Ep 321 - Clayface | Paramount's Monopoly? | Do You Need an MFA?

Hollywood is changing, but what does that mean for screenwriters? Geoffrey D. Calhoun and Kristy Leigh Lussier discuss Paramount's growing influence, the future of DC, and why Clayface succeeds through character-driven storytelling. They also answer audience questions about public-domain screenplays, writing degrees, spec scripts, and breaking into screenwriting later in life.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeHow major studio consolidation could reshape HollywoodWhy Clayface succeeds with a sympathetic villainWhat to consider when adapting public-domain materialWhether an MFA is necessary for screenwriting successWhy spec scripts still matter in 2026Key Moments03:23 – Why movies need satisfying endings06:53 – Clayface and writing sympathetic villains09:43 – Paramount, Skydance, and Hollywood consolidation19:00 – Is it ever too late to become a screenwriter?21:29 – Public-domain scripts, MFAs, and spec screenwritingAbout the Co-hostKristy Leigh Lussier is a screenwriter and filmmaker who brings her industry experience and passion for storytelling to The Successful Screenwriter Podcast.About the HostGeoffrey D. Calhoun is a produced screenwriter and bestselling author of The Guide for Every Screenwriter. With over 25 years of storytelling experience, Geoffrey shares practical insights into screenwriting, filmmaking, and navigating the entertainment industry.Resources Mentioned in the EpisodeThe Guide for Every Screenwriter – Geoffrey D. CalhounThe Rewrite Workbook – Geoffrey D. CalhounWriterDuet, Final Draft, and CeltxClayface – Film discussionThe Musketeers of Pig Alley – Public-domain discussion#Hollywood #Paramount #PublicDomain #ScreenwritingTipsConnect with Kristy Leigh LussierInstagram: @kantoka127Watch her vertical drama: The Witch Wolf's MateConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWatch: ElsyThe Rewrite WorkbookWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter#screenwriting #filmmaking #writingtips #screenwriterlife #storytelling #filmindustry #indiefilm #writerslifePlease share this podcast with your community!

What’s the worst screenwriting advice you’ve ever heard?We’ve got a few contenders.Join screenwriter Geoffrey D. Calhoun and producer and filmmaker Kristy Leigh Lussier on The Successful Screenwriter. Every week, we break down what makes movies work, talk candidly about the film industry, and take your screenwriting questions live.From first drafts to rewrites, we share what’s worked for us and what we’ve learned the hard way.Subscribe and turn on notifications to catch the next livestream on our Instagram and Youtube.Bring a question about your script or a movie you’re ready to defend.Find screenwriting resources and join our email list → Join NowConnect with Kristy Leigh LussierInstagram: @kantoka127Watch her vertical drama: The Witch Wolf's MateConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWatch: ElsyThe Rewrite WorkbookWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter#screenwriting #filmmaking #writingtips #screenwriterlife #storytelling #filmindustry #indiefilm #writerslifePlease share this podcast with your community!

