The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun: Screenwriting Podcast Ep 288 - Subtext, & Protecting Writers from Scammy “Producers”
Sep 29, 2025
30:59
Geoffrey and Kristy kick off with the 80s classic Monster Squad, then break down a great subtext moment from the new F1 film. They unpack “on-the-nose” dialogue vs character voice, when to cut redundancy, and how to spot predatory “producer” offers. Listener Q&A covers why watching movies improves your craft and whether short action lines beat long descriptive blocks.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
• How to spot and write effective subtext in quiet scenes
• A quick gut-check to avoid on-the-nose dialogue
• When longer action lines help vs hurt
• Red flags for scammy “producers” and safer platforms to consider
• A simple note-taking method to level up how you watch films
Key Moments
00:23 Welcome with Kristy
01:04 Why Monster Squad still lands
03:46 F1 takeaways and a subtext masterclass
07:31 On-the-nose dialogue and finding voice
12:53 The 50 percent “producer” red flag
15:47 Vetting platforms and why Geoffrey trusts InkTip
20:19 Q&A Watching movies to get better
24:14 Q&A Short vs long action lines
29:04 Wins of the week and encouragement
About the Guest
Kristy Leigh Lussier is a screenwriter and producer with a background in development and story evaluation. She champions character-driven genre projects and mentors emerging writers.
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
• The Monster Squad 1987
• The Lost Boys 1987
• Shane Black scripts for voice study
• F1 film as a subtext case study
• InkTip
• Coverfly mention and why vetting matters
• The Guide for Every Screenwriter
Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun
Website TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.com
Instagram @screenwriterpod
YouTube The Successful Screenwriter
Enjoyed the show? Share with a writer friend, and drop questions for our next live Q&A.
#Screenwriting #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #AmWriting #FilmCommunity #IndieFilm #ScriptNotes #WritingTips #Dialogue #Subtext #Storytelling #WritersLife #MonsterSquad #ShaneBlack #LostBoys #MovieChat #FilmDiscussion #WritingCommunity #ScriptAdvice #OnTheNoseDialogue #ProtectYourWork
🎬 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!
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
• How to spot and write effective subtext in quiet scenes
• A quick gut-check to avoid on-the-nose dialogue
• When longer action lines help vs hurt
• Red flags for scammy “producers” and safer platforms to consider
• A simple note-taking method to level up how you watch films
Key Moments
00:23 Welcome with Kristy
01:04 Why Monster Squad still lands
03:46 F1 takeaways and a subtext masterclass
07:31 On-the-nose dialogue and finding voice
12:53 The 50 percent “producer” red flag
15:47 Vetting platforms and why Geoffrey trusts InkTip
20:19 Q&A Watching movies to get better
24:14 Q&A Short vs long action lines
29:04 Wins of the week and encouragement
About the Guest
Kristy Leigh Lussier is a screenwriter and producer with a background in development and story evaluation. She champions character-driven genre projects and mentors emerging writers.
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
• The Monster Squad 1987
• The Lost Boys 1987
• Shane Black scripts for voice study
• F1 film as a subtext case study
• InkTip
• Coverfly mention and why vetting matters
• The Guide for Every Screenwriter
Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun
Website TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.com
Instagram @screenwriterpod
YouTube The Successful Screenwriter
Enjoyed the show? Share with a writer friend, and drop questions for our next live Q&A.
#Screenwriting #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #AmWriting #FilmCommunity #IndieFilm #ScriptNotes #WritingTips #Dialogue #Subtext #Storytelling #WritersLife #MonsterSquad #ShaneBlack #LostBoys #MovieChat #FilmDiscussion #WritingCommunity #ScriptAdvice #OnTheNoseDialogue #ProtectYourWork
🎬 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!