The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun: Screenwriting Podcast

• Ep 269 - Joe Carnahan on Shadow Force, Boss Level, and Making Movies That Matter

  In this powerhouse episode, Smokin’ Aces, Narc, and The Grey director Joe Carnahan joins Geoffrey to talk shop. From making Boss Level—his personal “Raiders”—to breaking down his new film Shadow Force, Joe shares unfiltered insight into filmmaking, casting across cultures, and why fun on set brings out the best work. This one’s packed with wisdom and stories you won’t hear anywhere else.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Boss Level became Joe’s most personal filmWhat inspired Shadow Force and how it came togetherJoe’s perspective on diversity, identity, and creative freedomThe importance of joy and collaboration on setHis advice to young filmmakers in today’s industryKey Moments:02:05 – Joe discusses the emotional weight behind Boss Level02:17 – The making of Shadow Force and working with a diverse cast06:07 – Joe and Geoffrey reflect on working across demographics with respect10:17 – Why joy on set creates better work13:04 – Assembling the cast for Shadow Force15:26 – A candid discussion about Detroit, tax incentives, and lost opportunities17:12 – Joe’s no-nonsense advice to aspiring filmmakersAbout the Guest: Joe Carnahan is a writer/director known for bold, high-impact films like Smokin’ Aces, Narc, The Grey, and Boss Level. Known for his fearless storytelling and energetic direction, Carnahan brings heart and grit to everything he touches.About the Host: With films on network television and streaming platforms, Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a screenwriter, author of The Guide for Every Screenwriter, and passionate about teaching others to succeed in the industry.Resources Mentioned in the Episode:Boss Level (Hulu)Shadow Force (Lionsgate – Theatrical release May 9, 2025)The Guide for Every Screenwriter by Geoffrey D. CalhounConnect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:Podcast WebsiteInstagram @screenwriterpodTikTok @screenwriterpodYouTube @thesuccessfulscreenwriterIf you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, share, and leave us a review. Want to take your screenwriting to the next level?Visit TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.com and become a member today!#JoeCarnahan #BossLevel #ShadowForce #SmokinAces #ScreenwritingPodcast #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #GeoffreyDCalhoun #FilmmakingTips #IndieFilm #HollywoodDirector #PodcastInterview

  --------  

  20:01
• EP 268 - Inside the making of Yellowjackets with Director Ben Semanoff

  This week, we welcome the talented Ben Semanoff to the show. Ben has directed episodes of Yellowjackets, Ozark, and Tulsa King and even appeared in Stranger Things. We dive into his incredible experience directing the unforgettable "Edible Complex" episode of Yellowjackets, his return for season three, and his approach to adapting across genres. Ben also shares an inspiring look into his journey from camera operator to director and offers invaluable advice for aspiring filmmakers.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Ben directed one of the most talked-about episodes of YellowjacketsBehind-the-scenes challenges of shooting intense scenes with practical effectsAdapting to different styles when directing across multiple hit showsWhy understanding the "language" of filmmaking is essentialPractical advice for building a career in the film industryKey Moments:(00:00) Geoffrey welcomes Ben Seminoff to the show(01:13) Breaking down the intense "Edible Complex" episode of Yellowjackets(05:55) Transitioning into Season Three and working with Hilary Swank(08:31) How Ben adapts his directing style across Yellowjackets, Ozark, and Tulsa King(14:30) What is next for Ben Seminoff, including Black Rabbit on NetflixAbout the Guest: Ben Semanoff is an accomplished director and former camera operator known for his work on hit series like Yellowjackets, Ozark, Tulsa King, and Stranger Things. With over 25 years in the industry, Ben brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and artistry to every project he touches.About the Host: Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a screenwriter, best-selling author of The Guide for Every Screenwriter, and host of The Successful Screenwriter podcast. With films airing on network television and streaming platforms, Geoffrey is passionate about helping screenwriters build lasting careers.Resources Mentioned in the Episode:Yellowjackets Season 3Black Rabbit (coming to Netflix)Severance on Apple TV+Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:WebsiteInstagram @screenwriterpodTikTok @screenwriterpodIf you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and leave a review. Every bit helps spread the word and supports more amazing conversations like this. Stay inspired and keep writing!Hashtags: #Screenwriting #PodcastInterview #Yellowjackets #Ozark #TulsaKing #BlackRabbit #FilmDirecting #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter

  --------  

  19:35
• Ep 267 - Breaking the Blacklist: Frank Monteleone’s Script Summit Success Story

