In this episode of The Successful Screenwriter, Geoffrey D. Calhoun welcomes back Chris Cookson and Thomas Blakely from InkTip to discuss Twisted Vines, a murder mystery feature optioned directly from their platform by writer Tom Stolgren. Together they break down how the film went from script to production, the surprising tone of the finished project, standout performances, and what’s next for the budding franchise.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Twisted Vines went from an InkTip listing to a produced feature.
• Why the film feels like a blend of Knives Out and Hallmark mystery.
• The creative choices that worked—and the ones that could’ve gone further.
• Behind-the-scenes insight into the writing, rewrites, and final cut.
• Exciting news about a potential sequel in development.

Key Moments:

• 00:22 – Welcoming Chris Cookson & Thomas Blakely from InkTip.
• 00:56 – Breaking down the logline and cast of Twisted Vines.
• 02:13 – Comparing its style to Knives Out and Glass Onion.
• 07:05 – How much of Stolgren’s original script made it to screen.
• 17:22 – Sequel news and what it means for InkTip writers.

About the Guests:
Chris Cookson and Thomas Blakely work with InkTip, the trusted platform connecting screenwriters with vetted producers. Together, they’ve helped countless writers find opportunities that turn into real credits—including Twisted Vines.

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 This Episode:

• Watch Twisted Vines on Roku Channel
• Learn more about InkTip

Connect with the Guests:

• InkTip Website

Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:

• Podcast Website
• Instagram: @screenwriterpod
• TikTok: @screenwriterpod

Enjoyed this breakdown of Twisted Vines? Share the episode with a fellow writer, leave a review, and subscribe so you don’t miss the next insider conversation.

#Screenwriting #IndieFilm #MurderMystery #InkTip #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter

In this Lost Episode from our archives, Geoffrey D. Calhoun sits down with Philip Eisner, the mind behind the cult classic Event Horizon, for a deep dive into the film’s origins, its Lovecraftian and Warhammer 40k influences, and the psychology of horror. From the ship’s unsettling “personality” to the challenge of keeping audiences engaged without overexplaining, Philip reveals his approach to crafting dread, balancing science with cinematic spectacle, and the lessons learned from working with director Paul W. S. Anderson. They also explore the fine line between horror and thriller, the power of character-driven scares, and Eisner’s collaborations on projects like Sweet Girl.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The Shining in space pitch that sold Event Horizon
• How Lovecraft and Hellraiser shaped the film’s horror elements
• Why the ship itself became a character—and how that changes the story
• The science vs. spectacle push-and-pull in production
• Writing horror that resonates beyond jump scares
• Navigating collaboration and protecting the work while staying open to change

Key Moments:

• 00:28 – Why Event Horizon still holds up decades later
• 04:26 – Horror as a way to give form to “nameless dread”
• 13:32 – The gravity drive and designing a ship with a soul
• 18:19 – Interpreting the ship’s intentions from a non-human perspective
• 46:06 – Lovecraft, Hellraiser, and hidden influences on Event Horizon

About the Guest:
Philip Eisner is a screenwriter best known for the sci-fi horror Event Horizon, as well as Sweet Girl, co-written with Greg Hurwitz. His work blends high-concept ideas with grounded, psychological depth, and he has collaborated with some of the industry’s top directors and producers.

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 This Episode:

• Dance Macabre by Stephen King 
• Event Horizon (1997) 
• Sweet Girl (2021) 

Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:

• Podcast Website
• Instagram: @screenwriterpod
• TikTok: @screenwriterpod

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, review, and subscribe for more insider conversations on the craft and business of screenwriting.

