Ep 96 - Writing the Logline with Christopher Lockhart

Screenwriting legend Paul Chitlik joins Geoffrey to reveal why so many screenwriters struggle to break through and how to finally rise above the noise. They discuss the biggest mistakes writers make, why rewriting is the key to success, and how to craft stories and characters that truly stand out in today’s industry. Paul also shares insights from his new book, The Screenwriting Sensei, and how embracing structure (and knowing when to break it) can take your writing to the next level.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why “good” scripts still get ignored in HollywoodThe secret to developing characters readers actually rememberHow to master structure—then break it the right wayWhat today’s changing film industry means for screenwritersWhy rewriting 20+ times might be your key to successKey Moments:(00:35) The origins of The Screenwriting Sensei(04:00) Why the business keeps changing but story doesn’t(06:16) What makes a story truly work(10:22) How to use (and break) traditional structure(16:25) The truth about rewrites and patience in screenwritingAbout the Guest:Paul Chitlik is an award-winning screenwriter, author, and educator with decades of experience writing for film and television. His new book, The Screenwriting Sensei: A Complete Guide to Writing Your First Script, offers writers practical lessons and exercises to master the craft from page one.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 Screenwriting Sensei by Paul Chitlik — Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and MWP.com (25% discount at MWP)The Guide for Every Screenwriter by Geoffrey D. CalhounConnect with Guest:Website: https://www.paulchitlik.comConnect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:Website: https://www.thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/screenwriterpodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesuccessfulscreenwriter#ScreenwritingPodcast #ScreenwritingTips #ScreenwritingPainPoints #ScreenwriterAdvice #TheScreenwritingSensei #PaulChitlik #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!

What happens when you’ve done everything right. Made a film, landed a rep, and still find yourself stuck? In this episode, Geoffrey and Kristy tackle the tough truth about stalled careers and how rebranding or shifting genres can reignite momentum. They also dive into Steven Soderbergh’s Presence, breaking down why its bold POV and long oners captivate audiences, and chat about Jonathan Nolan’s Fallout heading to New Vegas for Season 2. Plus, Kristy shares insights from her new vertical series The Witch Wolf’s Mate and why short-form storytelling is becoming a massive opportunity for indie filmmakers. Spoiler alert: We discuss key plot details from Presence.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy even successful screenwriters and filmmakers hit career stallsHow to rebrand or change genres strategically to stay relevantWhat makes Presence a masterclass in single-location storytellingWhy vertical short-form filmmaking is the next indie waveWhere to get free, verified weekly script leads from producersKey Moments00:23 First reactions to Presence and its surprising twist07:30 The craft behind Soderbergh’s long takes and single-location setup09:06 What to do when your screenwriting career stalls15:08 Fallout Season 2 moves to New Vegas — what that means for writers18:11 Kristy’s new vertical drama The Witch Wolf’s Mate and how RealShort changes the gameAbout the GuestKristy Leigh is a filmmaker and producer specializing in audience-friendly genre storytelling and emerging formats, including vertical dramas.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.Resources Mentioned in the EpisodePresence (dir. Steven Soderbergh; written by David Koepp)Fallout (Amazon) – Season 2 moving to New VegasRealShort App – Watch The Witch Wolf’s MateScript Leads by Geoffrey D. Calhoun – Free, verified weekly leadsConnect with Kristy Leigh📸 Instagram: @kantoka127🎬 Watch “The Witch Wolf’s Mate” on ReelShortConnect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun🌐 Website: The Successful Screenwriter📸 Instagram: @screenwriterpod▶️ YouTube: The Successful Screenwriter🎬 Get Free Script Leads — be the first to know which producers are requesting scripts and accepting submissions.Got a screenwriting question or challenge you want featured on the show? Drop it in the comments or message Geoffrey on Instagram.#Screenwriting #Filmmaking #CareerAdvice #Soderbergh #Presence #Fallout #RealShort #ScriptLeads #IndieFilm #WritingCommunity🎬 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!

