EP 309 – Vertical Series Are Changing Indie Filmmaking Geoffrey D. Calhoun and Kristy Leigh return from a short hiatus with exciting news: they’re officially launching their new vertical series. In this episode, they discuss what it’s like to move from talking about filmmaking to actually producing a project together, including casting, crew building, and preparing for production. They also dive into a major industry shakeup involving the rumored Paramount and Warner Bros. consolidation, what it could mean for creators, and why the rise of vertical storytelling platforms may open new doors for independent filmmakers and screenwriters. Plus, Geoffrey and Kristy answer listener questions about writer’s block, creative doubt, genre preferences, writing habits, and surprising books that deserve film adaptations. If you're a screenwriter navigating the changing entertainment landscape, this conversation is packed with insight and perspective. What You’ll Learn in This Episode - Why vertical series may become a major opportunity for indie filmmakers - The difference between talking about filmmaking and actually producing a project - How to break through writer’s block and restart creative momentum - Why self-doubt is normal for writers at every level of their career - How major media mergers could reshape the future of film and television - The value of writing habits and routines for maintaining productivity Key Moments 00:20 – Geoffrey and Kristy return from hiatus and tease their new vertical series 02:05 – The origin of Elsy and why Geoffrey revived the script now 03:46 – The rumored vertical storytelling platforms for indie filmmakers 12:55 – Breaking through writer’s block and finding creative flow 19:20 – Should writers focus on one project or juggle multiple scripts? 22:33 – Dealing with doubt as a screenwriter 26:29 – Writing nonfiction stories and handling sensitive personal material About the Cohost 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 - Vertical storytelling platforms and mobile-first content - HBO series Primal Connect with Kristy Leigh Lussier Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kantoka127/ Watch Kristy’s vertical drama: https://www.reelshort.com/episodes/episode-1-the-witch-wolf-s-mate-68ed9142610032f6310d58cf-kauyyta9u7?play_time=1 Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun Website: https://www.thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/screenwriterpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesuccessfulscreenwriter #ScreenwritingPodcast #ScreenwritingTips #VerticalSeries #Filmmaking #IndieFilmmaker #Scriptwriting #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #WritingCommunity

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Ep 308 - How YouTubers Are Replacing Movie Stars In Episode 308, Geoffrey D. Calhoun and co-host Kristy Leigh Lussier dig into one of the biggest shifts happening in film right now: the rise of YouTubers as box office draws. Using Iron Lung as a case study, they unpack how creator-driven films are outperforming studio releases, why Hollywood is resisting transparency around indie success, and what this power shift means for filmmakers. They also tackle persistent screenwriting myths about page numbers and beat timing, break down writer’s block from a neurological perspective, and have a candid conversation about how AI should and should not be used in the writing process. What You’ll Learn in This Episode - Why YouTubers are now the real box office stars - How Iron Lung succeeded as a low-budget, single-location indie - The truth about page numbers, beat sheets, and rigid structure rules - Why writer’s block is often a physical response, not a creative failure - How AI can support writers without replacing them Key Moments - 00:20 – Seeing Iron Lung and why it works as contained horror - 02:25 – Why studios won’t release indie box office numbers - 04:22 – YouTubers as the new movie stars and marketing engines - 10:16 – The myth of hitting exact beats on exact page numbers - 22:23 – How AI should be used to help writers, not replace them About the Cohost Kristy Leigh Lussier is a filmmaker, producer, and screenwriter working in today’s independent film space. She brings a grounded, real-world perspective to writing craft, production realities, and industry shifts, especially where new media and traditional filmmaking collide. 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 - Iron Lung - Markiplier - Five Nights at Freddy’s - Snowpiercer - The Guide for Every Screenwriter - Screenplay - Story - The Writer’s Journey Connect with Kristy - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kantoka127/ - Vertical Drama: https://www.reelshort.com/episodes/episode-1-the-witch-wolf-s-mate-68ed9142610032f6310d58cf-kauyyta9u7?play_time=1 Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun - Website: https://www.thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/screenwriterpod - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesuccessfulscreenwriter #ScreenwritingPodcast #IndieFilm #IronLung #YouTubersInFilm #FilmIndustry #WriterLife #ScreenwritingAdvice #Filmmaking

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Bitter Ground: On Dissatisfaction, Bitterness, and Breaking Up the Bad Ground: In this episode of Write of Passage, Vanessa explores the deeper meaning of dissatisfaction—both on the page and in real life. She reflects on how creative frustration signals that it’s time to examine the bones of a story, from character motives and relationships to the lies they believe. Then she draws a powerful parallel to our lived experiences: how unaddressed dissatisfaction can root itself as bitterness, how bitterness spreads, and how healing requires honesty, boundaries, and letting go of the apology we may never receive. Through personal insight, humor, and lessons from Fire Sword and Sea, Vanessa invites listeners to break up the bitter ground, reconnect with their purpose, and keep moving forward with clarity and courage. Key Words: dissatisfaction, creativity, writer’s block, character development, emotional healing, bitterness, forgiveness, letting go, personal growth, storytelling craft, relationships, boundaries, Jacquotte Delahaye, Fire Sword and Sea, resilience, healing journey, self-reflection, writing process, creative life, overcoming obstacles

📣 New Podcast! "Bitter Ground: On Dissatisfaction, Bitterness, and Breaking Up the Bad Ground:" on @Spreaker #bitterness #block #boundaries #character #craft #creativity #delahaye #development #dissatisfaction #emotional #forgiveness #go #growth #healing #jacquotte #letting #personal #writer_s