
EP 316 – Screenwriters, Stop Writing Dialogue Like This
0:00
21:24
Geoffrey D. Calhoun and Kristy Leigh Lussier break down one of the easiest ways to spot weak screenwriting: dialogue nobody would actually say. They share practical ways to write more authentic conversations before answering listener questions about first drafts, fixing scenes, formatting flashbacks, and whether a writer should ever give up on the dream.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Key Moments:
01:24 – Breaking down character-driven storytelling in recent movies
06:03 – The generic dialogue screenwriters need to stop using
10:30 – Kristy's techniques for developing authentic character voices
12:36 – What every scene needs to accomplish
15:26 – Why Geoffrey stopped using Final Draft
16:53 – When should you give up on your dream of writing and directing?
19:57 – Redefining what it means to be a writer and director today
About the Co-host:
Kristy Leigh Lussier is a screenwriter, filmmaker, and creative collaborator who works across multiple genres including horror and drama. She has experience in independent film production, writing, and on-set collaboration, and regularly shares insights into the filmmaking process with the screenwriting community.
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:
Connect with Kristy Leigh Lussier
Instagram: @kantoka
Watch Kristy’s vertical drama: The Witch Wolf's Mate.
Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun
#ScreenwritingTips #Screenwriting #WritingDialogue #Screenplay #Filmmaking #IndieFilmmaker #Scriptwriting #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #WritingCommunity
Connect with Guest
#screenwriting #filmmaking #writingtips #screenwriterlife #storytelling #filmindustry #indiefilm #writerslife
Please share this podcast with your community!
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Why generic dialogue can immediately weaken a screenplay
- How listening to real conversations can improve your character dialogue
- Why every scene needs its own purpose, objective, and forward momentum
- How to keep moving when a scene is slowing down your first draft
- How to approach flashbacks and scene numbering in a screenplay
- Why screenwriting formatting has become less rigid over the years
- Why your filmmaking career may not look the way you originally imagined
- How writers and directors can start creating with the resources they have right now.
Key Moments:
01:24 – Breaking down character-driven storytelling in recent movies
06:03 – The generic dialogue screenwriters need to stop using
10:30 – Kristy's techniques for developing authentic character voices
12:36 – What every scene needs to accomplish
15:26 – Why Geoffrey stopped using Final Draft
16:53 – When should you give up on your dream of writing and directing?
19:57 – Redefining what it means to be a writer and director today
About the Co-host:
Kristy Leigh Lussier is a screenwriter, filmmaker, and creative collaborator who works across multiple genres including horror and drama. She has experience in independent film production, writing, and on-set collaboration, and regularly shares insights into the filmmaking process with the screenwriting community.
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:
- Indie Gathering International Film Festival
- Screenplay dialogue and character development
- Final Draft screenwriting software
- Independent filmmaking
- Vertical filmmaking and mobile-first storytelling
Connect with Kristy Leigh Lussier
Instagram: @kantoka
Watch Kristy’s vertical drama: The Witch Wolf's Mate.
Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun
- Watch Geoffrey's Vertical Thriller: Elsy
- Website: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com
- Instagram: @screenwriterpod
- YouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter
#ScreenwritingTips #Screenwriting #WritingDialogue #Screenplay #Filmmaking #IndieFilmmaker #Scriptwriting #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #WritingCommunity
Connect with Guest
- Instagram: @kantoka127
- Watch her vertical drama: The Witch Wolf's Mate
- Watch: Elsy
- Website: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com
- Instagram: @screenwriterpod
- YouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter
#screenwriting #filmmaking #writingtips #screenwriterlife #storytelling #filmindustry #indiefilm #writerslife
Please share this podcast with your community!
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