#18 - Leah and Angel Interview Geoffrey Calhoun - Pt 1

What It Covers

Geoffrey Calhoun, dyslexic screenwriter turned bestselling author and instructor, shares his twenty-year journey from accidental writer to craft expert, covering story structure fundamentals, pitching strategies, and sustainable career-building approaches for screenwriters.

Key Questions Answered

• •Story Architecture Foundation: Build scripts from concept (core idea), then theme (moral meaning), then character as living embodiment of theme, with supporting characters as thematic variations and villain as antithesis—this pyramid structure creates depth beyond surface-level ideas.
• •Timeline Reality Check: Expect seven to ten years of serious, consistent work before making it as a screenwriter. The craft requires time, talent (which can be developed), and tenacity—quitting before mastering fundamentals guarantees failure in this competitive field.
• •Genre Flexibility Strategy: Avoid limiting yourself to one genre because market demand shifts unpredictably. Study multiple genres by breaking down their specific beats and mechanisms, then bridge between related genres (horror to horror-comedy to comedy) to expand marketability and survive industry cycles.
• •Pitching Beyond Concept: Pitch yourself and your personal connection to the story, not just the script idea. Explain why you specifically wrote this material and what unique perspective you bring—hitting decision-makers on a human level opens more doors than concept alone.