Episodes

  • Ep 311 - Why Fan Service Is Killing Movies

    Ep 311 - Why Fan Service Is Killing Movies
    Apr 13 2026
    In this episode, Geoffrey and Kristy lighten things up after a heavy week and dive into what’s happening in movies right now. From walking out of Super Mario Bros 2 to breaking down why fan service is starting to replace real storytelling, this conversation gets honest about where the industry is heading. They also explore why adaptations like Project Hail Mary are resonating with audiences, how the Hero’s Journey is still alive and well, and answer real screenwriting questions from listeners. If you’ve been frustrated with modern films or wondering how to sharpen your own writing, this episode gives you clarity and direction.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode
    • Why fan service is replacing story in major IP films
    • The problem with introducing characters too late in a script
    • Why faithful adaptations like Project Hail Mary work
    • The truth about the Hero’s Journey and why it never dies
    • How to write stronger characters in short films
    • Best practices for writing love scenes in today’s industry
    • How to approach a 48-hour film festival script
    • Why you don’t need Hollywood to succeed as a screenwriter
    Key Moments
    • 00:20 – Opening and shift to a lighter episode
    • 00:55 – Geoffrey walks out of Mario Bros 2 and why
    • 02:14 – The rise of fan service over storytelling
    • 06:52 – Why Project Hail Mary connects with audiences
    • 14:34 – “The Hero’s Journey is dead?” debate
    About the Cohost
    Kristy Leigh Lussier is a filmmaker and storyteller working across multiple formats, including the fast-growing vertical content space. She brings both creative and production insight into modern storytelling trends and industry shifts.

    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
    • Project Hail Mary
    • Interstellar
    • The Martian
    • Ready or Not 2
    • They Will Kill You
    Connect with Guest
    • Instagram: @kantoka127
    • Watch her vertical drama: The Witch Wolfs Mate
    Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun
    • Website: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com
    • Instagram: @screenwriterpod
    • YouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter
    #screenwriting #filmmaking #writingtips #screenwriterlife #storytelling #filmindustry #indiefilm #writerslife

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    29 mins
  • Ep 310 - I Was Hospitalized for Suicide (No One Talks About This)

    Ep 310 - I Was Hospitalized for Suicide (No One Talks About This)
    Mar 23 2026
    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 Episode
    • The difference between sadness and high-functioning depression
    • What really happens during a psychiatric hospital stay
    • Why many creatives feel isolated despite outward success
    • How “masking” hides internal struggles
    • The importance of support systems during mental health crises
    • Why seeking help is a strength, not a weakness
    • How writing can serve as a lifeline during dark moments
    Key Moments
    • 00:23 – Episode introduction and unexpected reveal
    • 00:49 – Geoffrey shares he was planning suicide
    • 03:19 – Inside the psychiatric hospital experience
    • 05:51 – Why people don’t reach out when they’re struggling
    • 08:33 – The reality of masking and hidden depression
    • 11:25 – Why writing became a saving grace
    • 11:43 – The importance of the 988 crisis line
    About the Cohost
    Kristy 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 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
    • Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.): Call or text 988
    • Local mental health professionals and support groups
    Connect with Guest
    • Instagram: @kantoka127
    • Watch Kristy’s vertical drama: The-Witch-Wolfs-Mate
    Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun
    • Website: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com
    • Instagram: @screenwriterpod
    • YouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter
    You’re not alone in this journey.
    #MentalHealthAwareness #ScreenwritingLife #CreativeStruggles #DepressionAwareness #FilmmakerLife #WritersJourney #YouAreNotAlone #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter

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    16 mins
  • EP 309 – Vertical Series Are Changing Indie Filmmaking

    EP 309 – Vertical Series Are Changing Indie Filmmaking
    Mar 9 2026
    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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    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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    30 mins
  • Ep 308 - How YouTubers Are Replacing Movie Stars

    Ep 308 - How YouTubers Are Replacing Movie Stars
    Feb 9 2026
    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 Episode
    • Why YouTubers are now the real box office stars
    • How Iron Lung succeeded as a low-budget, single-location indie
    • The truth about page numbers, beat sheets, and rigid structure rules
    • Why writer’s block is often a physical response, not a creative failure
    • How AI can support writers without replacing them
    Key Moments
    • 00:20 – Seeing Iron Lung and why it works as contained horror
    • 02:25 – Why studios won’t release indie box office numbers
    • 04:22 – YouTubers as the new movie stars and marketing engines
    • 10:16 – The myth of hitting exact beats on exact page numbers
    • 22:23 – How AI should be used to help writers, not replace them
    About the Cohost
    Kristy 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 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
    • Iron Lung
    • Markiplier
    • Five Nights at Freddy’s
    • Snowpiercer
    • The Guide for Every Screenwriter
    • Screenplay
    • Story
    • The Writer’s Journey
    Connect with Kristy
    • Instagram: @kantoka127
    • Vertical Drama: The Witch Wolf’s Mate
    Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun
    • Website: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com
    • Instagram: @screenwriterpod
    • YouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter
    #ScreenwritingPodcast #IndieFilm #IronLung #YouTubersInFilm #FilmIndustry #WriterLife #ScreenwritingAdvice #Filmmaking

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    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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    28 mins
  • Ep 307 - Is Story Dead? What Five Nights at Freddy’s Says About Hollywood

