The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun: Screenwriting Podcast EP 268 - Inside the making of Yellowjackets with Director Ben Semanoff
Apr 26, 2025
19:35
This week, we welcome the talented Ben Semanoff to the show. Ben has directed episodes of Yellowjackets, Ozark, and Tulsa King and even appeared in Stranger Things. We dive into his incredible experience directing the unforgettable "Edible Complex" episode of Yellowjackets, his return for season three, and his approach to adapting across genres. Ben also shares an inspiring look into his journey from camera operator to director and offers invaluable advice for aspiring filmmakers.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
About the Host: Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a screenwriter, best-selling author of The Guide for Every Screenwriter, and host of The Successful Screenwriter podcast. With films airing on network television and streaming platforms, Geoffrey is passionate about helping screenwriters build lasting careers.
Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and leave a review. Every bit helps spread the word and supports more amazing conversations like this. Stay inspired and keep writing!
Hashtags: #Screenwriting #PodcastInterview #Yellowjackets #Ozark #TulsaKing #BlackRabbit #FilmDirecting #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter
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!
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How Ben directed one of the most talked-about episodes of Yellowjackets
- Behind-the-scenes challenges of shooting intense scenes with practical effects
- Adapting to different styles when directing across multiple hit shows
- Why understanding the "language" of filmmaking is essential
- Practical advice for building a career in the film industry
- (00:00) Geoffrey welcomes Ben Seminoff to the show
- (01:13) Breaking down the intense "Edible Complex" episode of Yellowjackets
- (05:55) Transitioning into Season Three and working with Hilary Swank
- (08:31) How Ben adapts his directing style across Yellowjackets, Ozark, and Tulsa King
- (14:30) What is next for Ben Seminoff, including Black Rabbit on Netflix
About the Host: Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a screenwriter, best-selling author of The Guide for Every Screenwriter, and host of The Successful Screenwriter podcast. With films airing on network television and streaming platforms, Geoffrey is passionate about helping screenwriters build lasting careers.
Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
- Yellowjackets Season 3
- Black Rabbit (coming to Netflix)
- Severance on Apple TV+
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and leave a review. Every bit helps spread the word and supports more amazing conversations like this. Stay inspired and keep writing!
Hashtags: #Screenwriting #PodcastInterview #Yellowjackets #Ozark #TulsaKing #BlackRabbit #FilmDirecting #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter
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!