The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun: Screenwriting Podcast

• Ep 272 - From Nicholl Semifinalist to Feature Film: Evan Ari Kelman on 'Barron’s Cove'

  In this powerful episode, writer-director Evan Ari Kelman joins Geoffrey to discuss his feature debut Barron’s Cove, a gripping thriller that dives into the aftermath of a child's death and the generational trauma left behind. Evan breaks down how real-life inspiration, personal loss, and years of screenwriting study culminated in this bold indie film. From battling Catch-22 casting challenges to landing major talent like Garrett Hedlund and Steven Lang, Evan shares what it really takes to make your first feature — and why sometimes, you just have to write it yourself.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How personal experience shaped the themes of Barron’s CoveTips for breaking through with your first feature filmThe truth about casting name talent as a first-time directorScreenwriting resources and tools that made a differenceWhy submitting to the Nicholl Fellowship can still open doorsKey Moments:00:00 – Geoffrey introduces Evan Ari Kelman and Barron’s Cove00:43 – The inspiration behind the film’s dark, emotional premise05:48 – Lessons learned from developing Evan’s first feature script13:11 – How Evan cast major stars and overcame industry obstacles17:56 – Advice for new filmmakers ready to make their first feature20:04 – How being a Nicholl semifinalist led to production supportAbout the Guest:Evan Ari Kelman is a writer and director whose feature debut Barron’s Cove explores grief, justice, and the scars of generational trauma. A graduate of NYU’s film program, Evan has written and directed multiple award-winning shorts. His work blends grounded emotion with high-stakes storytelling, aiming to challenge audiences while remaining deeply personal. Barron’s Cove premieres June 6 in select theaters and on VOD.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.Connect with the Guest:📸 Instagram: @EvKelm🎥 Barron’s Cove releases June 6 in select theaters and on VODConnect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun: 🌐 The Successful Screenwriter Podcast Website📸 Instagram: @screenwriterpod🎵 TikTok: @screenwriterpodEnjoyed the episode? Like, share, and subscribe to The Successful Screenwriter! Comment your thoughts on our IG!#BarronsCove #ScreenwritingTips #IndieFilm #EvanAriKelman #FilmPodcast #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #GeoffreyDCalhoun #NichollFellowship #FilmmakingAdvice #WritingThroughTrauma

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• Ep 271 - The Street Party That Shook a Nation – Jose Maria Cabral on 42nd Street

  In this powerful episode, Geoffrey D. Calhoun sits down with acclaimed Dominican filmmaker Jose Maria Cabral to explore his groundbreaking hybrid documentary 42nd Street. The film showcases a grassroots art and music movement born out of the Capotillo neighborhood—a community stigmatized by violence but transformed through relentless creativity and self-expression. From razor blade dances to government crackdowns, this episode dives into the story of a 24/7 street party that became a symbol of survival and resistance.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How 42nd Street captures a real-time cultural revolution in CapotilloThe power of art as survival in marginalized communitiesWhy Jose lived in Capotillo during the writing of the filmHow to approach hybrid documentaries with both realism and careJose’s advice for aspiring documentariansKey Moments:00:28 – Geoffrey welcomes Jose Maria Cabral to the podcast01:08 – The origins of the 42nd Street movement and its defiance of government control05:11 – The razor blade dance and its symbolism of survival09:49 – How creating the documentary changed Jose personally and creatively14:22 – Jose’s unique tip: filming a “research documentary” before productionAbout the Guest:Jose Maria Cabral is an award-winning Dominican filmmaker known for his bold storytelling and social commentary. His latest hybrid documentary 42nd Street has received multiple screenings at South by Southwest, highlighting a vibrant underground movement in Capotillo. Jose’s commitment to authenticity and immersive filmmaking continues to shine a light on unheard voices.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:42nd Street DocumentaryThe Guide for Every ScreenwriterConnect with the Guest:Instagram – @josemariacabralIMDb – Jose Maria CabralConnect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:Podcast WebsiteInstagram @screenwriterpodTikTok @screenwriterpodEnjoyed the episode? Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Share this with a filmmaker or screenwriter who needs to hear Jose’s incredible story of art through adversity.#42ndStreetFilm #JoseMariaCabral #Capotillo #SXSW2025 #HybridDocumentary #ScreenwritingPodcast #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #GeoffreyDCalhoun #IndieFilm #DocLife #StreetArt #CreativeResistance #PartyThatNeverStops

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• Ep 270 – Band on the Run: How 3 Friends Made a Feature in 8 Days

  Geoffrey sits down with director Jeff Hupp and assistant directors Brian Cusac and Merritt Fritchie, the creative team behind the indie comedy Band on the Run. They share how they turned a pandemic-era script into a completed feature film—shot in just eight days. From grassroots funding to casting Detroit talent and landing distribution, this episode is a masterclass in passion-driven filmmaking.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to fund your indie film through professional connectionsWhy a tight script is key to fast-paced productionsWhat makes a multi-director team actually workHow Detroit’s creative community rallied behind the projectThe honest truth about indie film distributionKey Moments:00:30 – The script that started it all02:45 – Securing funding through local connections05:24 – First reactions to reading the script06:01 – Shooting a feature in just 8 days07:16 – Casting Larry Bagby and local Detroit talent09:14 – Community support and free locations11:34 – Directing as a team of three15:27 – Why they chose Freestyle Digital Media for distribution17:29 – Navigating QC and post-production headaches20:00 – Teasing their next film set on Mackinac Island About the Guests:Jeff Hupp is the writer and director of Band on the Run. Brian Cusac and Merritt Fritchie served as assistant directors and longtime creative collaborators. With deep experience in advertising and a shared love of music and film, the trio brought their vision to life through teamwork, local support, and relentless passion.About the Host:With films on network television and streaming platforms, Geoffrey is a screenwriter, author of The Guide for Every Screenwriter, and passionate about teaching.Resources Mentioned in the Episode:Band on the Run Official WebsiteFollow @bandontherunmovie on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTokConnect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:Podcast WebsiteInstagram @screenwriterpodTikTok @screenwriterpodEnjoyed the episode? Like, share, review, and subscribe for more behind-the-scenes filmmaking stories and screenwriting insights. #BandOnTheRunMovie #IndieFilm #ScreenwritingPodcast #DetroitFilm #BehindTheScenes #GeoffreyDCalhoun #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #IndieFilmmaking #FilmmakerLife

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• 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

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• 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

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