Host: Geoffrey CalhounInstagram @screenwriterpodGuest: Joshua Lastine, Entertainment LawyerInstagram @LastineLawOverview: Discussing why screenwriters, especially indie screenwriters, need entertainment lawyers to navigate the complexities of contracts and protect their rights and interests.Key Highlights: The Importance of Legal Representation for Screenwriters:Joshua emphasizes the crucial need for screenwriters to have legal protection, from newcomers to seasoned professionals, to ensure...

Summary: In this conversation, Mary Scheyder interviews Geoffrey D. Calhoun, host of the Successful Screenwriter podcast, about various aspects of screenwriting. They discuss starting out in screenwriting, overrated advice for new writers, writing Geoffrey's book 'The Guide for Every Screenwriter', adapting real-life stories, rituals and routines for writing, writing the movie you want to see, the challenge of writing adaptations, and finding writer's euphoria. Takeaways Focus on mastering...

Summary Stand-up comedian and author Mike Lukas discusses his journey in comedy, from breaking into the industry to developing a unique comedy lens. He emphasizes the importance of finding personal truths and topics that make you laugh, as well as understanding how to punch up in comedy. Lukas also shares insights on going blue in comedy and the need to be aware of the impact of jokes on different audiences. Overall, he encourages aspiring comedians to practice and develop their funny...

*Recorded live at Slamdance for the 'Chaperone' premiere which won the Breakouts Feature Grand Jury Prize. Host: Geoffrey D. Calhoun Guest: Zoe Eisenberg, Writer/Director of 'Chaperone'Episode OverviewIn this episode, Geoffrey D. Calhoun interviews Zoe Eisenberg about her film 'Chaperone,' which premiered at Slamdance. They discuss the film's unique storyline, Eisenberg's inspiration from a personal experience, and the character development in the film.Key Discussion PointsInspiration Behind...

Host: Geoffrey D. Calhoun (instagram: @screenwriterpod) Guest: Paul Chitlik, Author of "Rewrite"Introduction: Join our community at thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com for access to seminars, workshops, Oscar-nominated screenplays, and writing assignments.Free resources to launch your screenwriting career.Episode Highlights: Breaking into Screenwriting:Paul Chitlik advises starting with short YouTube videos to gain notice.Importance of understanding the flow of digital platforms and building an...

Host: Geoffrey D. Calhoun (Instagram: @screenwriterpod) Guest: Eric Rudnick, Writer and DirectorHighlights of the Episode: Introduction of the Guest:Eric Rudnick, the creator behind the short film "Hold You So Tight."His journey from a reality TV producer to an inspiring filmmaker.Journey of 'Hold You So Tight':The inception of the film's idea from an AI robot encounter.The casting of Charisma Carpenter and her contributions.Eric’s approach to addressing themes of loneliness and the human...

Host: Geoffrey D. Calhoun, founder of thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comGuest: Director of Jason Miller "Ghosts of the Void"Highlights:Community Engagement:Invitation to join thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com for access to seminars, workshops, Oscar-nominated screenplays, and writing gigs.Guest Introduction:Jason Miller, a writer-director, discussing his latest film "Ghosts of the Void."Project Genesis:Jason shares his journey from concept to execution of "Ghosts of the Void."Creative Process:Insights...

Host: Geoffrey D. Calhoun Guest: Haris Orkin Introduction Geoffrey D. Calhoun introduces Haris Orkin, a multifaceted author, video game writer, and screenwriter.Writing Strategies. Screenwriting, Video Games, & Novels Haris Orkin discusses his transition from screenwriting to novel writing, starting with a screenplay that eventually became his James Bond parody series, "James Flynn."He emphasizes the challenge of moving from scriptwriting to prose, and his journey of learning and...

