The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun: Screenwriting Podcast

Join renowned script consultant Linda Seger, a pioneer in the art of screenwriting, as she discusses her vast experience consulting on over 2,000 scripts. She dives into the power of visual storytelling and the importance of cohesive scene sequences. Linda explains how subplots add depth to narratives and emphasizes the need for a strong central theme. Also, get insights from her new book on crafting great dialogue, and discover how great screenwriters explore the complexities of the human condition.

In this lost episode from the archives, Geoffrey D. Calhoun sits down with screenwriting legend Dave Trottier, aka Dr. Format and author of The Screenwriter’s Bible. Together they explore the evolving rules of formatting, the balance of art and craft in screenwriting, and why clarity and consistency are vital to getting noticed in Hollywood. Dave also shares his insights on scriptments, bolding slug lines, writing natural dialogue, and building characters that leap off the page.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy screenwriting is both an art and a craft—and how to balance the twoHow formatting guidelines evolve to improve readability for script readersThe growing trend of “scriptments” and who they really benefitTips on character descriptions that avoid clichés and create depthHow to write dialogue with clarity, subtext, and natural flowWhy exposition should emerge naturally rather than through obvious info dumpsKey Moments00:23 – Welcoming Dave Trottier, Dr. Format and author of The Screenwriter’s Bible01:27 – Balancing art and craft in screenwriting03:27 – How formatting evolves with the industry07:45 – The rise of the “scriptment” and Dave’s reaction to it14:30 – Clarity, consistency, and avoiding reader confusion18:20 – Moving past superficial character descriptions23:26 – Writing natural dialogue and handling exposition26:01 – Subtext: one of the last, but most powerful skills to masterAbout the GuestDave Trottier is best known as Dr. Format, the go-to expert on screenwriting rules and formatting. He is the author of the industry-standard book The Screenwriter’s Bible and teaches courses on screenwriting at Script University and through his own platform KeepWriting.com.About the HostWith 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 EpisodeThe Screenwriter’s Bible by Dave TrottierKeepWriting.com – Dave’s official website#ScreenwritingTips #ScreenwritersBible #LostEpisode #ScreenwritingPodcast #TheSuccessfulScreenwriterExplore 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 ScreenwriterIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Share it with a fellow screenwriter who’d find it valuable!

In this episode of The Successful Screenwriter, Geoffrey D. Calhoun welcomes back Chris Cookson and Thomas Blakely from InkTip to discuss Twisted Vines, a murder mystery feature optioned directly from their platform by writer Tom Stolgren. Together they break down how the film went from script to production, the surprising tone of the finished project, standout performances, and what’s next for the budding franchise.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Twisted Vines went from an InkTip listing to a produced feature.Why the film feels like a blend of Knives Out and Hallmark mystery.The creative choices that worked—and the ones that could’ve gone further.Behind-the-scenes insight into the writing, rewrites, and final cut.Exciting news about a potential sequel in development.Key Moments:00:22 – Welcoming Chris Cookson & Thomas Blakely from InkTip.00:56 – Breaking down the logline and cast of Twisted Vines.02:13 – Comparing its style to Knives Out and Glass Onion.07:05 – How much of Stolgren’s original script made it to screen.17:22 – Sequel news and what it means for InkTip writers.About the Guests:Chris Cookson and Thomas Blakely work with InkTip, the trusted platform connecting screenwriters with vetted producers. Together, they’ve helped countless writers find opportunities that turn into real credits—including Twisted Vines.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 This Episode:Watch Twisted Vines on Roku ChannelLearn more about InkTipConnect with the Guests:InkTip WebsiteConnect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:Podcast WebsiteInstagram: @screenwriterpodTikTok: @screenwriterpodEnjoyed this breakdown of Twisted Vines? Share the episode with a fellow writer, leave a review, and subscribe so you don’t miss the next insider conversation.#Screenwriting #IndieFilm #MurderMystery #InkTip #TheSuccessfulScreenwriterExplore 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 ScreenwriterIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Share it with a fellow screenwriter who’d find it valuable!