Geoffrey D. Calhoun and Kristy Leigh Lussier cover writing for the budget you actually have, whether contests are still worth entering, and why writers should read the fine print on AI platforms. They also answer questions from live viewersWatching lately (1:13): Kristy's take on The Other Mommy (a strong opening act, then the ending falls apart). Geoffrey on the Elizabeth Holmes documentary and its manipulation. Also what they want to see next, including Street Fighter.Geoffrey's The Rewrite Workbook(6:06): He's about forty drafts in on a writer's block workbook. The Rewrite Workbook is on Amazon, and reviews help independent authors.Write for where the script will land (7:43): Kristy shares the Indy Film Podcast's debate on writing within a $50K budget. Both hosts say to know your goal before you write, and warn first-time writers about pitching a $200M blockbuster.Cardinal sins and over-explaining (12:37): First-script mistakes, plus the "it's just a lightsaber" lesson on world-building that bogs the script down.Viewer Q&A (13:52):Book picks for character development: Screenplay, How to Write a Movie in 21 Days, Kill the Dog (vs. Save the Cat), and Geoffrey's own guide and workbook.Developing characters: start from theme and make the lead its living embodiment. Test the theme by putting the character in scenarios that challenge it.Do screenwriting contests still matter? (19:08)Contests, coverage and AI (19:23): Why both hosts think contests have lost value, and Geoffrey's concern about paid evaluations. They also talk about AI tools for judging and screenwriting, and the warning to read the fine print before uploading your work.Wrap-up (25:37): Show schedule and episode updates.Mentioned in the episodeThe Other Mommy, Street Fighter, Good Boy, Wild Horse Nine, and the Elizabeth Holmes/Theranos documentaryBooks: Screenplay, How to Write a Movie in 21 Days, Kill the Dog, Save the Cat, and Geoffrey's guide and Rewrite WorkbookThe Indy Film PodcastPlatforms and contests: Nicholl, The Black List, InkTip, SunoShow updatesLive shows are Fridays at 6.Elsie episode 9 is on Instagram (@ScreenwriterPod) and YouTube (The Successful Screenwriter). Episode 10 comes next week, then a short delay while edits finish and they reach out to apps and networks.Connect with Kristy Leigh LussierInstagram: @kantoka127Watch her vertical drama: The Witch Wolf's MateConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWatch: ElsyThe Rewrite WorkbookWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter#screenwriting #filmmaking #writingtips #screenwriterlife #storytelling #filmindustry #indiefilm #writerslifePlease share this podcast with your community!

Stuck on that rewrite? I got you. Grab The Rewrite Workbook and work through your screenplay one draft at a time.Could AI let audiences rewrite a movie’s ending and what would that mean for screenwriters? Geoffrey D. Calhoun and co-host Kristy Leigh Lussier discuss the possibilities, the concerns, and the value of human storytelling.Then we tackle your screenwriting questions: Do characters have to be likable? How do you convey emotion without dialogue? Should you avoid adverbs? We also discuss juggling multiple scripts, writing across different mediums, and why we both use WriterDuet.What You’ll LearnWhy audiences can connect with a character they don’t like.How to convey emotion through behavior without micromanaging actors.How specific action verbs bring energy to your scene descriptions.What to consider when working on multiple screenplays.How theater, film, and video games approach the character experience.Why AI-generated endings raise questions about storytelling and creative control.Key Moments02:33 — AI filmmaking and the possibility of audience-generated endings.09:59 — Bad screenwriting advice: every character must be likable.12:30 — Should you work on more than one script at a time?14:24 — Theater, film, and video game storytelling.16:34 — Why we use WriterDuet.21:44 — Adverbs, action verbs, and finding the right amount of description.ConnectJoin our live screenwriting Q&A Fridays at 6 p.m. Eastern on Instagram. Bring your questions!Instagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriterScreenwriting resources and membership: TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.com#Screenwriting #ScreenwritingTips #CharacterDevelopment #WritingEmotion #AIInFilm #TheSuccessfulScreenwriterConnect with Kristy Leigh LussierInstagram: @kantoka127Watch her vertical drama: The Witch Wolf's MateConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWatch: ElsyThe Rewrite WorkbookWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter#screenwriting #filmmaking #writingtips #screenwriterlife #storytelling #filmindustry #indiefilm #writerslifePlease share this podcast with your community!

