Episodes
In this inspiring episode of The Successful Screenwriter Podcast, host Geoffrey D. Calhoun sits down with the incredibly talented writer and director Lina Suh. Known for her work on projects with HBO Max and Sony, as well as her contributions to the acclaimed Korean drama Dr. Brain, Lina shares her creative journey from writing childhood plays to directing award-nominated features.
Key topics include:
🎥 The origin story of Lina's creative career and her transition into directing.
✍️ Insights...
Published 11/25/24
Geoffrey D. Calhoun goes live across multiple platforms to break down the divisive Joker: Folie à Deux. In this episode, Geoffrey dives into audience expectations vs. artistic vision, dissecting why the film’s genre-blending of courtroom drama and musical numbers created such polarized reactions. He examines both the missteps and the nuanced layers of character development to explore what really worked—and what left fans frustrated.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding "Folie à Deux": The film’s...
Published 11/13/24
Host:
Geoffrey D. Calhoun, Author of The Guide For Every Screenwriter
Guests:
Alexandra Essoe, Writer and Director of The Carnal SoulAlexis Iacono, Producer of The Carnal SoulSummary:
In this lively episode, Geoffrey sits down with Alexandra Essoe and Alexis Iacono, the creative minds behind the short film The Carnal Soul, which is making waves on the festival circuit. They dive into the origin of the film, discuss the challenges and triumphs of producing indie projects, and explore the...
Published 10/30/24
Host: Geoffrey D. Calhoun, Author of The Guide For Every Screenwriter
Guest: Simon Barrett, Screenwriter of Azrael, Godzilla X Kong, and You're Next
Summary:
In this episode, Geoffrey sits down with acclaimed screenwriter Simon Barrett, whose latest film Azrael is making waves in the horror genre. Simon shares his journey from small-town Missouri to working on low-budget horror films like Dead Birds and You're Next. The conversation dives deep into Simon’s unique approach to crafting Azrael,...
Published 10/23/24
Host: Geoffrey D. Calhoun, Author of The Guide For Every Screenwriter
Guest: Cynthia Mersten, Screenwriter and Script Summit Winner
In this episode, Geoffrey Calhoun sits down with Cynthia Mersten, 2022 Script Summit winner with her feature screenplay Bad Vibes. Cynthia shares the inspiration behind her unique horror-comedy script, which she describes as “Mean Girls with a little bit of murder.” They discuss her journey from script contests to signing with a manager and landing a feature...
Published 10/09/24
Host: Geoffrey D. Calhoun, Author of The Guide For Every Screenwriter
Guest: Marq Scheyder, Screenwriter and Filmmaker
Summary:
In this insightful AMA (Ask Me Anything) the tables are turned as Marq Scheyder returns to interview Geoffrey D. Calhoun and dive deep into the writing process with a surprise script consultation on air with Geoffrey himself. Geoffrey discusses building routines, handling stress in storytelling, and managing feedback in the writing process. They also delve into the...
Published 09/18/24
Host: Geoffrey D. Calhoun, Author of The Guide For Every Screenwriter
Guest: Bertie Speirs & Samantha Speirs, Filmmakers of Midnight Taxi
Summary:
In this episode, Geoffrey sits down with Bertie and Samantha Speirs, the dynamic filmmakers behind the indie thriller Midnight Taxi, to discuss their journey into independent filmmaking, how the pandemic became an opportunity for creativity, and their experiences shooting a feature film on a tight budget. The duo shares insightful stories...
Published 09/04/24
Host: Geoffrey D. Calhoun, Author of The Guide For Every Screenwriter
Guest: Mike Hammond, Retired Homicide Detective and Host of Detective Story Podcast
Summary:
In this episode, Geoffrey D. Calhoun welcomes retired homicide detective Mike Hammond. They delve into the intricacies of being a homicide detective, the challenges of communication in investigations, and the emotional toll the job takes. Mike shares his journey from being inspired by Truman Capote's In Cold Blood to becoming a...
