Épisodes

  • 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

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    23 min
  • 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







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    25 min
  • 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


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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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    25 min
  • 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 min
  • Ep 303 - Why Empathy is the Real Screenwriting Superpower

    Ep 303 - Why Empathy is the Real Screenwriting Superpower
    Dec 29 2025
    Episode 303 is a packed Q&A with Geoffrey D. Calhoun and co-host Kristy Leigh, kicking off with holiday movie talk, a Star Wars tactical jacket upgrade, and why screenwriting can change how you watch films forever. Then they jump into the real stuff writers are asking right now: how to build characters that feel human, why empathy might be the hidden superpower behind great scripts, how to query smarter, what competitions are actually good for, how to adapt a novel into a screenplay, and what page counts make readers actually want to open your script.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode
    • Why empathy is a major advantage in writing believable characters
    • How to create stronger characters using simple, practical frameworks
    • How to query without spraying your script everywhere
    • When competitions help, and when they are just noise
    • What page count makes your feature feel “readable” to industry folks
    Key Moments
    • 03:19 Does screenwriting “ruin” movies or deepen your appreciation?
    • 10:07 Geoffrey’s worst script read and why empathy matters on the page
    • 17:50 Building great characters
    • 26:41 Competitions: what they are good for, what to avoid, and why research matters
    • 29:42 Novel to screenplay: streamline Plot A, combine characters, and write efficiently
    • 36:24 Feature page count: what feels professional and what gets ignored
    About the Cohost:
    Kristy Leigh is Geoffrey’s co-host and a performer with a sharp eye for story, structure, and what makes characters pop on screen. She brings a grounded industry perspective, plus the actor’s lens on why certain writing choices 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
    • The Guide for Every Screenwriter (Geoffrey’s book)
    • WriterDuet (screenwriting software)
    • InkTip Script Leads (Geoffrey shares free vetted leads)
    • “Sinopedia” (Kristy’s horror script breakdown book recommendation)
    • Films and shows discussed: Christmas Vacation, Die Hard 2, Die Hard 3, The Office, Avatar: The Way of Water, upcoming Avatar 3
    • Enjoyable writing picks: DogMan (Luc Besson), Sinners
    Connect with Kristy
    • Instagram: @kantoka127
    • Kristy’s vertical drama: The Witch Wolfs Mate
    Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun
    • Website:thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com
    • Instagram: @screenwriterpod
    • YouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter
    #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #Screenwriting #ScreenwritingTips #Screenwriter #WritingCommunity #IndieFilm #Filmmaking #QueryLetters #ScreenplayStructure #CharacterDevelopment

    🎬 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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    40 min
  • Ep 302 - Are Streamers Making Writers Dumb Down Their Scripts?

    Ep 302 - Are Streamers Making Writers Dumb Down Their Scripts?
    Dec 22 2025
    In Episode 302, Geoffrey D. Calhoun is joined once again by Kristy Leigh Lussier for a wide-ranging, candid conversation that blends film breakdowns, screenwriting craft, and real-world industry advice. The duo digs into why Sisu: Road to Revenge works as a sequel, how emotional stakes elevate spectacle, and what filmmakers can learn from restraint. They also explore the surprising power of HBO’s Welcome to Derry, including why sometimes a story should end exactly where it does. From there, the conversation shifts into the realities of modern screenwriting, including the rise of “tell-don’t-show” storytelling for second-screen audiences, what that means for craft, and how writers can adapt without losing their voice. The episode wraps with practical career advice for emerging writers, a hard truth about querying too early, and a holiday debate that refuses to die: is Die Hard actually a Christmas movie?

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode
    • Why Sisu 2 succeeds by keeping its original formula intact
    • How emotional stakes matter more than scale in sequels
    • The risks of overtelling stories for second-screen audiences
    • When “tell-don’t-show” notes appear and how to handle them professionally
    • Whether characters must always change to have a strong arc
    • Why sending scripts too early can hurt your career
    • How to protect yourself from common industry scams
    Key Moments
    • 00:42 – Why Sisu: Road to Revenge feels like “Norwegian Fury Road”
    • 03:00 – Emotional stakes and weaponizing personal loss in sequels
    • 05:11 – Why Welcome to Derry delivers rare emotional closure
    • 09:39 – Is “tell-don’t-show” becoming the new normal?
    • 18:26 – Do characters have to change? The Big Lebowski debate
    • 22:27 – Why writers should not send scripts too early
    • 27:35 – Die Hard debate officially begins
    About the Guest host
    Kristy Leigh Lussier is a filmmaker, producer, and longtime co-host of The Successful Screenwriter Podcast. Known for her honest industry insight and sharp storytelling instincts, Kristy brings a grounded, practical perspective to conversations about craft, career, and the realities of working in film and television.