The Rewrite Workbook is out now! I wrote it to simplify the rewrite process, so you can stop feeling overwhelmed by your draft and start making clear, focused improvements. Grab your copy on Amazon.Are screenwriting “rules” helping your script or getting in the way? Geoffrey D. Calhoun and Kristy Leigh Lussier break down bad screenwriting advice, including character deaths, dramatic irony, rewriting, horror, first-draft self-doubt, and story pacing. Plus, Geoffrey talks about The Rewrite Workbook, his new tool for making the rewrite process simpler and more focused.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy screenwriting rules should be treated as tools instead of lawsWhen killing a character can establish stakes without advancing the plotHow dramatic irony lets the audience know more than your protagonistWhy rewriting is where much of the real screenwriting work happensHow to keep moving when self-doubt hits during a first draftPractical ways to identify and fix pacing problemsHow horror writers create tension beyond jump scaresKey Moments07:22 — Bad screenwriting advice and the danger of blanket rules12:32 — Should the audience ever know more than the protagonist?14:37 — Geoffrey introduces The Rewrite Workbook19:25 — Do you really need multiple screenplay drafts?28:39 — What is story pacing, and how do you fix it?About the HostsGeoffrey D. Calhoun is a produced screenwriter, bestselling author, filmmaker, and host of The Successful Screenwriter Podcast. He is the author of The Guide for Every Screenwriter and The Rewrite Workbook and has spent more than 25 years developing his craft as a screenwriter.Kristy Leigh Lussier is a screenwriter, filmmaker, producer, and co-host of The Successful Screenwriter Podcast, bringing her writing and production experience to honest conversations about the craft and business of filmmaking.Resources Mentioned in the EpisodeThe Rewrite Workbook by Geoffrey D. CalhounResident EvilMaudWriterDuetHalloweenHave a screenwriting or filmmaking question? Join Geoffrey and Kristy live Fridays at 6 PM ET and drop your questions in the comments. They may answer yours on the next episode.#Screenwriting #ScreenwritingTips #WritingTips #Filmmaking # ScreenwritingPodcast Tags:  Geoffrey D Calhoun, Kristy Leigh Lussier, The Successful Screenwriter, The Rewrite WorkbookConnect with Kristy Leigh LussierInstagram: @kantoka127Watch her vertical drama: The Witch Wolf's MateConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWatch: ElsyThe Rewrite WorkbookWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter#screenwriting #filmmaking #writingtips #screenwriterlife #storytelling #filmindustry #indiefilm #writerslifePlease share this podcast with your community!

Geoffrey D. Calhoun and Kristy Leigh Lussier explore what happened when Geoffrey entered Screenwriting Reddit to offer writers free advice without promoting himself or selling anything. His posts quickly reached thousands of writers—but a message encouraging compassion also attracted hostility from the community’s self-appointed gatekeepers.They break down why some online writing communities become toxic, how anonymous critics continually move the goalposts, and why writers need to protect their confidence. Geoffrey and Kristy also discuss the surprising release of Coyote vs. Acme, Jason Statham’s unusual fight-contract rules, when a screenplay prologue works, and why a 30-minute short film may need to become a feature.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:What happened when Geoffrey infiltrated Screenwriting RedditWhy compassion matters in online screenwriting communitiesHow writers can protect themselves from toxic feedbackWhy studios shelve completed movies for financial reasonsHow to avoid using a prologue as an exposition dumpWhy an overly long short film may work better as a featureKey Moments:02:27 – How Coyote vs. Acme escaped the studio shelf08:41 – The unusual rules behind Jason Statham’s fight scenes09:45 – Geoffrey infiltrates Screenwriting Reddit12:26 – When the Screenwriting Reddit trolls arrived16:15 – Knowing your value when critics attack24:10 – Avoiding the exposition and monologue trap24:48 – Why a 30-minute short film may need to become a featureResources Mentioned in the Episode:Screenwriting RedditCoyote vs. AcmeBatgirlMutinyTerminator 2: Judgment DayHalloweenThe Lord of the RingsRabbit TrapScreenplay prologues and cold opensShort-film structureOnline screenwriting communitiesConnect with Kristy Leigh LussierInstagram: @kantoka127Watch her vertical drama: The Witch Wolf's MateConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWatch: ElsyThe Rewrite WorkbookWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter#screenwriting #filmmaking #writingtips #screenwriterlife #storytelling #filmindustry #indiefilm #writerslifePlease share this podcast with your community!

