolves with the industry07:45 – The rise of the “scriptment” and Dave’s reaction to it14:30 – Clarity, consistency, and avoiding reader confusion18:20 – Moving past superficial character descriptions23:26 – Writing natural dialogue and handling exposition26:01 – Subtext: one of the last, but most powerful skills to masterAbout the GuestDave Trottier is best known as Dr. Format, the go-to expert on screenwriting rules and formatting. He is the author of the industry-standard book The Screenwriter’s Bible and teaches courses on screenwriting at Script University and through his own platform KeepWriting.com.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 Screenwriter’s Bible by Dave TrottierKeepWriting.com – Dave’s official website#ScreenwritingTips #ScreenwritersBible #LostEpisode #ScreenwritingPodcast #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!

In this episode of The Successful Screenwriter, Geoffrey D. Calhoun welcomes back Chris Cookson and Thomas Blakely from InkTip to discuss Twisted Vines, a murder mystery feature optioned directly from their platform by writer Tom Stolgren. Together they break down how the film went from script to production, the surprising tone of the finished project, standout performances, and what’s next for the budding franchise.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Twisted Vines went from an InkTip listing to a produced feature.Why the film feels like a blend of Knives Out and Hallmark mystery.The creative choices that worked—and the ones that could’ve gone further.Behind-the-scenes insight into the writing, rewrites, and final cut.Exciting news about a potential sequel in development.Key Moments:00:22 – Welcoming Chris Cookson & Thomas Blakely from InkTip.00:56 – Breaking down the logline and cast of Twisted Vines.02:13 – Comparing its style to Knives Out and Glass Onion.07:05 – How much of Stolgren’s original script made it to screen.17:22 – Sequel news and what it means for InkTip writers.About the Guests:Chris Cookson and Thomas Blakely work with InkTip, the trusted platform connecting screenwriters with vetted producers. Together, they’ve helped countless writers find opportunities that turn into real credits—including Twisted Vines.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 This Episode:Watch Twisted Vines on Roku ChannelLearn more about InkTipConnect with the Guests:InkTip WebsiteConnect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:Podcast WebsiteInstagram: @screenwriterpodTikTok: @screenwriterpodEnjoyed this breakdown of Twisted Vines? Share the episode with a fellow writer, leave a review, and subscribe so you don’t miss the next insider conversation.#Screenwriting #IndieFilm #MurderMystery #InkTip #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!

In this Lost Episode from our archives, Geoffrey D. Calhoun sits down with Philip Eisner, the mind behind the cult classic Event Horizon, for a deep dive into the film’s origins, its Lovecraftian and Warhammer 40k influences, and the psychology of horror. From the ship’s unsettling “personality” to the challenge of keeping audiences engaged without overexplaining, Philip reveals his approach to crafting dread, balancing science with cinematic spectacle, and the lessons learned from working with director Paul W. S. Anderson. They also explore the fine line between horror and thriller, the power of character-driven scares, and Eisner’s collaborations on projects like Sweet Girl.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The Shining in space pitch that sold Event HorizonHow Lovecraft and Hellraiser shaped the film’s horror elementsWhy the ship itself became a character—and how that changes the storyThe science vs. spectacle push-and-pull in productionWriting horror that resonates beyond jump scaresNavigating collaboration and protecting the work while staying open to changeKey Moments:00:28 – Why Event Horizon still holds up decades later04:26 – Horror as a way to give form to “nameless dread”13:32 – The gravity drive and designing a ship with a soul18:19 – Interpreting the ship’s intentions from a non-human perspective46:06 – Lovecraft, Hellraiser, and hidden influences on Event HorizonAbout the Guest:Philip Eisner is a screenwriter best known for the sci-fi horror Event Horizon, as well as Sweet Girl, co-written with Greg Hurwitz. His work blends high-concept ideas with grounded, psychological depth, and he has collaborated with some of the industry’s top directors and producers.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 This Episode:Dance Macabre by Stephen King Event Horizon (1997) Sweet Girl (2021) Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:Podcast WebsiteInstagram: @screenwriterpodTikTok: @screenwriterpodIf you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, review, and subscribe for more insider conversations on the craft and business of screenwriting.#EventHorizon #PhilipEisner #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #ScreenwritingPodcast #HorrorWriting #LovecraftianHorror #SciFiHorror🎬 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!