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EP 309 – Vertical Series Are Changing Indie Filmmaking

EP 309 – Vertical Series Are Changing Indie Filmmaking

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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 Episode
  • Why vertical series may become a major opportunity for indie filmmakers
  • The difference between talking about filmmaking and actually producing a project
  • How to break through writer’s block and restart creative momentum
  • Why self-doubt is normal for writers at every level of their career
  • How major media mergers could reshape the future of film and television
  • The value of writing habits and routines for maintaining productivity
Key Moments

00:20 – Geoffrey and Kristy return from hiatus and tease their new vertical series
02:05 – The origin of Elsy and why Geoffrey revived the script now
03:46 – The rumored vertical storytelling platforms for indie filmmakers
12:55 – Breaking through writer’s block and finding creative flow
19:20 – Should writers focus on one project or juggle multiple scripts?
22:33 – Dealing with doubt as a screenwriter
26:29 – Writing nonfiction stories and handling sensitive personal material

About the Cohost
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
  • Vertical storytelling platforms and mobile-first content
  • HBO series Primal
Connect with Kristy Leigh Lussier

Instagram: @kantoka
Watch Kristy’s vertical drama: The Witch Wolf's Mate

Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun
Website: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/screenwriterpod
YouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter

#ScreenwritingPodcast
#ScreenwritingTips
#VerticalSeries
#Filmmaking
#IndieFilmmaker
#Scriptwriting
#TheSuccessfulScreenwriter
#WritingCommunity

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