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:Why generic dialogue can immediately weaken a screenplayHow listening to real conversations can improve your character dialogueWhy every scene needs its own purpose, objective, and forward momentumHow to keep moving when a scene is slowing down your first draftHow to approach flashbacks and scene numbering in a screenplayWhy screenwriting formatting has become less rigid over the yearsWhy your filmmaking career may not look the way you originally imaginedHow writers and directors can start creating with the resources they have right now.Key Moments:01:24 – Breaking down character-driven storytelling in recent movies06:03 – The generic dialogue screenwriters need to stop using10:30 – Kristy's techniques for developing authentic character voices12:36 – What every scene needs to accomplish15:26 – Why Geoffrey stopped using Final Draft16:53 – When should you give up on your dream of writing and directing?19:57 – Redefining what it means to be a writer and director todayAbout 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 FestivalScreenplay dialogue and character developmentFinal Draft screenwriting softwareIndependent filmmakingVertical filmmaking and mobile-first storytellingConnect with Kristy Leigh LussierInstagram: @kantokaWatch Kristy’s vertical drama: The Witch Wolf's Mate.Connect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWatch Geoffrey's Vertical Thriller: ElsyWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter#ScreenwritingPodcast#ScreenwritingTips #Screenwriting #WritingDialogue #Screenplay #Filmmaking #IndieFilmmaker #Scriptwriting #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter  #WritingCommunityConnect with Kristy Leigh LussierInstagram: @kantoka127Watch her vertical drama: The Witch Wolf's MateConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWatch: ElsyThe Rewrite WorkbookWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter#screenwriting #filmmaking #writingtips #screenwriterlife #storytelling #filmindustry #indiefilm #writerslifePlease share this podcast with your community!

Discover how an ordinary break room transformed into a post-apocalyptic set for Geoffrey’s new vertical thriller, Elsy. In this episode, Geoffrey and Kristy sit down with filmmaker and Vault Studio founder George Ansara to explore his journey from commercial videography to launching one of Michigan’s top independent film studios. Go behind the scenes of Elsy’s intense five-day shoot, and learn the keys to indie film success: preparation, collaboration, and community. George reveals how Vault Studio empowers creators with affordable, professional spaces, while Geoffrey and Kristy share insights on producing indie films and the power of filmmakers supporting each other.What You'll Learn in This Episode:How George Ansara built Vault Studio into a filmmaker-first production facilityBehind-the-scenes stories from filming ElsyHow Geoffrey designed an entire film set using 3D modeling and AI visualizationWhy adaptable production spaces save time, money, and stress on independent productionsThe producer's perspective on keeping a five-day shoot running smoothlyWhy collaboration not competition is the key to growing the independent film communityGeorge's work with the Detroit 48 Hour Film Project and supporting local filmmakersHelp us spread the word and support indie filmmaking! Our new vertical thriller Elsy premieres soon, and the first trailer is live now on Instagram.Watch the Elsy trailer now on Instagram HereWatch the trailer, share it to your stories, comment with your theories, and tag a friend who loves mystery, suspense, and post-apocalyptic storytelling. Every share helps us reach new viewers and brings more attention to independent filmmaking.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.Connect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWebsite: https://thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram:@screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriteConnect with Kristy Lee LussierInstagram: @kantoka127Connect with George AnsaraVault Studio: Vault Studio Podcast#Screenwriting #Filmmaking #IndieFilm #IndependentFilm #FilmProduction #MichiganFilm #VaultStudio #VerticalSeries #Elsy #DetroitFilm #48HourFilmProject #Screenwriter #Storytelling #TheSuccessfulScreenwriterConnect with Kristy Leigh LussierInstagram: @kantoka127Watch her vertical drama: The Witch Wolf's MateConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWatch: ElsyThe Rewrite WorkbookWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter#screenwriting #filmmaking #writingtips #screenwriterlife #storytelling #filmindustry #indiefilm #writerslifePlease share this podcast with your community!