Join host Geoffrey D. Calhoun in an enlightening conversation with Ryan Magnon from Panda Mony Toys. Dive into the world of screenwriting and learn how YouTube animation can elevate your storytelling and brand. Host Geoffrey D. Calhoun invites listeners to join the community at thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com for access to seminars, workshops, Oscar-nominated screenplays, and writing assignments.Introduction to today's guest, Ryan Magnon from Panda Mony Toys.Discussion Highlights: Ryan Magnon's...

Introduction Host: Geoffrey D. CalhounInstagram: @screenwriterpodthesuccessfulscreenwriter.comGuests: Director Tim Hautekiet and Producer Ryan BlewettFilm: Me, Myself, and the Voidinstagram: @memyselfandthevoidEpisode Highlights Behind the Scenes of 'Me, Myself and the Void':Geoffrey D. Calhoun discusses the film's unique concept blending comedy with profound themes.Exploration of the film's narrative about a stand-up comedian confronting life and death on stage and in his mind.The Making of...

This Episode: Host: Geoffrey D. CalhounInstagram @screenwriterpodGuest: Julia Morizawa, Writer/DirectorNotable Projects: "Dragonfly" Episode Overview: In this episode, Geoffrey D. Calhoun chats with Julia Morizawa, the creative mind behind the Oscar-qualifying animated short film "Dragonfly." Morizawa delves into the origins of the project, its connection to her family history, and the journey to making it an Oscar contender.Key Points Discussed:Origins of Dragonfly:Inspiration from family...

This Episode: Host: Geoffrey D. CalhounInstagram @screenwriterpodGuest: Josh Monkarsh, Writer, Producer, DirectorNotable Projects: "As We Know It"Pre-Intro: The episode kicks off with excitement as Josh Monkarsh, a prominent writer-director, joins the conversation.A lively pre-intro chat sets a positive and engaging tone for the upcoming discussion.Intro: Geoffrey formally introduces Josh Monkarsh, acknowledging his recent success with a theatrical release.Welcoming Josh Monkarsh: Josh...

Introduction: Host: Geoffrey D. CalhounInstagram @screenwriterpodGuest: Terissa Kelton, Writer, ProducerNotable Projects: "Harriet the Spy" (Apple TV+), "Flight of the Navigator" (in development with Disney) Segment 1: Origin Story Terissa's background in theater, acting, and journalism during high school and college.Transition from acting to independent film in Austin, TX.Involvement in a micro-budget independent film company and working on 10 feature films in five years.Roles: Background...

Introduction: Host: Geoffrey D. CalhounInstagram @screenwriterpodYouTube @thesuccessfulscreenwriterGuest: Carole KirschnerDirector of CBS Director Diversity Writers Program and Director of Writers Guild of America Showrunner Training Program.Author of Hollywood Game Plan - https://www.carolekirschner.comOverview: In this enlightening episode, host Geoffrey D. Calhoun engages with the esteemed Carole Kirschner, director of the CBS Director Diversity Writers Program and author of "Hollywood...

Introduction: Host: Geoffrey D. CalhounInstagram (@screenwriterpod)YouTube - @TheSuccessfulScreenwriterGuest: Peyton McDavitthttps://www.101reasonswhy.com/Episode Title: "101 Reasons Why" with Peyton McDavitt Discussion Highlights: Overview of "101 Reasons Why":Geoffrey welcomes Peyton McDav, creator of "101 Reasons Why."Dive into the inspiration behind the podcast and its unique format.Peyton's Background and Journey:Explore Peyton McDav's background in the entertainment industry.Insights...

Introduction: Host: Geoffrey D. CalhounInstagram (@screenwriterpod)YouTube - @TheSuccessfulScreenwriterEpisode Title: "Egghead and Twinkie" with Sarah Kambe HollandDiscussion Highlights: Welcoming Sarah Kambe Holland:Geoffrey introduces Sarah Sarah Kambe Holland, a seasoned screenwriter and industry expert.Overview of Sarah's contributions to the world of storytelling.Exploring "Egghead and Twinkie":In-depth discussion on Sarah's latest project, "Egghead and Twinkie."Insights into the genesis...