Published 07/31/24
Host: Geoffrey D. Calhoun, Best Selling Author of 'The Guide For Every Screenwriter'
Guest: TJ Noel-Sullivan, Writer and Director of "Midas"
Summary:
In this episode, Geoffrey D. Calhoun sits down with TJ Noel-Sullivan, the writer and director of the new film "Midas." They discuss TJ's journey into filmmaking, the inspiration behind "Midas," the challenges of indie filmmaking, and the importance of local support in film production. TJ also shares valuable lessons learned from his previous...
Published 07/17/24
Host: Geoffrey D. Calhoun, Best Selling Author of 'The Guide For Every Screenwriter'
Guests: Nicole Vernarec, Showrunner; Matthew Darcy Vieira, Producer
Summary:
In this episode, Geoffrey D. Calhoun sits down with showrunner Nicole Vernarec and producer Matthew Darcy Vieira to discuss their journey of creating the show "Rumors" and getting it onto Tubi. They delve into the origins of the show, the creative and production processes, and the challenges they faced along the way. Nicole and...
Published 07/10/24
Host: Geoffrey D. Calhoun, Best Selling Author of 'The Guide For Every Screenwriter'
Guest: Ole Bornedal, Writer and Director of Nightwatch and Nightwatch Demons Are Forever
Summary:
In this episode, Geoffrey D. Calhoun interviews Ole Bornedal, the acclaimed writer and director behind the cult classic "Nightwatch" and its upcoming sequel "Nightwatch Demons Are Forever." They delve into the process of revisiting a beloved story after 30 years, the challenges of creating character-driven...
Published 06/26/24
Host: Geoffrey D. Calhoun, Best Selling Author of 'The Guide For Every Screenwriter'
Guest: Chris Brennan, Screenwriter and Marketing Expert
Summary:
In this episode, Geoffrey Calhoun welcomes Chris Brennan, a screenwriter and marketing expert, to discuss the intersection of screenwriting and marketing. Chris shares his journey from co-directing his first feature film to selling screenplays and building a career in marketing. He highlights the importance of screenwriters learning to market...
Published 06/19/24
Host: Geoffrey D. CalhounHost and Best Selling Author of 'The Guide For Every Screenwriter'
Guest: Marc GuggenheimLegendary Showrunner of Arrow, Flash, and Legends of Tomorrow
Summary:
In this episode, Geoffrey D. Calhoun welcomes back legendary showrunner Marc Guggenheim to discuss his experience crafting some of the most iconic TV pilots of our time, including Arrow and The Flash. Marc shares insights into the unique challenges of creating a successful pilot, the importance of tone and...
Published 06/12/24
Host: Geoffrey D. Calhoun, Best Selling Author of The Guide For Every Screenwriter
Guest: Rod Blackhurst, Director of "Blood for Dust"
Summary:
In this episode, Geoffrey D. Calhoun sits down with Rod Blackhurst, the talented director behind the gripping film "Blood for Dust." Starring Kit Harington, Scoot McNary, Josh Lucas, and Stephen Dorff, this crime thriller is set in 1993 and follows the journey of a traveling salesman.
Rod shares his origin story, the process of bringing this film to...
Published 05/22/24
Host: Geoffrey D. Calhoun, Host and Best-Selling Author of The Guide For Every Screenwriter
Guest: EriksenDickens, Documentarian Filmmaker
Summary:
In this episode, Geoffrey D. Calhoun sits down with Eriksen Dickens, a documentarian filmmaker specializing in legacy documentaries. Eriksen shares his unique journey into filmmaking, the inspiration behind legacy documentaries, and the intricate process of creating these heartfelt films. They discuss the importance of preserving personal...
Published 05/15/24
Host: Geoffrey D. Calhoun, Host and BEst Selling Author of The Guide For Every Screenwriter
Guest: Victoria Male, Nichols Finalist for her script 'Showstopper'
Summary
In this podcast episode, Geoffrey D. Calhoun interviews Victoria Male, a Nichols finalist for her script Showstopper. Victoria shares her origin story, starting with her passion for theater and acting, and how she eventually fell in love with screenwriting. She discusses the process of writing Showstopper and the unexpected...