  Frank Monteleone, winner of Best TV Pilot at Script Summit 2022, joins Geoffrey to share how that win lit a fire under his career. From scoring high on The Black List to attaching IP and navigating the WGA strike, Frank’s story is a masterclass in strategy, persistence, and smart networking.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why winning Script Summit was a turning point for FrankHow Frank “broke” The Black List with high scores and free evalsAttaching IP to elevate your spec scriptThe smart way to revise and polish a winning pilotWhy networking (and Twitter) still matters in 2025Key Moments:01:33 – How Script Summit and a Twitter post attracted producers04:58 – Frank’s high Black List scores (and how he scored free evals)07:50 – Forming a producing team just before the WGA strike12:40 – How Frank secured an option agreement with Yale18:44 – The scene tweak that elevated an already award-winning scriptAbout the Guest:Frank Monteleone is the writer behind Candlestick Men, a Russian-American crime pilot that earned Best TV Pilot at Script Summit 2022. A rising talent with a pragmatic approach, Frank is blending research, IP, and polished craft to bring his stories to screens.About the Host: With films on network television and streaming platforms, Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a screenwriter, author of The Guide for Every Screenwriter, and a passionate instructor helping writers find success through his podcast and screenplay contest, Script Summit. Resources Mentioned in the Episode:Script Summit ContestThe Black ListThe Vory by Mark Galeotti (Yale University Press)Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:Website: TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodTikTok: @screenwriterpodYouTube: The Successful ScreenwriterEnjoyed this episode? Leave a review, share it with a screenwriter friend, and don’t forget to subscribe for more insider stories from the industry.Want your script read by industry pros? Submit to Script Summit before the June 15 deadline!#Screenwriting #ScriptSummit #TheBlacklist #TVPilot #ScreenwriterJourney #WGAstrike #FrankMonteleone #GeoffreyDCalhoun #WritingTips

  --------  

  27:32
• Ep 266 - Creating On Call: From Short Form Concept to Amazon Prime Hit

  Geoffrey D. Calhoun sits down with Tim Walsh (Chicago P.D.) and Elliot Wolf, the creators behind the new hit police procedural On Call, now streaming on Amazon Prime and Freevee. They dive into the show’s unique origin, its five-year development journey, and how they reimagined the procedural format. If you're writing a TV pilot or dreaming of your own series, this episode is a must-listen.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The origin story of On Call and its evolution from a Quibi conceptHow the creators reinvented the half-hour procedural for modern audiencesThe importance of strong character dynamics over traditional plot arcsHow to navigate studio notes while protecting creative visionAdvice for emerging screenwriters trying to break into TVKey Moments:02:24 – Reinventing the half-hour procedural03:32 – Tim Walsh on joining the project and developing Harmon’s character05:03 – The show’s unconventional structure and research-driven approach08:29 – Character-driven serialization vs. case-of-the-week storytelling10:55 – Navigating studio notes and political sensitivities14:50 – Real-world advice for spec writers trying to break inAbout the Guests:Tim Walsh is a veteran TV writer and producer with credits including Chicago P.D.. As showrunner of On Call, he brings years of procedural storytelling expertise.Elliot Wolf is the co-creator of On Call, originally developing the show as a Quibi short-form series before adapting it for traditional TV.About the Host:Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a screenwriter with produced works on television and streaming platforms. He is the author of The Guide for Every Screenwriter and the host of The Successful Screenwriter, where he interviews industry pros and shares insider tips to help writers level up.Resources Mentioned in the Episode:On Call TV SeriesConnect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:WebsiteInstagram @screenwriterpodTikTok @screenwriterpodIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, share, and review the show! Subscribe for more insider interviews and screenwriting strategies to help you grow your craft and career.#Screenwriting #OnCallSeries #TVWriting #AmazonPrime #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #GeoffreyDCalhoun #ProceduralDrama #WritersLife #ScriptwritingTips #TVDevelopment

  --------  

  19:06
• Ep 265 - Script Leads & How to Break Into the Industry Without an Agent

  In this special livestream episode, Geoffrey D. Calhoun dives into real-time producer script requests you can submit to for free! He also hosts an in-depth Q&A on the challenges of finding reps, breaking into Hollywood, indie filmmaking, crafting undeniable scripts, and more. Honest, unfiltered, and inspiring—this episode is a must-listen for screenwriters at every level.🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Where to find current script requests (for free)The reality of working with agents and managersWhy local connections can be more powerful than Hollywood tiesWhat makes a script undeniably greatHow to approach dialogue and rewrite it with subtextTips for finding work as a reader or starting in the industry⏱️ Key Moments:(00:00) Geoffrey welcomes listeners & explains free producer script requests(04:45) Script request: Set in Newfoundland—opportunity for Canadian writers(06:30) Script request: Low-budget detective/missing person thriller(12:50) Q&A: A writer’s concern about their agent not delivering(18:40) The ladder of success: From aspiring to sought-after screenwriter(23:15) Building relationships with local indie filmmakers(30:00) From good to great: How one note changed everything(36:10) Best way to write dialogue with depth and voice(45:00) Is hiring a co-writer worth it vs. learning the craft yourself?(50:00) Writing with theme: How to unlock a stuck story(56:30) Contest spotlight: Submit to Script Summit & pitch on the podcast!👤 About the Host: With films on network TV and streaming platforms, Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a screenwriter, award-winning author of The Guide for Every Screenwriter, founder of Script Summit, and host of The Successful Screenwriter. He’s passionate about helping writers unlock their potential and break into the industry.📚 Resources Mentioned in the Episode:TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.com Blog – Free script requests & pitching tipsScript Summit Contest – Submit your script to win prizes & pitch on the showThe Guide for Every Screenwriter – Available here🤝 Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:🌐 Podcast Website📸 Instagram @screenwriterpod🎬 TikTok @screenwriterpod📣 If you found value in this episode, like, share, and leave a review—and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an opportunity or insight from the industry.#ScreenwritingTips #ScriptOpportunities #FreeScriptCalls #ScreenwriterPodcast #ScriptSummit #IndieFilm #HowToScreenwrite #BreakingIn #ScreenplayStructure #TheGuideForEveryScreenwriter

  --------  

  28:30

More TV & Film podcasts

Trending TV & Film podcasts

About The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun: Screenwriting Podcast