Ep 300 - How to Fix a Boring Act 2

We are celebrating our big 300th episode with in depth craft talk and our giveaway. Kristy breaks down seeing Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 in a packed theater, what real fan service looks like, and why understanding the assignment with IP can matter more than chasing four quadrant appeal. Geoffrey shares his hot take on Wicked For Good and why character motivation has to make emotional sense or the whole story starts to wobble. We talk about Netflix buying Warner Bros, what consolidation could mean for theaters and for working writers, and why packed screenings still matter. From there we dig into real listener questions, including what to do when your second act is boring in a contained script, how subplots keep a story alive, why cutting to the antagonist is a secret weapon, and why you should master features before jumping into pilots and series. If you are stuck in act two, worried your work is not ready, or wondering how to get your script seen when you feel like you live in the middle of nowhere, this milestone episode is for you. What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow to tell if your script is truly ready to be “out there”Practical ways to fix a boring second act in a contained storyWhy subplots and antagonists keep your pages from going flatThe real difference between features and pilots, and why that mattersWhat fandom driven hits like Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 can teach you about IP and audienceKey Moments00:20 – Celebrating episode 300 and announcing the big giveaway prizes01:12 – Kristy’s breakdown of Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 and writing for fandoms06:45 – Geoffrey’s Wicked 2 hot take, grief, and the missed John Wick moment12:17 – Netflix buying Warner Bros, what this means for theaters and writers23:42 – Listener question, how to fix a boring second act in a limited settingAbout the CoHostKristy Leigh is a writer, director, and co host of the show. She works in film and television, writes and directs vertical drama such as The Witch Wolf’s Mate for ReelShort, and helps writers level up their scripts through feedback and development.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 passionate mentor in the industry. His mission is to inspire and empower writers and filmmakers at every level.Resources Mentioned in the EpisodeThe Guide For Every ScreenwriterFive Nights at Freddy’s 2Wicked For GoodInkTipScreenX and 4D style theatrical screeningsConnect with GuestKristy on Instagram:@kantoka127Kristy’s vertical drama The Witch Wolf’s MateConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWebsite: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter#ScreenwritingPodcast #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #ScreenwritingTips #SecondActProblems #BadScreenwritingAdvice #KristyLeigh #VirtualGeoffrey #InkTip #FiveNightsAtFreddys #WickedMovie 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!