    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
    • Sisu: Road to Revenge
    • Welcome to Derry
    • The Big Lebowski
    • Young Adult
    • Die Hard
    Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun
    • Website: https://www.thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/screenwriterpod
    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesuccessfulscreenwriter
    #ScreenwritingPodcast #ScreenwritingAdvice #FilmIndustry #WritingCommunity #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #StoryStructure #ScreenwritingTips

    🎬 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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    29 min
  • Ep 301 - Netflix vs. Warner Bros: What This Means for Screenwriters

    Ep 301 - Netflix vs. Warner Bros: What This Means for Screenwriters
    Dec 15 2025
    In this solo episode of The Successful Screenwriter, Geoffrey D. Calhoun breaks down the shocking acquisition bids involving Netflix, Warner Bros., and Paramount and explains what they actually mean for working screenwriters. With co-host Kristy Leigh Lussier sidelined by COVID, Geoffrey steps in to unpack the real industry impact behind the headlines, from shrinking theatrical windows and mid-budget film erosion to foreign investment, media consolidation, and soft power. Most importantly, Geoffrey offers clarity, perspective, and practical guidance on how writers can still build careers, get projects made, and create opportunity in a rapidly shifting entertainment landscape.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode
    • Why Netflix’s business model puts mid-budget films at risk
    • What Paramount’s bid could mean for theatrical releases and media control
    • How monopolization affects writers, creators, and audiences
    • Where writers can realistically get work made right now
    • Why chasing gigs is less effective than building IP
    • Whether moving to LA still makes sense in today’s industry
    • How to choose the right idea when none of them feel ready
    Key Moments
    • 00:00 Industry update and why this episode could not wait
    • 06:30 Netflix’s $80B bid and the future of theatrical releases
    • 15:20 Paramount’s $108B offer, foreign money, and CNN influence
    • 27:45 Why Netflix wins regardless of who acquires Warner Bros
    • 36:10 What writers should do now to survive and thrive
    • 48:30 Choosing the idea that is worth writing
    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
    • Weekly free screenwriting leads at
      https://www.thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com
    Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun
    • Website: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com
    • Instagram: @screenwriterpod
    • YouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter
    #Screenwriting #FilmIndustry #HollywoodBusiness #Netflix #WarnerBros #Paramount #ScreenwritersLife #FilmCareers #StreamingWars #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter

    🎬 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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    14 min
  • Ep 300 - How to Fix a Boring Act 2

    Ep 300 - How to Fix a Boring Act 2
    Dec 8 2025
    We are celebrating our big 300th episode with in depth craft talk and our giveaway.
    Kristy breaks down seeing Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 in a packed theater, what real fan service looks like, and why understanding the assignment with IP can matter more than chasing four quadrant appeal. Geoffrey shares his hot take on Wicked For Good and why character motivation has to make emotional sense or the whole story starts to wobble.

    We talk about Netflix buying Warner Bros, what consolidation could mean for theaters and for working writers, and why packed screenings still matter. From there we dig into real listener questions, including what to do when your second act is boring in a contained script, how subplots keep a story alive, why cutting to the antagonist is a secret weapon, and why you should master features before jumping into pilots and series. If you are stuck in act two, worried your work is not ready, or wondering how to get your script seen when you feel like you live in the middle of nowhere, this milestone episode is for you.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode
    • How to tell if your script is truly ready to be “out there”
    • Practical ways to fix a boring second act in a contained story
    • Why subplots and antagonists keep your pages from going flat
    • The real difference between features and pilots, and why that matters
    • What fandom driven hits like Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 can teach you about IP and audience
    Key Moments
    • 00:20 – Celebrating episode 300 and announcing the big giveaway prizes
    • 01:12 – Kristy’s breakdown of Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 and writing for fandoms
    • 06:45 – Geoffrey’s Wicked 2 hot take, grief, and the missed John Wick moment
    • 12:17 – Netflix buying Warner Bros, what this means for theaters and writers
    • 23:42 – Listener question, how to fix a boring second act in a limited setting
    About the CoHost
    Kristy Leigh is a writer, director, and co host of the show. She works in film and television, writes and directs vertical drama such as The Witch Wolf’s Mate for ReelShort, and helps writers level up their scripts through feedback and development.

    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. His mission is to inspire and empower writers and filmmakers at every level.

    Resources Mentioned in the Episode
    • The Guide For Every Screenwriter
    • Five Nights at Freddy’s 2
    • Wicked For Good
    • InkTip
    • ScreenX and 4D style theatrical screenings
    Connect with Guest
    • Kristy on Instagram:@kantoka127
    • Kristy’s vertical drama The Witch Wolf’s Mate
    Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun
    • Website: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com
    • Instagram: @screenwriterpod
    • YouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter
    #ScreenwritingPodcast #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #ScreenwritingTips #SecondActProblems #BadScreenwritingAdvice #KristyLeigh #VirtualGeoffrey #InkTip #FiveNightsAtFreddys #WickedMovie



    🎬 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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    29 min