We’re closing in on 300 episodes and celebrating with a lively live stream. Geoffrey and Kristy dig into the gloriously bonkers Toxic Avenger remake and share why Tron Ares is better than the early negativity suggests.Then we tackle your questions on query letters, page counts that actually get read, whether you must live in LA to make it, and how specialists like medical doctors can break into writing. We wrap with a frank look at the industry slowdown and practical ways to build momentum locally. Like, comment, and drop your questions for next week’s live Q&A.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow to write query emails that producers actually readPage count targets that help your script get a yesWhy you do not need to live in LA to build a screenwriting careerPractical entry points for experts outside film, like physicians, to contribute to showsA real talk snapshot of the current market and how to keep moving locallyKey Moments00:23 Welcome and the road to 300 episodes01:33 Toxic Avenger remake review and why it works03:49 Tron Ares thoughts, redemption arc, and theme of loss09:36 Trash screenwriting advice we are tossing out today18:03 Q&A lightning round: queries, page counts, LA myth, doctor-to-writer path, and market realityAbout the GuestKristy Leigh is Geoffrey’s on-air partner for our weekly live Q&A. She brings producer insight, story instincts, and a sharp eye for what works on the page and on set.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.Resources Mentioned in the EpisodeThe Toxic Avenger (remake)Tron AresWe Have Always Lived in the CastlePresenceGood BoySisu and the upcoming sequelThe Guide for Every Screenwriter by Geoffrey D. CalhounConnect with GuestSend questions for Kristy during our weekly live Q&A via Geoffrey’s Instagram below.Connect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWebsite: The Successful ScreenwriterInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: The Successful ScreenwriterEnjoyed the episode? Like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your question for next week’s live Q&A. Want hands-on help with your script? Join our community and get support from Geoffrey and friends.#Screenwriting #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #QueryLetter #IndieFilm #WritingTips #ToxicAvenger #TronAres #Presence #GoodBoy #Sisu #LiveQandA #FilmIndustry #ScriptNotes🎬 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!

Director Ben Semanoff returns to break down Netflix’s Black Rabbit. We talk about joining a show with a strong tone, how each directing block gently “pushes the circle,” and why the aesthetic grows more unhinged as the brothers’ lives unravel. Ben shares set stories, including the infamous burning bowling ball, the attic scene that runs seven to eight minutes, and how the production design turned New York into a character. We also cover collaborating with writer-producers, directing a director, and shaping visual language that shifts from disciplined to unstable as the story escalates.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow to enter an established series, honor the tone, and still add your voicePractical ways to build a visual progression that mirrors character descentThe reality of “tone meetings” and being prepared for on-set challengesCollaborating with writer-producers to protect story intent while solving production problemsProduction design as backstory and how it supports performance and blocking. Key Moments03:18 — On-set surprises and the burning bowling ball story07:57 — Directing a director: working with Jason Bateman12:47 — Minimal VFX, real locations, and a love letter to New York14:25 — Building the Black Rabbit interior and designing history into sets20:37 — Using visual style to reflect the brothers’ shifting dynamicAbout the GuestBen Semanoff is a director and cinematographer known for Ozark and The Night Of. On Black Rabbit he directed episodes that push the show’s aesthetic as the story darkens, drawing on a background in precise, deliberate camerawork while embracing a more unstable, naturalistic feel.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.Resources Mentioned in the EpisodeBlack Rabbit (Netflix)OzarkThe Night OfRipleyUncut GemsConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWebsite: TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: The Successful ScreenwriterEnjoyed the episode? Leave a rating on your favorite podcast app, drop a comment with your favorite insight from Ben, and share this with a filmmaker who loves grounded crime drama. #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #Screenwriting #Filmmaking #TVDirecting #BlackRabbit #JasonBateman #JudeLaw #SetLife #ProductionDesign #DirectingCraft🎬 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!