Introduction: Host: Geoffrey D. CalhounInstagram @screenwriterpodYouTube @thesuccessfulscreenwriterGuest: Tracee BeebeOverview: In this insightful episode, host Geoffrey D. Calhoun tackles the crucial question of readiness for a screenwriting career. Offering valuable advice and practical tips, the episode serves as a guide for aspiring screenwriters navigating the journey from preparation to entry into the dynamic world of screenwriting. Discussion Highlights: Defining Career...

Logline - A Lizzie Borden Story: A series of supernatural events reveal a dark truth behind a tormented teenager. Geoffrey is joined by the incredibly knowledgeable staff at InkTip Chris Cookson and Thomas Blakely. They break down and analyze this paranormal psychological thriller inspired by the mythology of axe murderer, Lizzie Borden. They also discuss how this script was optioned through the writer's contacts on InkTip which led to major film starring such talent as Odessa A'zion, Lizze...

Geoffrey chats with filmmaker Warren Skeels about his 70's inspired horror film The Man in the White Van starring Sean Astin and Ali Larter. This film is inspired by true events that happened in 1974 about a serial killer who stalked and terrorized his victims. Warren discusses his approach to the genre and what makes it different from the standard slashers out there. Logline: In a quaint, family town in Florida, 1974, an ominous white van stalks a young girl, and her parents' disbelief...

This interview was recorded before the WGA strikes began. Geoffrey chats with screenwriter Tom Vaughan about his historical horror film Winchester starring Dame Helen Mirren. The Winchester home is known as the most haunted house in America. Tom discusses coming onto the project, his unique approach to writing this film, and the joy of teaching screenwriting to the next generation of writers. Logline: Ensconced in her sprawling San Jose, California mansion, eccentric firearm heiress Sarah...

*This interview was recorded before the Sag-Aftra strikes began. Geoffrey chats with Filmmaker Owen Egerton about his fantastic horror/comedy Blood Fest. He discusses his incredible journey from living in his van to writing/directing a film with stars who have been in Spiderman, Argo, Pirates of the Caribbean, and an incredible cameo! *Apologies for my gruff voice as I have been fighting a cold* Logline: Fans flock to a festival celebrating the most iconic horror movies, only to discover...

Script Summit 2023 Best TV Pilot Winner "Aftermath" Logline: The lives of two estranged brothers collide, when one brother, accused of a brutal murder, seeks to overturn his conviction. Geoffrey chats with Script Summit 2023 Winner Vera C about her inspiration and process for writing this dramatic thriller. She and Geoffrey discuss how properly researching and developing a TV is essential to finding success. You can find Vera in Instagram @blubyrdskyfilms visit www.scriptsummit.com This...

*This interview was recorded before the WGA strikes began. Geoffrey chats with Filmmakers Zach Green and Devin O'Rourke about their indie sci-fi buddy comedy and how two first-time filmmakers were able to pull it all together. Logline: An unusual piece of foil with potential alien origin causes a rift between two former best friends camping in the California desert. Geoffrey's book, The Guide For Every Screenwriter is available at: https://www.thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com/books Join our...

Script Summit 2023 Best Short Script Winner "A Stop Along The Road" Logline: Based on a True Story: A young American woman has an unexpected and haunting encounter when she and her fellow sightseers stop at a roadside snack stand next to a small remote village in India. Geoffrey chats with Script Summit 2023 Winner Kelly Lamphear-Dash. They discuss her inspiration for writing and how having a strong writers' group is essential to finding success. You can find Kelly on X (twitter)...

Script Summit 2023 Best Feature "East Jesus" Logline: A pair of kinfolk Texas cops are lifelong products of Denler, the once-thriving rural boomtown they dutifully protect. When skyrocketing crime and moral decay threaten to wipe their tiny town from the map, the duo resort to desperate, unorthodox measures to save it. Geoffrey chats with Script Summit 2023 Winner Duane Graves. They discuss his writing career and his Best Feature Script "East Jesus". You can find Duane on X (twitter)...