In this episode of The Successful Screenwriter, Geoffrey D. Calhoun and Kristy Leigh Lussier break down why some movies fail despite strong marketing, using Supergirl as a case study to explore how theme, character, and a worthy antagonist determine whether a story truly resonates with audiences. They also discuss the current state of Hollywood, the rise of independent filmmaking, and why audiences may be returning to theaters for the right films.Plus:Why a story without a clear theme feels hollowWhat makes an antagonist compellingThe truth behind "Hollywood is back"Terrible screenwriting advice: "Just add a montage"Geoffrey shares one of the worst screenplay query emails he's ever received—and the surprising response after he tried to mentor the writerAI-generated outreach emails and why human editing still mattersFourth of July movie recommendations and a few classic film memoriesWhether you're an aspiring screenwriter, filmmaker, or movie lover, this episode dives into the storytelling principles that separate memorable films from forgettable ones.If you're serious about writing better screenplays, subscribe for weekly conversations on screenwriting, directing, filmmaking, and breaking down the myths of the entertainment industry.📚Geoffrey's Book: The Guide for Every Screenwriter🎬 #Screenwriting #Filmmaking #Supergirl #WritingAdvice #Screenwriter #Storytelling #Movies #FilmAnalysis #Hollywood #TheSuccessfulScreenwriterConnect with Kristy Leigh LussierInstagram: @kantoka127Watch her vertical drama: The Witch Wolf's MateConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWatch: ElsyThe Rewrite WorkbookWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter#screenwriting #filmmaking #writingtips #screenwriterlife #storytelling #filmindustry #indiefilm #writerslifePlease share this podcast with your community!

What if the voice keeping you alive couldn't be trusted?In this special episode of The Successful Screenwriter, Geoffrey D. Calhoun sits down with Assistant Director Kristy Leigh Lussier and interviewer Jess Paul to pull back the curtain on Elsy, a cinematic post-apocalyptic vertical series premiering this July. For over a decade, Elsy existed in different forms a web series, a feature film, a television project before finally finding its perfect home in the exploding world of vertical storytelling.Now, Geoffrey makes his directorial debut with a psychological thriller that blends mystery, survival, loneliness, and hope into a mobile-first cinematic experience unlike anything currently available in the vertical space.In this episode, you'll discover:How vertical storytelling is transforming the entertainment industryThe challenge of creating a cinematic experience in a vertical formatThe process of casting Karly Coffee, Rochelle Nicole, and Eric RomanBehind-the-scenes stories from shooting 21 episodes in just 5 daysWhy loneliness is the emotional core of ElsyThe future of vertical series and why Geoffrey believes this is where storytelling is headedElsy follows a young woman trapped inside a bunker after a mysterious catastrophe leaves the world buried beneath ash. Alone, isolated, and running out of supplies, she discovers a voice on a CB radio. But as hope grows, so do the questions. Can she trust the person on the other end? And what happens when survival depends on believing a lie?If you're a filmmaker, screenwriter, content creator, or simply fascinated by where entertainment is headed next, this episode offers an inside look at the future of storytelling.Topics CoveredVertical Series ProductionPost-Apocalyptic StorytellingPsychological ThrillersWriting for Mobile AudiencesFilm Production on a BudgetThe Future of Streaming ContentBehind the Scenes of ElsyAbout ELSYElsy is a cinematic vertical thriller following a young woman surviving alone in a bunker after the collapse of civilization. As she forms a connection with a mysterious voice over a CB radio, she begins questioning everything she thought she knew about her world.Written and Directed by Geoffrey D. Calhoun.Coming July 2026.🚨 Watch the ELSY Trailer: Instagram: @screenwriterpodWatch the trailer, follow the journey, and share your theories before the series premieres.#Elsy #VerticalSeries #PostApocalyptic #PsychologicalThriller #IndieFilm #Screenwriting #Filmmaking #VerticalDrama #DirectorDebut #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #SurvivalThriller #MysterySeries #MobileStorytelling #FilmmakerPodcastConnect with Kristy Leigh LussierInstagram: @kantoka127Watch her vertical drama: The Witch Wolf's MateConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWatch: ElsyThe Rewrite WorkbookWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter#screenwriting #filmmaking #writingtips #screenwriterlife #storytelling #filmindustry #indiefilm #writerslifePlease share this podcast with your community!