Published 05/08/24
Episode Overview:
Join host Geoffrey D. Calhoun as he delves into the world of social media authenticity with Megha Bajaj, a former reality TV star turned social media influencer. Discover Megha's journey from television to becoming an Instagram icon, and how she leverages her platform for genuine engagement.
Host: Geoffrey D. CalhounBio: Geoffrey is a seasoned screenwriter and mentor with a passion for storytelling, Geoffrey explores the intersections of creativity and industry trends with...
Published 05/01/24
Host: Geoffrey D. Calhoun (Instagram: @screenwriterpod) Author of The Guide For Every ScreenwriterGuest: Marc Guggenheim has served as a writer, producer, and showrunner for several popular TV series. He is best known for his work on "Arrow" and "Legends of Tomorrow," part of The CW's DC Comics television universe and Carnival Row. His latest book In Any Lifetime is Available Aug 1'st 2024
Episode Overview:
In this inspiring episode of The Successful Screenwriter podcast, host Geoffrey D....
Published 04/24/24
Hosted by: Geoffrey D. Calhoun, known for his dedication to educating and uplifting writers through The Successful Screenwriter Podcast. Geoffrey, has been deeply influenced by foundational texts in screenwriting and aims to honor the legacy of screenwriting legends through his work.Guest: Viki King, author of "How to Write a Movie in 21 Days," which is heralded as a cornerstone in screenwriting literature. Viki, the "mother of content" in screenwriting circles, brings an intuitive and...
Published 04/10/24
Host: Geoffrey D. Calhoun
Guest: Brock Heasley, Writer and Director of "The Shift"
Episode Overview:
 In this compelling episode of "The Successful Screenwriter" podcast, Geoffrey D. Calhoun sits down with Brock Heasley, the creative mind behind the buzz-worthy film, "The Shift." A project that started from a small blog post during the MySpace era, "The Shift" has grown into a full-fledged cinematic experience, gaining traction across major social media platforms and starring renowned actors...
Published 04/03/24
Host: Geoffrey D. Calhoun (Instagram @Screenwriterpod)Guest Host: Reece TaylorSpecial Guest: Filmmaker Justin Mane"Crow" Fan Film: https://www.youtube.com/@CROWfanfilm
Introduction:
Welcome to another episode of our podcast, where we dive deep into the world of indie filmmaking and storytelling. In this episode, we're honored to have filmmaker Justin Mane discuss his feature-length fan film inspired by "The Crow." Joined by reoccurring guest host Reece Taylor, we explore the journey,...
Published 03/27/24
***If you've been affected by online romance scams, or if you're seeking resources and support to navigate the complexities of digital deception, visit CatchTheCatfish.com.
Host: Geoffrey D. Calhoun(Instagram @screenwriterpod)Guest: Andre Moreau, Emmy Award-Winning Journalist and Content Creator(instagram @amoreaunow)Episode Overview:
In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of social media, its impact on personal identity, and the rise of online scams, through the experiences of...
Published 03/20/24
Host: Geoffrey D. Calhoun
Guest: Bo Mirhosseni, Filmmaker
Episode Overview:
In this episode, Geoffrey D. Calhoun is thrilled to welcome filmmaker Bo Mirhosseni, the creative force behind the Shudder original film "History of Evil." Join us as Bo shares his journey from skate videos in Long Beach to directing music videos, commercials, and finally his leap into feature filmmaking. Dive into the origins of "History of Evil," a film that blends family drama with genre elements against the...
Published 03/13/24
Host Geoffrey Calhoun welcomes author and retired cryptologist J.L. Hancock to the podcast. Hancock discusses his book, "The Hawk Enigma," a military techno-thriller inspired by his experiences embedded with special ops.Main Content:
J.L. Hancock's Background:Hancock shares his journey from growing up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to joining the military after 9/11, motivated by a desire to use his language skills. His path led him to the Defense Language Institute and eventually into...
Published 03/06/24