In this live Q&A, Geoffrey D. Calhoun and co-host Kristy Leigh unpack M3GAN 2.0’s genre swerve from horror comedy to horror action, why Terminator 2 may have been the template, and how fast turnarounds can flatten story. Then they dive into Tilly Norwood and the rise of AI performers, what that could cost the industry in craft and jobs, and why strong scripts matter even more. Geoffrey closes with his “trash screenwriting advice” takedown of the luck in the industry and explains the Three Ts that actually move careers. Listener Q&A covers writing pages without knowing the full story, plotting vs pantsing, and the raw emotions that tell you a scene is working.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow a sequel’s genre shift can alienate core fansWhy speed-to-market can warp tone and structureThe real implications of AI performers for actors and writersWhy stronger scripts become critical in an AI pipelineThe Three Ts framework for breaking in without “luck”Plotter vs pantser: when each approach helpsEmotional checkpoints that signal your scene is landingKey Moments01:22 First take on M3GAN 2.0 and the head-punch opener05:31 Home Alone-style hijinks and tonal whiplash08:08 Tilly Norwood and the AI performer debate11:13 Prediction: indie and international adoption first17:55 Bad screenwriting tip: “You need luck”21:09 Q&A: writing pages without the full story25:14 Killing characters and arguing with your draftAbout the GuestKristy Leigh is a writer and producer who champions story craft, performance, and indie filmmaking communities, most recently at the Boise Film Festival.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.Resources Mentioned in the EpisodeM3GAN 2.0Terminator 2: Judgment DayThe Conjuring seriesCharlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) and John AugustBoise Film FestivalTilly Norwood (AI performer)Finding NicoleConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWebsite: TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: The Successful ScreenwriterHave a screenwriting question for the next live show? Drop it in the comments, and tune in next week. If today’s chat helped, share the episode with a writer friend.#Screenwriting #ScreenwriterPodcast #M3GAN2 #AIinFilm #WritingProcess #ThreeTs #IndieFilm #BoiseFilmFestival #PlotterVsPantser #HorrorWriting🎬 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!

Geoffrey and Kristy kick off with the 80s classic Monster Squad, then break down a great subtext moment from the new F1 film. They unpack “on-the-nose” dialogue vs character voice, when to cut redundancy, and how to spot predatory “producer” offers. Listener Q&A covers why watching movies improves your craft and whether short action lines beat long descriptive blocks.What You’ll Learn in This Episode• How to spot and write effective subtext in quiet scenes• A quick gut-check to avoid on-the-nose dialogue• When longer action lines help vs hurt• Red flags for scammy “producers” and safer platforms to consider• A simple note-taking method to level up how you watch filmsKey Moments00:23 Welcome with Kristy01:04 Why Monster Squad still lands03:46 F1 takeaways and a subtext masterclass07:31 On-the-nose dialogue and finding voice12:53 The 50 percent “producer” red flag15:47 Vetting platforms and why Geoffrey trusts InkTip20:19 Q&A Watching movies to get better24:14 Q&A Short vs long action lines29:04 Wins of the week and encouragementAbout the GuestKristy Leigh Lussier is a screenwriter and producer with a background in development and story evaluation. She champions character-driven genre projects and mentors emerging writers.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.Resources Mentioned• The Monster Squad 1987• The Lost Boys 1987• Shane Black scripts for voice study• F1 film as a subtext case study• InkTip• Coverfly mention and why vetting matters• The Guide for Every ScreenwriterConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWebsite TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.comInstagram @screenwriterpodYouTube The Successful ScreenwriterEnjoyed the show? Share with a writer friend, and drop questions for our next live Q&A.#Screenwriting #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #AmWriting #FilmCommunity #IndieFilm #ScriptNotes #WritingTips #Dialogue #Subtext #Storytelling #WritersLife #MonsterSquad #ShaneBlack #LostBoys #MovieChat #FilmDiscussion #WritingCommunity #ScriptAdvice #OnTheNoseDialogue #ProtectYourWork🎬 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!

