Ep 252 - Elevated Horror with David Smallwood on 'Sad Blue Dan' Script Summit Winner (2024)

In this episode, host Geoffrey D. Calhoun sits down with David Smallwood, the 2024 Script Summit Best Feature Screenplay winner, to discuss his award-winning script Sad Blue Dan. David reveals the origins of this elevated horror piece—rooted in a vivid, decades-old dream—and shares how he refined it into a contemporary Native American story that seamlessly blends slow-burn psychological tension with genuine cultural authenticity. Together, they delve into the intricacies of creating elevated horror, the subtlety of maintaining tension without overexposure, and the importance of diverse representation in genre storytelling. David also provides insights into working with Coverfly, InkTip, and WriterDuet, illustrating how these platforms and tools have bolstered his career momentum since his big win.Key Topics Covered:

• Behind Sad Blue Dan:
  • Origin and evolution of the story, from a vivid dream to a fully realized screenplay
  • Balancing psychological horror, slow-burn tension, and minimal jump scares
  • Portraying contemporary Native American characters with authenticity and depth
• Elevated Horror & Representation:
  • What “elevated horror” means in terms of tone, pacing, and storytelling approach
  • Strategies for preserving mystery and suspense without revealing too much too soon
  • Challenging audience preconceptions through culturally nuanced narratives
• Leveraging Industry Resources:
  • Utilizing Script Summit’s win as a professional calling card
  • Building industry connections through platforms like Coverfly and InkTip
  • Enhancing collaboration and workflow using WriterDuet’s versatile screenwriting software
• Looking Ahead:
  • Positioning Sad Blue Dan as a portfolio piece and gateway to future opportunities
  • Continual learning, adapting, and expanding into new genres
  • Maintaining enthusiasm and a growth mindset to stand out in a competitive market

About the Guest:
David Smallwood is an emerging screenwriter celebrated for his distinct voice and cultural insight. His award-winning screenplay, Sad Blue Dan, captures both the personal and the mythic while bringing fresh perspectives to the horror genre. With multiple finalist placements in prestigious competitions, David’s work is making waves and opening doors in the industry.

About the Host:
Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a professional screenwriter, best-selling author of The Guide For Every Screenwriter, and host of The Successful Screenwriter. With his films featured on major networks and popular streaming platforms, Geoffrey brings a wealth of firsthand industry knowledge to every interview. He’s dedicated to demystifying the screenwriting process, mentoring emerging talent, and connecting audiences with the tools and insights needed to thrive in the world of film and television.

Sponsors & Resources Mentioned:

• WriterDuet: Innovative, collaborative software that streamlines the writing process.
• InkTip: A resource for connecting screenwriters with producers and decision-makers actively seeking new scripts.
• Coverfly: A powerhouse platform providing contests, feedback, and networking opportunities to help advance emerging screenwriting careers.
• Script Summit: A reputable festival and contest designed to discover new voices, accelerate careers, and provide tangible industry connections.

Connect with David Smallwood:

• Website: DavidSmallwood.net
• Instagram: @ADSmallwood

Listen & Subscribe:
Don’t miss future conversations with talented writers and industry experts on The Successful Screenwriter. Subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform and stay inspired, informed, and ready to take your writing to the next level.

#ElevatedHorror #SadBlueDan #DavidSmallwood #ScriptSummitWinner #BestFeatureScreenplay #NativeAmericanRepresentation #PsychologicalHorror #SlowBurnSuspense #ContemporaryHorrorFilm #ScreenwritingAdvice #CulturalAuthenticityInFilm #IndieFilmmaking #Coverfly #InkTip #WriterDuet #TheSuccessfulScreenwriterPodcast #GeoffreyDCalhoun #HorrorScreenplays #ScreenwritingTools #BreakingIntoTheIndustry

Explore Free Resources & Membership

👉 Visit TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.com for free tools, guides, and podcast extras.

Members unlock Virtual Geoffrey, the AI screenwriting assistant built to transform good drafts into great scripts.

Connect with Geoffrey
📸 Instagram: @screenwriterpod
▶️ YouTube: The Successful Screenwriter

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Share it with a fellow screenwriter who’d find it valuable!