In this Lost Episode from our archives, Geoffrey D. Calhoun sits down with Philip Eisner, the mind behind the cult classic Event Horizon, for a deep dive into the film’s origins, its Lovecraftian and Warhammer 40k influences, and the psychology of horror. From the ship’s unsettling “personality” to the challenge of keeping audiences engaged without overexplaining, Philip reveals his approach to crafting dread, balancing science with cinematic spectacle, and the lessons learned from working with director Paul W. S. Anderson. They also explore the fine line between horror and thriller, the power of character-driven scares, and Eisner’s collaborations on projects like Sweet Girl.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The Shining in space pitch that sold Event HorizonHow Lovecraft and Hellraiser shaped the film’s horror elementsWhy the ship itself became a character—and how that changes the storyThe science vs. spectacle push-and-pull in productionWriting horror that resonates beyond jump scaresNavigating collaboration and protecting the work while staying open to changeKey Moments:00:28 – Why Event Horizon still holds up decades later04:26 – Horror as a way to give form to “nameless dread”13:32 – The gravity drive and designing a ship with a soul18:19 – Interpreting the ship’s intentions from a non-human perspective46:06 – Lovecraft, Hellraiser, and hidden influences on Event HorizonAbout the Guest:Philip Eisner is a screenwriter best known for the sci-fi horror Event Horizon, as well as Sweet Girl, co-written with Greg Hurwitz. His work blends high-concept ideas with grounded, psychological depth, and he has collaborated with some of the industry’s top directors and producers.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 This Episode:Dance Macabre by Stephen King Event Horizon (1997) Sweet Girl (2021) Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:Podcast WebsiteInstagram: @screenwriterpodTikTok: @screenwriterpodIf you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, review, and subscribe for more insider conversations on the craft and business of screenwriting.#EventHorizon #PhilipEisner #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #ScreenwritingPodcast #HorrorWriting #LovecraftianHorror #SciFiHorrorExplore 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 ScreenwriterIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Share it with a fellow screenwriter who’d find it valuable!

Comedy is back—and it’s hitting hard. In this episode, Geoffrey is joined by returning guest and screenwriter Reece Taylor to break down the wild, absurd brilliance of the new Naked Gun reboot. From slapstick to self-aware parody, they explore why this style of comedy matters now more than ever, and how the film nails both structure and chaos in a way that keeps you laughing well past the credits.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why comedy thrives in tough timesHow the new Naked Gun reboot revives Zucker-style humorPam Anderson’s unexpected comedy chopsWhy structure doesn’t matter when the laughs hitWhat today’s filmmakers can learn from absurdismKey Moments:00:26 – Why Geoffrey needed this film01:15 – Is this classic comedy style dead?04:30 – Visual gags, deadpan delivery, and coffee bits09:18 – The Frosty the Snowman horror short (?!?)21:08 – Shame-eating and the bodycam Busta Rhymes sceneAbout the Guest:Reece Taylor is a screenwriter, film reviewer, and longtime friend of the show. With a near-completed MFA and sharp industry insight, he brings a passion for storytelling and a love of comedy to every discussion.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:Palm Springs (2020) directed by Akiva SchafferRepossessed, High Spirits, and other parody classicsThe Naked Gun reboot (2025)Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:Podcast WebsiteInstagram @screenwriterpodTikTok @screenwriterpodIf this episode made you laugh or rethink comedy in film like, share, and subscribe. And tell us your favorite scene from the new Naked Gun reboot in the comments!#NakedGun #FilmPodcast #ComedyIsBack #ScreenwritingTips #ParodyDoneRightExplore 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 ScreenwriterIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Share it with a fellow screenwriter who’d find it valuable!

Geoffrey D. Calhoun welcomes back friend of the show, screenwriter Katie Presto, for a no-holds-barred breakdown of the new Fantastic Four film. From emotional arcs to cosmic stakes, they cover what worked, what surprised them, and why the movie isn’t the camp-fest some critics claim it to be.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why the Thing’s character arc hits differently this timeThe subtle emotional depth behind Reed and Sue’s relationshipHow world-building and set design enhance storyCasting choices that seemed risky but paid offHow the theme of “family” drives the entire filmKey Moments:00:22 – First reactions and the film’s 60s retro-futurism03:05 – Why the Thing’s arc is the emotional core06:20 – Reed and Sue’s realistic relationship struggles11:40 – The space birth scene: creative or confusing?17:14 – The film’s family theme and emotional payoff20:09 – Franklin’s powers and tragic comic book future21:08 – Is Reed neurodivergent? A subtle exploration27:02 – The director’s surprising TV backgroundAbout the Guest:Katie Presto is a screenwriter and longtime friend of the show. She brings a sharp eye and grounded insight into storytelling, structure, and character, especially in genre films. 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:Fantastic Four (2025)The Guide for Every Screenwriter by Geoffrey D. CalhounMatt Shakman’s filmography (Wandavision, Succession, Game of Thrones)Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:🌐 Podcast Website📸 Instagram @screenwriterpod🎵 TikTok @screenwriterpodIf you loved this breakdown or have your own take on the new Fantastic Four, comment, share, and subscribe. Don’t forget to let us know if we missed anything in those post-credit scenes!#FantasticFour2025 #ScreenwritingPodcast #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #ComicBookMovies #MovieBreakdownExplore 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 ScreenwriterIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Share it with a fellow screenwriter who’d find it valuable!