#EventHorizon #PhilipEisner #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #ScreenwritingPodcast #HorrorWriting #LovecraftianHorror #SciFiHorror

Comedy is back—and it’s hitting hard. In this episode, Geoffrey is joined by returning guest and screenwriter Reece Taylor to break down the wild, absurd brilliance of the new Naked Gun reboot. From slapstick to self-aware parody, they explore why this style of comedy matters now more than ever, and how the film nails both structure and chaos in a way that keeps you laughing well past the credits.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why comedy thrives in tough times
• How the new Naked Gun reboot revives Zucker-style humor
• Pam Anderson’s unexpected comedy chops
• Why structure doesn’t matter when the laughs hit
• What today’s filmmakers can learn from absurdism

Key Moments:
00:26 – Why Geoffrey needed this film
01:15 – Is this classic comedy style dead?
04:30 – Visual gags, deadpan delivery, and coffee bits
09:18 – The Frosty the Snowman horror short (?!?)
21:08 – Shame-eating and the bodycam Busta Rhymes scene

About the Guest:
Reece Taylor is a screenwriter, film reviewer, and longtime friend of the show. With a near-completed MFA and sharp industry insight, he brings a passion for storytelling and a love of comedy to every discussion.

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:

• Palm Springs (2020) directed by Akiva Schaffer
• Repossessed, High Spirits, and other parody classics
• The Naked Gun reboot (2025)

Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:

• Podcast Website
• Instagram @screenwriterpod
• TikTok @screenwriterpod

If this episode made you laugh or rethink comedy in film like, share, and subscribe. And tell us your favorite scene from the new Naked Gun reboot in the comments!
#NakedGun #FilmPodcast #ComedyIsBack #ScreenwritingTips #ParodyDoneRight

Geoffrey D. Calhoun welcomes back friend of the show, screenwriter Katie Presto, for a no-holds-barred breakdown of the new Fantastic Four film. From emotional arcs to cosmic stakes, they cover what worked, what surprised them, and why the movie isn’t the camp-fest some critics claim it to be.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why the Thing’s character arc hits differently this time
• The subtle emotional depth behind Reed and Sue’s relationship
• How world-building and set design enhance story
• Casting choices that seemed risky but paid off
• How the theme of “family” drives the entire film

Key Moments:
00:22 – First reactions and the film’s 60s retro-futurism
03:05 – Why the Thing’s arc is the emotional core
06:20 – Reed and Sue’s realistic relationship struggles
11:40 – The space birth scene: creative or confusing?
17:14 – The film’s family theme and emotional payoff
20:09 – Franklin’s powers and tragic comic book future
21:08 – Is Reed neurodivergent? A subtle exploration
27:02 – The director’s surprising TV background

About the Guest:
Katie Presto is a screenwriter and longtime friend of the show. She brings a sharp eye and grounded insight into storytelling, structure, and character, especially in genre films. 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:

• Fantastic Four (2025)
• The Guide for Every Screenwriter by Geoffrey D. Calhoun
• Matt Shakman’s filmography (Wandavision, Succession, Game of Thrones)

Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:
🌐 Podcast Website
📸 Instagram @screenwriterpod
🎵 TikTok @screenwriterpod

If you loved this breakdown or have your own take on the new Fantastic Four, comment, share, and subscribe. Don’t forget to let us know if we missed anything in those post-credit scenes!

#FantasticFour2025 #ScreenwritingPodcast #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #ComicBookMovies #MovieBreakdown

Writer-director Paul Etheredge joins Geoffrey to discuss his chilling new horror film The Other. From dream-fueled inspiration to last-minute casting chaos, Paul shares how the film came together—and how it cleverly subverts genre expectations. Plus, a candid look at indie filmmaking challenges, practical effects, and building layered character arcs that flip audience assumptions.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How The Other was inspired by a nightmare and developed into a subversive horror film
• What it’s like collaborating with horror legend Jeffrey Reddick
• Why practical effects are still powerful—and how they pulled it off on a budget
• The unexpected casting journey and how it shaped the film’s tone
• Advice for screenwriters on writing readable, producible scripts

