Welcome to The Successful Screenwriter Podcast your go-to source for in-depth discussions, expert insights, and captivating interviews in the world of screenwriting. Hosted by seasoned screenwriter Geoffrey D. Calhoun, this podcast is a valuable resource for both novice and experienced screenwriters, offering a wealth of insights and guidance. About the Podcast: Dive deep into the art and craft of screenwriting with our engaging episodes that cover a spectrum of topics – from mastering the screenplay format to navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the film industry. Each episode is designed to inspire, educate, and entertain, providing valuable takeaways for writers at every stage of their journey. Host: Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a screenwriting instructor and best selling author with a passion for storytelling. With a proven track record in the film industry, Geoffrey has not only honed his craft as a successful screenwriter but also shares his wealth of knowledge as an instructor. His unique journey in the world of screenwriting has equipped him with a unique perspective, making him an essential guide for screenwriters of all levels. Key Features: Expert Interviews: Gain insights from renowned screenwriters, filmmakers, and industry professionals who share their experiences, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories. Screenwriting Tips: Unlock the secrets of successful screenwriting with actionable tips, tricks, and techniques discussed in every episode. Film Analysis: Explore in-depth film analyses, breaking down the storytelling techniques that make movies memorable and impactful. Exclusive Industry Insights: Access exclusive industry secrets and stay updated on the latest trends. Get insider knowledge to navigate the world of screenwriting with confidence. Connect with Us: Subscribe to the podcast on Spreaker for regular updates. Engage with us on Instagram @screenwriterpod for the latest news, discussions, and community interactions. Visit our official website thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com for additional resources such as: Screenwriting Gigs, Screenplay Library, Seminars and other exclusive content. Embark on your screenwriting journey with The Successful Screebwriter Podcast. Let's transform your storytelling aspirations into compelling narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide. Subscribe to our screenwriting podcast now and join our vibrant community of storytellers! Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network (www.ifhpodcastnetwork.com)
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The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun: Screenwriting Podcast is a interviews podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 255 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.
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The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun: Screenwriting Podcast
EP 316 – Screenwriters, Stop Writing Dialogue Like This
Aug 16, 202621 min
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 screenplay How listening to real conversations can improve your character dialogue Why every scene needs its own purpose, objective, and forward momentum How to keep moving when a scene is slowing down your first draft How to approach flashbacks and scene numbering in a screenplay Why screenwriting formatting has become less rigid over the years Why your filmmaking career may not look the way you originally imagined How writers and directors can start creating with the resources they have right now. Key Moments: 01:24 – Breaking down character-driven storytelling in recent movies 06:03 – The generic dialogue screenwriters need to stop using 10:30 – Kristy's techniques for developing authentic character voices 12:36 – What every scene needs to accomplish 15:26 – Why Geoffrey stopped using Final Draft 16:53 – When should you give up on your dream of writing and directing? 19:57 – Redefining what it means to be a writer and director today About the Co-host: Kristy 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 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: Indie Gathering International Film Festival Screenplay dialogue and character development Final Draft screenwriting software Independent filmmaking Vertical filmmaking and mobile-first storytelling Connect with Kristy Leigh Lussier Instagram: @kantoka Watch Kristy’s vertical drama: The Witch Wolf's Mate. Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun Watch Geoffrey's Vertical Thriller: Elsy Website: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com Instagram: @screenwriterpod YouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter #ScreenwritingPodcast #ScreenwritingTips #Screenwriting #WritingDialogue #Screenplay #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!
The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun: Screenwriting Podcast
EP 315 - The Secrets to Indie Film Success, George Ansara on Building Vault Studio
Jul 19, 202621 min
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 empowers creators with affordable, professional spaces, while Geoffrey and Kristy share insights on producing indie films and the power of filmmakers supporting each other. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How George Ansara built Vault Studio into a filmmaker-first production facility Behind-the-scenes stories from filming Elsy How Geoffrey designed an entire film set using 3D modeling and AI visualization Why adaptable production spaces save time, money, and stress on independent productions The producer's perspective on keeping a five-day shoot running smoothly Why collaboration not competition is the key to growing the independent film community George's work with the Detroit 48 Hour Film Project and supporting local filmmakers Help us spread the word and support indie filmmaking! Our new vertical thriller Elsy premieres soon, and the first trailer is live now on Instagram. Watch the Elsy trailer now on Instagram Here Watch the trailer, share it to your stories, comment with your theories, and tag a friend who loves mystery, suspense, and post-apocalyptic storytelling. Every share helps us reach new viewers and brings more attention to independent filmmaking. 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. Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun Website: https://thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com Instagram:@screenwriterpod YouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwrite Connect with Kristy Lee Lussier Instagram: @kantoka127 Connect with George Ansara Vault Studio: Vault Studio Podcast #Screenwriting #Filmmaking #IndieFilm #IndependentFilm #FilmProduction #MichiganFilm #VaultStudio #VerticalSeries #Elsy #DetroitFilm #48HourFilmProject #Screenwriter #Storytelling #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!