Writer-director Paul Etheredge joins Geoffrey to discuss his chilling new horror film The Other. From dream-fueled inspiration to last-minute casting chaos, Paul shares how the film came together—and how it cleverly subverts genre expectations. Plus, a candid look at indie filmmaking challenges, practical effects, and building layered character arcs that flip audience assumptions.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How The Other was inspired by a nightmare and developed into a subversive horror filmWhat it’s like collaborating with horror legend Jeffrey ReddickWhy practical effects are still powerful—and how they pulled it off on a budgetThe unexpected casting journey and how it shaped the film’s toneAdvice for screenwriters on writing readable, producible scriptsKey Moments:00:23 – Geoffrey’s horror-fan confession and Paul’s reaction to early screenings02:10 – Working with Final Destination’s Jeffrey Reddick04:33 – The nightmare that sparked the idea for The Other06:36 – Why the film took five years to make08:30 – Commitment to practical effects and 80s influences09:43 – Building empathy for a character who first appears dangerous12:48 – Shawnee Smith’s accidental casting and standout performance13:54 – The climax rewrite done during the shoot16:14 – Paul’s blunt advice for screenwriters17:12 – Getting a Hallmark actress to go dark for horrorAbout the Guest:Paul Etheredge is a writer-director known for the cult LGBTQ+ slasher Hellbent and now The Other, a psychological horror film praised for its genre-defying twists. He’s a longtime collaborator with Jeffrey Reddick and brings a wealth of indie filmmaking experience and insight.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 Other – Available now on Amazon, Apple TV, Roku, and other VOD platformsFangoria Magazine – Featuring The Other on the coverConnect with the Guest:Watch The Other on AmazonPaul Etheredge on IMDbConnect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:Podcast WebsiteInstagram @screenwriterpodTikTok @screenwriterpodIf you loved this deep dive into horror filmmaking, be sure to rate, follow, and share the episode. Got a favorite horror twist in film? Let us know in the comments!#HorrorFilm #IndieFilmmaking #ScreenwritingTips #TheOtherMovie #SuccessfulScreenwriterPodcastExplore 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 ScreenwriterIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Share it with a fellow screenwriter who’d find it valuable!

In this raw and unfiltered episode, Geoffrey is joined by screenwriter Victoria Male for a bold and heartfelt analysis of James Gunn’s new Superman film. Despite some serious technical difficulties (mic issues) behind the scenes, the conversation soars as the duo dives deep into the film’s subtext, emotional resonance, and what makes this fresh take on the Man of Steel so uniquely effective. From reflections on Gunn’s personal journey to a breakdown of Lex Luthor’s modern menace, this episode is packed with insight, passion, and plenty of laughs.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How James Gunn infuses personal subtext into blockbuster storytellingWhy the film succeeds with Subversion, Subtext, and StakesThe difference between Snyder’s Superman and Gunn’s hopeful heroHow to write a “personal” script that isn’t autobiographicalWhat screenwriters can learn from the supporting cast and character arcsKey Moments:2:00 – Victoria’s Superman fandom and meeting David Corenswet9:00 – Geoffrey explains the Three S's: Subversion, Subtext, Stakes18:00 – How Gunn redefined Eve Tessmacher and made her matter26:00 – The Justice Gang as a deconstructed Batman33:00 – Lex Luthor’s narcissism, envy, and modern political echoes43:00 – Reimagining Superman’s parents and generational trauma47:00 – The algorithm vs. hope in film criticismAbout the Guest:Victoria Male is a rising screenwriter whose work has earned recognition at the highest level, including placing as a semifinalist in the Academy Nicholl Fellowships. Based in Los Angeles, she spent five years developing projects under Ivan Reitman at The Montecito Picture Company, contributing to major studio films like Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Her writing spans genres from grounded sci-fi to romantic comedy and consistently champions female-driven, emotionally resonant storytelling. Victoria’s pilot Sculpted was also featured on The Love List for top unproduced romance scripts.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:Smallville (TV series)The Great starring Nicholas HoultSculpted (Victoria Male’s pilot)Sucker Punch, Watchmen, Guardians of the GalaxyGeoffrey’s “Three S’s” framework: Subversion, Subtext, StakesConnect with the Guest:Website: victoriamale.comInstagram: @victoriamaleConnect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.comInstagram @screenwriterpodTikTok @screenwriterpodIf this episode inspired or challenged you, don’t forget to like, share, and review the podcast. Hit subscribe and stay tuned for more deep dives into the craft from real working writers and filmmakers. #Superman #JamesGunn #ScreenwritingPodcast #FilmAnalysis #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #VictoriaMale #LexLuthor #ThreeSsOfStoryExplore 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 ScreenwriterIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Share it with a fellow screenwriter who’d find it valuable!