Geoffrey is joined by Kristy Leigh for a special live taping of Episode 287. They dive into the unique narrative style of Weapons, compare it with Barbarian, break down the shocking twists of 28 Years Later, and share some truly questionable “screenwriting advice” floating around the industry. Plus: a discussion on the new concept of the thumbnail pitchWhat You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow shifting POV can change the audience’s entire experience (Weapons)Why themes of grief, tragedy, and perspective make stories resonateThe shocking ending of 28 Years Later and what it sets up nextWhy “don’t write kids or animals” is terrible advice for screenwritersHow many drafts (or passes) pros go through before submitting scriptsWhat a “thumbnail pitch” is and why it matters for writers todayKey Moments00:00 – Live intro with Geoffrey & Kristy00:40 – Breaking down Weapons and its Rashomon-style POV shifts06:58 – The creepy aunt character and her layered origins11:59 – Reviewing 28 Years Later and its shocking final minutes16:15 – Thematic takeaways: humanity, death, and survival17:58 – Trash screenwriting tip: “Don’t write kids or animals”22:03 – Writing with (or without) passion vs. writing to sell23:29 – Industry chat: the rise of the “thumbnail pitch”26:43 – How many drafts is enough? Geoffrey & Kristy share numbers29:12 – Geoffrey’s red carpet story and calling out a one-draft film30:26 – Live Q&A wrap-upAbout the Guest:Kristy Leigh is a filmmaker and recurring guest of The Successful Screenwriter. She brings a producer’s eye to storytelling, offering practical insight on how scripts translate into production and what writers should consider when developing their stories.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 EpisodeWeapons (dir. Zach Cregger)Barbarian28 Years LaterConnect with usTheSuccessfulScreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: The Successful ScreenwriterEnjoyed this live episode? Don’t miss the next one—subscribe, rate, and share The Successful Screenwriter.Drop your screenwriting questions in the comments or DM Geoffrey for a chance to be featured in a future Q&A!  #ScreenwritingPodcast #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #WeaponsMovie #28YearsLater #ScreenwritingTips #FilmIndustry #LivePodcast🎬 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!

Horror craft, sequel wins, and loglines that work. Geoffrey and Kristy pull takeaways from The Conjuring, Nobody 2, and the Red Sonja remake. You’ll hear how influence can feel fresh, how a sequel stays fun when tone shifts, and what breaks when character motivation is thin. They wrap with a one-sentence logline formula you can use today. Next week: the Naked Gun reboot and Weapons. Share your worst logline “tips” or a love-it or hate-it watch on Instagram @screenwriterpod and tag us.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow The Conjuring mixes classic influences without feeling datedWhy Nobody 2 works even with a tonal shiftWhere Red Sonja stumbles on motivation and consistencyA simple, reliable logline formula and the Die Hard testEasy ways to invite audience feedbackKey Moments00:00 Welcome and why The Conjuring still hits00:23 Spotting influences: Amityville open, Exorcist close, Hitchcock nod04:00 Nobody 2: expectations, character carryover, fun factor06:43 to 15:45 Red Sonja remake: motivation, tone, and CGI choices16:14 to 19:58 Bad logline advice debunked and the Die Hard test21:17 Next week’s watch list: Naked Gun reboot and Weapons20:46 to 22:28 Call for listener storiesAbout the GuestKristy Leigh Lussier is a writer and filmmaker who brings sharp story sense and a love for genre cinema.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.Resources MentionedThe ConjuringThe Conjuring 2Nobody and Nobody 2Red Sonja (remake)John WickLogline examples: Die Hard, JawsConnect with us and Join the convo on Instagram via @screenwriterpod and tag Kristy @kantoka127 with your takes. Website: TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: The Successful ScreenwriterDrop your worst logline advice finds or a recent love-it or hate-it watch in the comments on @screenwriterpod.Hashtags #Screenwriting #Filmmaking #TheConjuring #Nobody2 #RedSonja #Loglines #WritingTips #Podcast🎬 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!