Key Moments:
00:23 – Geoffrey’s horror-fan confession and Paul’s reaction to early screenings
02:10 – Working with Final Destination’s Jeffrey Reddick
04:33 – The nightmare that sparked the idea for The Other
06:36 – Why the film took five years to make
08:30 – Commitment to practical effects and 80s influences
09:43 – Building empathy for a character who first appears dangerous
12:48 – Shawnee Smith’s accidental casting and standout performance
13:54 – The climax rewrite done during the shoot
16:14 – Paul’s blunt advice for screenwriters
17:12 – Getting a Hallmark actress to go dark for horror

About the Guest:
Paul Etheredge is a writer-director known for the cult LGBTQ+ slasher Hellbent and now The Other, a psychological horror film praised for its genre-defying twists. He’s a longtime collaborator with Jeffrey Reddick and brings a wealth of indie filmmaking experience and insight.

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 Other – Available now on Amazon, Apple TV, Roku, and other VOD platforms
• Fangoria Magazine – Featuring The Other on the cover

Connect with the Guest:

• Watch The Other on Amazon
• Paul Etheredge on IMDb

Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:

• Podcast Website
• Instagram @screenwriterpod
• TikTok @screenwriterpod

If you loved this deep dive into horror filmmaking, be sure to rate, follow, and share the episode. Got a favorite horror twist in film? Let us know in the comments!

#HorrorFilm #IndieFilmmaking #ScreenwritingTips #TheOtherMovie #SuccessfulScreenwriterPodcast

In this raw and unfiltered episode, Geoffrey is joined by screenwriter Victoria Male for a bold and heartfelt analysis of James Gunn’s new Superman film. Despite some serious technical difficulties (mic issues) behind the scenes, the conversation soars as the duo dives deep into the film’s subtext, emotional resonance, and what makes this fresh take on the Man of Steel so uniquely effective. From reflections on Gunn’s personal journey to a breakdown of Lex Luthor’s modern menace, this episode is packed with insight, passion, and plenty of laughs.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How James Gunn infuses personal subtext into blockbuster storytelling
• Why the film succeeds with Subversion, Subtext, and Stakes
• The difference between Snyder’s Superman and Gunn’s hopeful hero
• How to write a “personal” script that isn’t autobiographical
• What screenwriters can learn from the supporting cast and character arcs

Key Moments:

• 2:00 – Victoria’s Superman fandom and meeting David Corenswet
• 9:00 – Geoffrey explains the Three S's: Subversion, Subtext, Stakes
• 18:00 – How Gunn redefined Eve Tessmacher and made her matter
• 26:00 – The Justice Gang as a deconstructed Batman
• 33:00 – Lex Luthor’s narcissism, envy, and modern political echoes
• 43:00 – Reimagining Superman’s parents and generational trauma
• 47:00 – The algorithm vs. hope in film criticism

About the Guest:
Victoria Male is a rising screenwriter whose work has earned recognition at the highest level, including placing as a semifinalist in the Academy Nicholl Fellowships. Based in Los Angeles, she spent five years developing projects under Ivan Reitman at The Montecito Picture Company, contributing to major studio films like Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Her writing spans genres from grounded sci-fi to romantic comedy and consistently champions female-driven, emotionally resonant storytelling. Victoria’s pilot Sculpted was also featured on The Love List for top unproduced romance scripts.

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:

• Smallville (TV series)
• The Great starring Nicholas Hoult
• Sculpted (Victoria Male’s pilot)
• Sucker Punch, Watchmen, Guardians of the Galaxy
• Geoffrey’s “Three S’s” framework: Subversion, Subtext, Stakes

Connect with the Guest:

• Website: victoriamale.com
• Instagram: @victoriamale

Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:

• TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.com
• Instagram @screenwriterpod
• TikTok @screenwriterpod

If this episode inspired or challenged you, don’t forget to like, share, and review the podcast. Hit subscribe and stay tuned for more deep dives into the craft from real working writers and filmmakers.

