Ep 298 - Are You Letting Bad Advice Shape Your Script?

Geoffrey and Kristy tackle some of the worst “rules” floating around screenwriting circles. They break down why advice like “the audience must always be ahead of your characters” or “every line of dialogue needs action underneath it” can actually limit your voice and make your script feel stiff. They dig into Predator: Badlands, Prey, and the new Deathstalker, talk about empathy for monsters, building lore that feels lived in, and how theme and character relationships elevate genre. Then they answer questions on action description, page density, and when it actually makes sense to bend or break format. If you’ve ever felt boxed in by conflicting advice, this episode clears the fog and shows you how to keep scripts clean and professional without losing your styleWhat You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy some “never do this” rules are just personal preferencesHow to choose whether the audience is ahead of, equal to, or behind your charactersWhen dialogue stands fine on its ownHow to keep action lines tight while still revealing characterHow to bend format without looking sloppyKey Moments00:20 300th episode giveaway teaser00:57 Predator: Badlands, empathy for a Predator, and theme talk08:30 Breaking down the “audience must be ahead” myth11:59 Why dialogue doesn’t always need action underneath20:48 When breaking format is smart instead of sloppyAbout the GuestKristy Leigh Lussier is a screenwriter, director, and producer focused on character driven storytelling. She brings a director’s eye to structure, performance, and theme, and she joins Geoffrey in the weekly livestreams to help writers level up their craft.About the HostWith films on network television, streaming platforms, and in theaters, Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a screenwriter, author of The Guide for Every Screenwriter, and a mentor dedicated to helping writers grow. He hosts The Successful Screenwriter podcast to support filmmakers at every level.Resources Mentioned in the EpisodePredator: BadlandsPreyDeathstalkerPearl Harbor (screenplay example)Star Wars Episode III fight sceneConnect with KristyKristy on Instagram: @kantoka127Kristy’s vertical drama: The Witch Wolfs MateConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram:@screenwriterpod YouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriterIf this episode helped you rethink some of the “rules,” subscribe, leave a quick review, and share it with a writer who needs to hear it. Screenshot this episode, tag @screenwriterpod, and tell us one writing “rule” you’re ready to let go of. And keep an eye on Instagram for the 300th episode giveaway.#screenwriting #screenwritingpodcast #screenwritingtips #amwriting #scriptnotes #indiefilm #PredatorBadlands #Deathstalker #writingadvice Get Free Script Leads — be the first to know which producers are requesting scripts and accepting submissions.If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Share it with a fellow screenwriter who’d find it valuable!