Geoffrey welcomes writer and filmmaker Kristy Leigh Lussier back for a brand-new hangoute episode. They dive into a horror binge of The Conjuring films, swap takes on wild fairy-tale reimaginings like The Ugly Stepsister, and share some of the worst (and most damaging) screenwriting advice floating around online. Plus, they break down the state of today’s industry and how Kristy rallied a 30-person crew to shoot a vertical micro-drama in Idaho.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeA simple Conjuring watch order to start your bingeWhy the first Conjuring still holds up as one of the best modern horror filmsHow bold fairy-tale twists like The Ugly Stepsister can inspire fresh writingWhy “don’t write from your life” is terrible adviceHow to find (or build) your own creative film communityKey Moments00:00 Welcome and new format with Kristy01:27 Why The Conjuring inspires and how it builds tension with heart03:20 The Warrens and casting that anchors the franchise03:56 Where to start with the Conjuring watch order07:10 Geoffrey’s take on The Ugly Stepsister (and a quick content warning)09:20 Public-domain horror trend: Pooh, Bambi, Popeye, Steamboat Willie12:21 Bad advice of the week: “Do not write from your life”16:05 State of the industry and why self-starting matters18:55 Kristy’s vertical micro-drama and how a 30-person crew came together22:33 Final encouragement and plans to continue the seriesAbout the GuestKristy Leigh Lussier is a screenwriter and filmmaker based in Boise. A horror fan with credits that include The Death of Snow White, she creates character-driven genre stories and recently directed a vertical micro-drama with a local crew.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.Resources Mentioned in the EpisodeThe Conjuring and The Conjuring 2Insidious, SawJaws 50th anniversary IMAX releaseThe Ugly Stepsister (Amazon Prime)Public-domain horror examples: Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey, Bambi reimagining, Steamboat Willie horrorVertical micro-dramas and short-form seriesConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWebsite: TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: The Successful ScreenwriterEnjoyed this format? Leave a comment with your favorite Conjuring-style watch order or a fairy-tale twist you’d love to see on screen. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with a writer friend.#screenwriting #podcast #horror #Conjuring #filmmaking #indiefilm #writingadvice #storytelling #publicdomainhorror🎬 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!

In this lost episode from the archives, I sit down with the legendary screenwriting guru Linda Seger, author of Making a Good Script Great and a true pioneer of the script consulting profession. We dive deep into her decades of experience shaping stories, her approach to theme, structure, subplots, and images, and why great screenwriters are seekers of the human condition. Linda also shares insights on her new book How to Write Great Dialogue and what continues to inspire her after consulting on thousands of scripts.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Linda Seger created the career of script consulting in HollywoodThe importance of images and visual thinking in screenwritingWhy subplots give your story dimension and depthHow to approach rewrites with purpose and focusTips for mastering dialogue and emotional shifts in scenesKey Moments:(00:23) Linda’s groundbreaking journey into script consulting(03:16) The power of images in storytelling(06:39) Scene sequences vs. random scenes(08:44) Why theme and central questions matter(15:26) Breaking down the value of subplotsAbout the Guest:Linda Seger is one of the world’s foremost script consultants, credited with creating the profession itself. She has consulted on over 2,000 scripts, worked with A-list directors like Ron Howard, and written numerous influential books on screenwriting, including Making a Good Script Great and How to Write Great Dialogue.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:Making a Good Script Great by Linda SegerHow to Write Great Dialogue by Linda Seger & John Winston RaineySeger Notes (film breakdown articles)Connect with Linda Seger:Website: lindaseger.comConnect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:WebsiteInstagram @screenwriterpodYouTubeIf you enjoyed this lost episode with Linda Seger, please like, share, and review the show. Don’t forget to subscribe for more industry insights and inspiration. #Screenwriting #LindaSeger #ScriptConsulting #WritingTips #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!