In this episode of The Successful Screenwriter, Geoffrey chats with director William McGregor (His Dark Materials, Lockwood & Co., Gwen) about helming Season 2 of The Buccaneers. They discuss how the show evolved in tone, finding a cinematic voice within period dramas, and William’s journey from 48 Hour Film Festivals to international prestige projects. They also dive into pitch decks, visual storytelling, and how his background in commercials shaped his dynamic approach to directing.✅ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to pitch a strong visual take as a TV directorWhy tone shifts matter across seasonsThe cinematic influences behind The BuccaneersHow William blends commercial and narrative directingBreaking in through the 48 Hour Film Project⏱️ Key Moments: 00:00 – Intro and welcome00:41 – Evolving tone from Season 1 to Season 201:34 – Pitching his visual take with Sofia Coppola and Joe Wright influences03:28 – Treating key scenes like stylized commercials04:50 – Reflections on Lockwood & Co. and collaboration with Joe Cornish05:41 – Directing with intent vs. using a 'oner' for show07:02 – Transitioning from indie film (Gwen) to high-end TV07:30 – Off-mic: Starting with 48 Hour Film Fests and the hustle it takes👤 About the Guest: William McGregor is an acclaimed director known for his work on His Dark Materials, Lockwood & Co., The Buccaneers, and his gothic feature debut Gwen. He began his career in the 48 Hour Film Project and brings a visually bold style shaped by both commercial and narrative work.🎙️ 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:William McGregor’s film Gwen48 Hour Film ProjectFilmapalooza🌐 Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:Podcast WebsiteInstagram @screenwriterpodTikTok @screenwriterpod📢 If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review, share it with a fellow screenwriter, and subscribe for more insider conversations with top industry pros.#ScreenwritingPodcast #WilliamMcGregor #TheBuccaneers #Filmapalooza #IndieToIndustryExplore 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 ScreenwriterIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Share it with a fellow screenwriter who’d find it valuable!

In this powerful episode of The Successful Screenwriter, Geoffrey sits down with Emmy-winning writer and producer Ron Leshem, the mind behind HBO’s Euphoria and Netflix’s new breakout series Bad Boy. Ron shares the incredible 7-year journey it took to bring Euphoria to the U.S., how Hollywood gatekeepers resist originality, and the creative freedom he found working internationally. This is one of the most inspiring episodes yet — especially for writers navigating today’s cautious industry climate.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why Euphoria was rejected by every major U.S. networkHow to stay obsessed with your story when the industry keeps saying noThe difference between international and Hollywood storytellingWhy now is the time to write what only you can writeHow Bad Boy evolved from a real story into a global hitKey Moments:00:00 – Ron Leshem joins the show and reflects on adapting Euphoria for HBO01:05 – The 7-year uphill battle to sell Euphoria in the U.S.06:53 – From Israeli prison journalism to the creation of Bad Boy10:45 – Revealing the real story behind the main character of Bad Boy12:01 – Ron’s unfiltered advice for writers in today’s Hollywood17:58 – Why solitude and leadership both define the modern showrunnerAbout the Guest:Ron Leshem is an Emmy-winning writer and producer best known for co-creating Euphoria. A pioneer in adapting international hits for American audiences, his new series Bad Boy is currently streaming worldwide on Netflix. Ron brings a global perspective and fearless storytelling style that sets him apart in today’s TV landscape.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:Bad Boy on NetflixEuphoria on HBOConnect with the Guest:🔗 Ron Leshem on IMDb Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:🌐 The Successful Screenwriter Website📸 Instagram: @screenwriterpod🎬 TikTok: @screenwriterpodLike what you hear? Follow the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow writer who needs a reminder that perseverance pays off.#ScreenwritingTips #Euphoria #BadBoyNetflix #RonLeshem #TheSuccessfulScreenwriterExplore 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 ScreenwriterIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Share it with a fellow screenwriter who’d find it valuable!