Are Screenwriting Classes worth it?

As a mentor to many aspiring screenwriters, a seasoned instructor of Advanced Screenwriting at Script University, and the author of the best-selling book, “The Guide for Every Screenwriter,” I’ve navigated the twists and turns of the screenwriting journey both personally and alongside many others. My mission has always been to guide, inspire, and elevate the

Are Screenwriting Classes worth it? Read More »

Are Screenwriting Contests Worth it?

Embarking on a screenwriting journey can often feel like navigating a vast, uncharted territory. For many emerging writers, screenwriting contests represent a beacon of hope—a chance to have their work recognized, validated, and perhaps even catapulted into the realm of professional filmmaking. But the burning question remains: Are screenwriting contests truly worth it? In this

Are Screenwriting Contests Worth it? Read More »

10 Unconventional Strategies to Make Your Screenwriting Dreams Happen—No Hollywood Address Needed!

Breaking into the screenwriting industry doesn’t require a zip code in Los Angeles. Armed with passion, persistence, and a bit of insider knowledge, you can make significant strides from wherever you are. Having interviewed over 200 filmmakers for The Successful Screenwriter Podcast who have made it in the film industry I have compiled their advice

10 Unconventional Strategies to Make Your Screenwriting Dreams Happen—No Hollywood Address Needed! Read More »

Ep 31 – Using A.I. to Analyze a screenplay

GEOFFREY D. CALHOUN: All right. Welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast where we discuss anything and everything screenwriting here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to find out just what it takes to make it in the industry. All right, welcome to the podcast. Yes, this is an awesome guest we have on today Nadira

Ep 31 – Using A.I. to Analyze a screenplay Read More »

Scriptapalooza, It’s Not About The Apology. It’s about the Optics.

The damage the competition announcement did is already done. “The AI screenplay competition stands apart by showcasing the innovative potential of artificial intelligence, merging human creativity with machine intelligence.” This was a call to action from Scriptapalooza’s now deleted Artifical Intelligence Screenwriting Competition. In the amount of time it took to say that line aloud,

Scriptapalooza, It’s Not About The Apology. It’s about the Optics. Read More »

Dear Hollywood, Stop Selling Writers the Dream. We’re not Buying It

One week into the strike, and there’s a looming shadow. One week into the 2023 WGA strike, there have been many major moments. Late-night shows are canceled. Shows like Stranger Things and The Hedge Knight are frozen in development until further notice. Finished products are still being released, although this writer is boycotting any new

Dear Hollywood, Stop Selling Writers the Dream. We’re not Buying It Read More »

WGA 2023, Stand UP: This Is What’s on the Line

Writers Are The Backbone of Film. Support Writer’s Rights Yesterday, April 17, 2023, the Writer’s Guild of America overwhelmingly approved a strike, marking the first potential strike since 2007-2008. If it indeed happens, understand as filmmakers, writers, and even as movie and television viewers that there is more on the line in this strike than

WGA 2023, Stand UP: This Is What’s on the Line Read More »

SXSW Filmmakers Proves A Major Point: Success Is Measured By Effort

The Writers and Filmmakers Present Faced Setbacks, But Made No Excuses With SXSW officially in the books, there are a lot of talking points. Great experiences? Check. Great films like “I Used To Be Funny” and “Late Night With The Devil”? Check. Music and networking? Check. SXSW was an experience like no other in terms

SXSW Filmmakers Proves A Major Point: Success Is Measured By Effort Read More »

SXSW Review: “Americana” Pop Icon Halsey Crushes In This Western Thriller Starring Sydney Sweeney & Paul Walter Hauser

Writer/Director Tony Tost is no novice when it comes to writing in the western genre. Having cut his chops on the well-received Longmire and show-running Damnation he knows exactly what the ins and outs of the genre are. This is important to note because, in his latest film Americana, he destroys the known cliches and

SXSW Review: “Americana” Pop Icon Halsey Crushes In This Western Thriller Starring Sydney Sweeney & Paul Walter Hauser Read More »

Comedian Chelsea Handler Discusses Humor, Political Environment and Women’s Rights At SXSW Discussion Panel

On the opening day of SXSW Film Festival in Austin, TX, stand-up comedian and best-selling author Chelsea Handler delivered a powerful and hilarious statement on women’s rights and the nature of comedy in today’s political and social climate. Hosted with MSNBC host and former White House press secretary Jen Psaki, Handler opened up about the