    Ep 307 - Is Story Dead? What Five Nights at Freddy’s Says About Hollywood
    Jan 26 2026
    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 Episode
    • Why Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 abandons traditional storytelling in favor of fan service
    • How studios are prioritizing IP and data over narrative cohesion
    • The difference between box office success and storytelling success
    • Why the Stranger Things finale struggled and what writers can learn from it
    • Practical advice for new writers developing loglines and short stories
    • Where story-driven filmmakers still fit in today’s industry
    Key Moments
    • 00:25 – Geoffrey watches Five Nights at Freddy’s and immediately senses something is off
    • 03:00 – Kristy explains how fan service overtook story in the sequel
    • 07:00 – Geoffrey breaks down why the sequel has no clear plot or rules
    • 09:45 – Is Hollywood splitting into data-driven content vs story-driven films?
    • 15:00 – Why the Stranger Things finale failed structurally
    • 17:40 – Advice for writers handwriting drafts vs typing
    • 19:00 – How to turn loglines and short stories into real screenplays
    About the Guest
    Kristy 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 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
    • Five Nights at Freddy’s (Film Franchise)
    • Netflix industry data and subscriber growth
    • Stranger Things behind-the-scenes documentary
    • A24 and Neon as story-first distributors
    Connect with Kristy
    • Instagram: @kantoka127
    • Vertical Drama: The Witch Wolf’s Mate
    Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun
    • Website: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com
    • Instagram: @screenwriterpod
    • YouTube: @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!
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    23 mins
  • Ep 306 - Why Rewriting Too Early Kills Your Script

    Ep 306 - Why Rewriting Too Early Kills Your Script
    Jan 19 2026
    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 Episode
    • Why finishing a rough first draft is often the fastest path to a strong script
    • What distributors and streamers want right now, and why it is increasingly data-driven
    • How to think about concept clarity and producibility without losing your voice
    • Practical ways to network with managers that do not feel transactional
    • A simple mindset shift that keeps you from rewriting the first 20 pages forever
    Key Moments
    • 00:18 Dust Bunny: why Geoffrey calls it a rare “whimsical absurd” gem
    • 02:00 Visual subtext and symbolism in Dust Bunny, plus the “unreliable narrator” question
    • 05:13 AFM market shift: why actor names are not carrying films like they used to
    • 10:01 Stranger Things Season 5 AI rumors and the spectrum of AI use in writing
    • 15:45 “Bad advice” spotlight: why the vomit draft (Draft Zero) still matters
    About the Cohost
    Kristy 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 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
    • Dust 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 Screenwriter
    Connect with Kristy
    • Instagram:@kantoka127
    • Vertical drama: The Witch Wolfs Mate
    Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun
    • Website:thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com
    • Instagram: @screenwriterpod
    • YouTube: @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!
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    25 mins
  • Ep 305 - Should You Take Writing Jobs You Don’t Care About?

    Ep 305 - Should You Take Writing Jobs You Don’t Care About?
    Jan 12 2026
    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
    • 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
    Key Moments
    • 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
    About the Guest
    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
    Connect with Kristy
    • Instagram: @kantoka127
    • Vertical Drama: The Witch Wolf’s Mate
    Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun
    • Website: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com
    • Instagram: screenwriterpod
    • YouTube: @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!
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    25 mins
  • Ep 304 - What Algorithms Mean for Screenwriters in 2026

    Ep 304 - What Algorithms Mean for Screenwriters in 2026
    Jan 5 2026
    In Episode 304, Geoffrey D. Calhoun and co-host Kristy Leigh kick off the new year with a wide-ranging conversation about endings, franchises, and the evolving business shaping how stories get made. From reactions to the finale of Stranger Things and Avatar 3, to a deep dive into the Netflix–Warner Bros–Paramount power struggle, this episode explores how data, algorithms, and vertical platforms are redefining opportunities for screenwriters. They also break down bad screenwriting advice, vertical storytelling trends, and what writers should focus on heading into the year ahead.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode
    • Why darker, more definitive endings often resonate more with audiences
    • How James Cameron writing Avatar 2 and 3 as one script impacted the storytelling
    • Why the real battle between Netflix, Warner Bros., and Paramount is about data, not just IP
    • How algorithms are influencing what gets greenlit and how scripts are shaped
    • Why features, thrillers, and horror still offer strong opportunities for writers
    • How vertical storytelling is evolving beyond romance into new genres
    Key Moments
    • 02:49 – Why Avatar 3 works better than Avatar 2
    • 06:46 – The Netflix–Warner Bros–Paramount data war explained
    • 16:58 – Bad screenwriting advice: “Nothing needs to happen in the first 10 pages”
    • 19:30 – How to hook readers in the first page, not the first act
    • 22:22 – How algorithms are already shaping vertical storytelling
    About the Guest
    Kristy Leigh Lussier is a writer, producer, and vertical drama creator known for her sharp industry insights and hands-on experience in emerging storytelling platforms. She co-hosts The Successful Screenwriter Podcast and regularly works at the intersection of traditional film, streaming, and vertical content.

    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
    • Underwater
    • House of Cards
    • Vertical drama platforms and TikTok mini-series trends
    Connect with Kristy
    • Instagram: @kantoka127
    • Vertical Drama: The Witch Wolf’s Mate
    Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun
    • Website: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com
    • Instagram: @screenwriterpod
    • YouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter
    #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #ScreenwritingPodcast #FilmIndustry #VerticalDrama #IndieFilm #ScreenwritingAdvice #FilmBusiness #Storytelling

    🎬 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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    23 mins