The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun: Screenwriting Podcast
Ep 314 - Why Supergirl Doesn't Work (It's Not What You Think)
Jul 6, 202620 min
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 hollow What makes an antagonist compelling The truth behind "Hollywood is back" Terrible screenwriting advice: "Just add a montage" Geoffrey shares one of the worst screenplay query emails he's ever received—and the surprising response after he tried to mentor the writer AI-generated outreach emails and why human editing still matters Fourth of July movie recommendations and a few classic film memories Whether you're an aspiring screenwriter, filmmaker, or movie lover, this episode dives into the storytelling principles that separate memorable films from forgettable ones.If you're serious about writing better screenplays, subscribe for weekly conversations on screenwriting, directing, filmmaking, and breaking down the myths of the entertainment industry.📚 Geoffrey's Book: The Guide for Every Screenwriter🎬 #Screenwriting #Filmmaking #Supergirl #WritingAdvice #Screenwriter #Storytelling #Movies #FilmAnalysis #Hollywood #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!
The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun: Screenwriting Podcast
EP 313 – ELSY: The Post-Apocalyptic Vertical Series That Could Change Everything
Jun 7, 202645 min
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 storytelling. Now, Geoffrey makes his directorial debut with a psychological thriller that blends mystery, survival, loneliness, and hope into a mobile-first cinematic experience unlike anything currently available in the vertical space. In this episode, you'll discover: How vertical storytelling is transforming the entertainment industry The challenge of creating a cinematic experience in a vertical format The process of casting Karly Coffee, Rochelle Nicole, and Eric Roman Behind-the-scenes stories from shooting 21 episodes in just 5 days Why loneliness is the emotional core of Elsy The future of vertical series and why Geoffrey believes this is where storytelling is headed Elsy follows a young woman trapped inside a bunker after a mysterious catastrophe leaves the world buried beneath ash. Alone, isolated, and running out of supplies, she discovers a voice on a CB radio. But as hope grows, so do the questions. Can she trust the person on the other end? And what happens when survival depends on believing a lie? If you're a filmmaker, screenwriter, content creator, or simply fascinated by where entertainment is headed next, this episode offers an inside look at the future of storytelling. Topics Covered Vertical Series Production Post-Apocalyptic Storytelling Psychological Thrillers Writing for Mobile Audiences Film Production on a Budget The Future of Streaming Content Behind the Scenes of Elsy About ELSY Elsy is a cinematic vertical thriller following a young woman surviving alone in a bunker after the collapse of civilization. As she forms a connection with a mysterious voice over a CB radio, she begins questioning everything she thought she knew about her world. Written and Directed by Geoffrey D. Calhoun. Coming July 2026. 🚨 Watch the ELSY Trailer: Instagram: @screenwriterpod Watch the trailer, follow the journey, and share your theories before the series premieres. #Elsy #VerticalSeries #PostApocalyptic #PsychologicalThriller #IndieFilm #Screenwriting #Filmmaking #VerticalDrama #DirectorDebut #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #SurvivalThriller #MysterySeries #MobileStorytelling #FilmmakerPodcast 🎬 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!
The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun: Screenwriting Podcast
Ep 312 - Hollywood Is Changing Faster Than Most Writers Realize
Jun 1, 202623 min
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 industry. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why creator-driven films are disrupting Hollywood What the success of Backrooms reveals about modern audiences Strategies for writing authentic dialogue How to approach talent attachment and financing Help us spread the word and support indie filmmaking ! Our new vertical thriller Elsy premieres this July, and the first trailer is live now on Instagram. Watch the Elsy trailer now on Instagram Here Watch the trailer, share it to your stories, comment your theories and tag a friend who loves mystery, suspense, and post-apocalyptic storytelling. Every share helps us reach new viewers and brings more attention to independent filmmaking. 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. Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun Website: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com Instagram: @screenwriterpod YouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter Connect with Kristy Instagram: @kantoka127 Watch The Witch Wolf's Mate : C #Screenwriting #Filmmaking #Hollywood #Backrooms #IndieFilm #Screenwriter #WritingCommunity #FilmIndustry #Storytelling #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!
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