Comedian Chelsea Handler Discusses Humor, Political Environment and Women’s Rights At SXSW Discussion Panel Read More »

SXSW Review: “If You Were The Last” Anthony Mackie & Zoe Chao Bring The Charm Back to Rom/Coms

Director Kristian Mercado’s latest film If You Were The Last starring Anthony Mackie and Zoe Chao harkens back to the old-school approach of Romantic Comedies. The trend lately in this genre has typically been more com than rom typically pushing cheap laughs with opposites who attract over a more realistic approach. If You Were The

SXSW Review: “If You Were The Last” Anthony Mackie & Zoe Chao Bring The Charm Back to Rom/Coms Read More »

10 Common Dialogue Mistakes You’re Probably Making

Your dialogue is the lifeblood of your screenplay. It’s what takes an average scene and turns it into something great. But when it comes to writing good dialogue, it can be helpful to know what hazards to avoid. In this article, we’ll discuss 10 common mistakes people make when writing their characters’ conversations—and how you can avoid them!

10 Common Dialogue Mistakes You’re Probably Making Read More »

Ep 28 – Directing & Writing Dave Made a Maze

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Intro: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what it takes to make

Ep 28 – Directing & Writing Dave Made a Maze Read More »

7 Terrifying Scripts You Must Read

#1 Get out A young African-American visits his white girlfriend’s parents for the weekend, where his simmering uneasiness about their reception of him eventually reaches a boiling point. Critic Consensus: Funny, scary, and thought-provoking, Get Out seamlessly weaves its trenchant social critiques into a brilliantly effective and entertaining horror/comedy thrill ride. Tomato Meter 98% Audience

7 Terrifying Scripts You Must Read Read More »

Film vs. Video Games – How Writing Their Scripts Can Be Similar (and Different)

Storytelling is as old as fire, perhaps older. No matter the medium, there is always a way to weave drama, suspense, comedy, and character into it. As screenwriters, we’re accustomed to weaving these elements into our features, pilots, and shorts. There is one storytelling medium that’s been on the rise in past decades. Video Games

Film vs. Video Games – How Writing Their Scripts Can Be Similar (and Different) Read More »

The Falcon & the Winter Soldier – A Tale of Two Villains

I’ll just preface this by saying I’m really enjoying “The Falcon & the Winter Soldier”, even more so than “Wandavision”, which started off slowly, built up really well, and then crapped the bed in its finale. I love the chemistry between Sam and Bucky, and Zemo has been a welcome addition (shades of Supernatural, with

The Falcon & the Winter Soldier – A Tale of Two Villains Read More »

How to Avoid a Pass on Your Script

BECOME A MEMBER & GET ACCESS TO: Screenwriting Courses Free Hollywood Screenplays to download Free Instructional Videos Uncut interviews with Industry Screenwriters Sponsors The Guide For Ever Screenwriter – (Paperback) (Free Ebook) We Fix Your Script – (Free Consultation) Script Summit Screenplay Contest – (Early Bird Submission) Keep in touch with The Successful Screenwriter Facebook

How to Avoid a Pass on Your Script Read More »

Yes, Screenwriting Structure Matters (8 Books To Help)

I have noticed lately there has been a push against screenwriting structure within the community. Those who push against structure as non conformists boast about breaking the rules of convention and creating from the heart. They argue that structure is stifling and limits their art. They encourage other writers to shirk away from structure. That

Yes, Screenwriting Structure Matters (8 Books To Help) Read More »

EP 26 – An Indie Filmmaking Conversation with Producer Damien Swaby

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Intro: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what

EP 26 – An Indie Filmmaking Conversation with Producer Damien Swaby Read More »

Harley Wallen: Detroit Filmmaker lands Streaming deal with Tale of Tails

Harley Wallen didn’t always want to be in the movie and TV business. Growing up in Sweden, he found martial arts to be his first passion. “That was my original art,” Wallen says adding that he was also a breakdancer on a TV show in Sweden similar to a cabaret/Donny Osmond-type show. From there, he

Harley Wallen: Detroit Filmmaker lands Streaming deal with Tale of Tails Read More »

EP25 – Making a Good Script Great with Linda Seger

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Intro: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what

EP25 – Making a Good Script Great with Linda Seger Read More »

David Winning: Storytelling and why getting pigeonholed into a specific genre is great

Every year, millions of households turn their television to the Hallmark Channel and watch the saccharine, sentimental films that are as predictable as they are romantic. It’s comfort food. It’s family fair. It’s a tradition. For the filmmakers who churned out the 41 Hallmark Christmas films premiering this year, it’s a challenge to create a