 #Superman #JamesGunn #ScreenwritingPodcast #FilmAnalysis #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #VictoriaMale #LexLuthor #ThreeSsOfStory

In this episode of The Successful Screenwriter, Geoffrey chats with director William McGregor (His Dark Materials, Lockwood & Co., Gwen) about helming Season 2 of The Buccaneers. They discuss how the show evolved in tone, finding a cinematic voice within period dramas, and William’s journey from 48 Hour Film Festivals to international prestige projects. They also dive into pitch decks, visual storytelling, and how his background in commercials shaped his dynamic approach to directing.

✅ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to pitch a strong visual take as a TV director
• Why tone shifts matter across seasons
• The cinematic influences behind The Buccaneers
• How William blends commercial and narrative directing
• Breaking in through the 48 Hour Film Project

⏱️ Key Moments: 00:00 – Intro and welcome
00:41 – Evolving tone from Season 1 to Season 2
01:34 – Pitching his visual take with Sofia Coppola and Joe Wright influences
03:28 – Treating key scenes like stylized commercials
04:50 – Reflections on Lockwood & Co. and collaboration with Joe Cornish
05:41 – Directing with intent vs. using a 'oner' for show
07:02 – Transitioning from indie film (Gwen) to high-end TV
07:30 – Off-mic: Starting with 48 Hour Film Fests and the hustle it takes

👤 About the Guest: William McGregor is an acclaimed director known for his work on His Dark Materials, Lockwood & Co., The Buccaneers, and his gothic feature debut Gwen. He began his career in the 48 Hour Film Project and brings a visually bold style shaped by both commercial and narrative work.

🎙️ 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:

• William McGregor’s film Gwen
• 48 Hour Film Project
• Filmapalooza

🌐 Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:

• Podcast Website
• Instagram @screenwriterpod
• TikTok @screenwriterpod

📢 If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review, share it with a fellow screenwriter, and subscribe for more insider conversations with top industry pros.

#ScreenwritingPodcast #WilliamMcGregor #TheBuccaneers #Filmapalooza #IndieToIndustry

In this powerful episode of The Successful Screenwriter, Geoffrey sits down with Emmy-winning writer and producer Ron Leshem, the mind behind HBO’s Euphoria and Netflix’s new breakout series Bad Boy. Ron shares the incredible 7-year journey it took to bring Euphoria to the U.S., how Hollywood gatekeepers resist originality, and the creative freedom he found working internationally. This is one of the most inspiring episodes yet — especially for writers navigating today’s cautious industry climate.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why Euphoria was rejected by every major U.S. network
• How to stay obsessed with your story when the industry keeps saying no
• The difference between international and Hollywood storytelling
• Why now is the time to write what only you can write
• How Bad Boy evolved from a real story into a global hit

Key Moments:
00:00 – Ron Leshem joins the show and reflects on adapting Euphoria for HBO
01:05 – The 7-year uphill battle to sell Euphoria in the U.S.
06:53 – From Israeli prison journalism to the creation of Bad Boy
10:45 – Revealing the real story behind the main character of Bad Boy
12:01 – Ron’s unfiltered advice for writers in today’s Hollywood
17:58 – Why solitude and leadership both define the modern showrunner

About the Guest:
Ron Leshem is an Emmy-winning writer and producer best known for co-creating Euphoria. A pioneer in adapting international hits for American audiences, his new series Bad Boy is currently streaming worldwide on Netflix. Ron brings a global perspective and fearless storytelling style that sets him apart in today’s TV landscape.

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:

• Bad Boy on Netflix
• Euphoria on HBO

Connect with the Guest:
🔗 Ron Leshem on IMDb

 Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:
🌐 The Successful Screenwriter Website
📸 Instagram: @screenwriterpod
🎬 TikTok: @screenwriterpod

Like what you hear? Follow the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow writer who needs a reminder that perseverance pays off.

#ScreenwritingTips #Euphoria #BadBoyNetflix #RonLeshem #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter

This is one of my lost episodes—an incredible deep-dive with writer-director Travis Malloy, known for the cult sci-fi hits Pandorum and Infinity Chamber. We explore how he went from indie shoots in Minneapolis to selling a film in Hollywood, building sets in his garage, and writing stories that studios actually wanted. Travis shares the gritty truth behind low-budget filmmaking, working without a script, and learning to trust his artistic gut. This one’s packed with hard-earned lessons every screenwriter and indie filmmaker should hear.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Travis sold his first indie film and broke into the studio system
• The origin and evolution of Pandorum from a shelved idea
• How Infinity Chamber was made with no crew, no money—and a ton of grit
• The danger of chasing trends vs. writing what lights you up
• Why limitations can unlock creativity on a contained sci-fi film

Key Moments:

• (01:01) From Minneapolis to Hollywood: Travis’s breakout moment
• (04:08) Turning a failed script into Pandorum
• (09:04) Building Infinity Chamber before writing it
• (20:26) Cutting a twist to strengthen emotional impact
• (35:34) Advice to indie filmmakers: stop waiting, start shooting

About the Guest:
Travis Malloy is the writer-director of Pandorum (starring Ben Foster and Dennis Quaid) and the mind behind the cult hit Infinity Chamber. With deep experience in both studio writing and garage-level indie filmmaking, Travis brings a rare and inspiring perspective to the craft.

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:

• Pandorum (2009)
• Infinity Chamber (2016)

 Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:

• Podcast Website
• Instagram @screenwriterpod
• TikTok @screenwriterpod

Like what you heard? Share the show with a fellow filmmaker, leave a review, and follow for more behind-the-scenes insight into screenwriting and indie filmmaking.

#TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #TravisMalloy #Pandorum #InfinityChamber #IndieFilm #SciFiFilmmaking #ScreenwritingPodcast #DIYFilmmaking #GeoffreyDCalhoun

Geoffrey sits down with the creative team behind the Slamdance hit Race Walkers: a fresh, hilarious sports comedy about the underdog world of race walking. Directors Kevin Claydon and Phil Moniz, writer-producer Evan Landry, and actor-writers Kevin and Phil share how the film came to life, how Robbie Amell joined the cast, and why comedy in indie film is making a comeback. It’s an inspiring deep dive into how tight scripts, tight friendships, and bold concepts can create magic on screen.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to build a film concept from the ground up with friends
• Why sports comedies are ready for a resurgence
• The value of staying within your budget and scope as a filmmaker
• How Robbie Amell helped fast-track Race Walkers
• Tips for keeping authenticity when satirizing niche sports

Key Moments:

• (01:06) How the Race Walkers team formed and the concept came to life
• (03:40) Why race walking was a perfect, untapped sports comedy concept
• (05:10) How Robbie Amell and Collective Pictures got involved
• (08:15) Plans for distribution and why comedies belong in theaters
• (12:00) Advice to indie screenwriters on writing within their means

About the Guests:

• Kevin Claydon and Phil Moniz are actor-directors and longtime collaborators behind Race Walkers.
• Evan Landry is a screenwriter and producer on the film. The trio has been creating content together since their 20s.
• Race Walkers stars Robbie Amell and has been gaining acclaim on the festival circuit for its sharp writing and lovable absurdity.

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:

• Race Walkers
• Slamdance Film Festival
• Robbie Amell on IMDb

Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:

• Website
• Instagram @screenwriterpod
• TikTok @screenwriterpod

If you loved this behind-the-scenes look at indie filmmaking, give us a review, share the episode, and follow the show for more insider conversations with today’s rising creatives.

#RaceWalkersMovie #Slamdance2025 #IndieFilm #ScreenwritingTips #FilmmakingAdvice #ComedyComeback #GeoffreyDCalhoun #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #RobbieAmell