David Winning: Storytelling and why getting pigeonholed into a specific genre is great Read More »

EP24 – Developing Fauda, Now on Netflix

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Intro: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what

EP24 – Developing Fauda, Now on Netflix Read More »

Ep23 – Writing & Selling Drama Screenplays

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Intro: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what

Ep23 – Writing & Selling Drama Screenplays Read More »

Ep22 – Getting Exposure with Script Revolution

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Intro: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what

Ep22 – Getting Exposure with Script Revolution Read More »

Ep21 – Writing the Script for Final Destination with Jeffrey Reddick

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Intro: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what

Ep21 – Writing the Script for Final Destination with Jeffrey Reddick Read More »

Ep20 – Taking Advantage of the ISA as a Screenwriter with Craig James & Molly Kasch

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Intro: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what

Ep20 – Taking Advantage of the ISA as a Screenwriter with Craig James & Molly Kasch Read More »

Ep19 – Screenwriting and Directing Indie Film: The Shade Shepherd

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Intro: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what

Ep19 – Screenwriting and Directing Indie Film: The Shade Shepherd Read More »

Ep18 – How to Take Advantage of CoverFly and get on the Red List with Tom Dever

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Intro: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what

Ep18 – How to Take Advantage of CoverFly and get on the Red List with Tom Dever Read More »

Ep17 – An Actors Perspective with Vincent M. Ward

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Intro: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what

Ep17 – An Actors Perspective with Vincent M. Ward Read More »

Ep16 – Using Proper Format to Get Read by a Producer with Dave Trottier

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Intro: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what

Ep16 – Using Proper Format to Get Read by a Producer with Dave Trottier Read More »

Ep15 – How to use InkTip to Option Your Screenplay with Chris Cookson

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Intro: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what

Ep15 – How to use InkTip to Option Your Screenplay with Chris Cookson Read More »

Ep14 – Taking Advantage of a 48hr Film Fest with Jennifer Gentner

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Intro: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what

Ep14 – Taking Advantage of a 48hr Film Fest with Jennifer Gentner Read More »

Ep13 – How to Give and Receive Story Notes with Kevin Hanna

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Intro: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what

Ep13 – How to Give and Receive Story Notes with Kevin Hanna Read More »

Ep12 – How to Create a Strong Antagonist with Ryan Laplante

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Intro: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what

Ep12 – How to Create a Strong Antagonist with Ryan Laplante Read More »

Ep11 – Writing Screenplay Adaptation with JoAnn Hess

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Intro: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what

Ep11 – Writing Screenplay Adaptation with JoAnn Hess Read More »

Ep10 – Writing a Contained Thriller with Kelly Schwarze

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Intro: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what

Ep10 – Writing a Contained Thriller with Kelly Schwarze Read More »

Ep9 – What Attracts Hollywood Talent to a Screenplay Featuring Kevin Sorbo

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Intro: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what

Ep9 – What Attracts Hollywood Talent to a Screenplay Featuring Kevin Sorbo Read More »

Ep8 – How to Land an Agent with your Screenplay Feat. Marc Pariser

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Geoffrey: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what

Ep8 – How to Land an Agent with your Screenplay Feat. Marc Pariser Read More »

EP7 – Screenwriting For Screenplay Contests & Film Festivals with Kristina Michelle

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Geoffrey: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what

EP7 – Screenwriting For Screenplay Contests & Film Festivals with Kristina Michelle Read More »

EP6 – Screenwriting for Mobile Gaming with Ryan LaPlante

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Geoffrey: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what

EP6 – Screenwriting for Mobile Gaming with Ryan LaPlante Read More »

EP5 – Screenwriting from an Actors Perspective with Jess Paul

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFHpodcastnetwork.com Geoffrey: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting. Here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to discover just what

EP5 – Screenwriting from an Actors Perspective with Jess Paul Read More »

EP4 – Screenwriting for an Intellectual Property with Marlene Sharp

AUDIO OF THIS PODCAST IS AVAILABLE HERE You are listening to the IFH Podcast network for more amazing filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, just go to IFH podcast network Dotcom. Geoffrey: All right, welcome to the successful screenwriter podcast, where we are dedicated to anything and everything screenwriting here, we interview successful screenwriters and filmmakers to

EP4 – Screenwriting for an Intellectual Property with Marlene Sharp Read More »