Screenwriting legend Paul Chitlik joins Geoffrey to reveal why so many screenwriters struggle to break through and how to finally rise above the noise. They discuss the biggest mistakes writers make, why rewriting is the key to success, and how to craft stories and characters that truly stand out in today’s industry. Paul also shares insights from his new book, The Screenwriting Sensei, and how embracing structure (and knowing when to break it) can take your writing to the next level.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Why “good” scripts still get ignored in Hollywood
- The secret to developing characters readers actually remember
- How to master structure—then break it the right way
- What today’s changing film industry means for screenwriters
- Why rewriting 20+ times might be your key to success
Key Moments:
- (00:35) The origins of The Screenwriting Sensei
- (04:00) Why the business keeps changing but story doesn’t
- (06:16) What makes a story truly work
- (10:22) How to use (and break) traditional structure
- (16:25) The truth about rewrites and patience in screenwriting
About the Guest:
Paul Chitlik is an award-winning screenwriter, author, and educator with decades of experience writing for film and television. His new book, The Screenwriting Sensei: A Complete Guide to Writing Your First Script, offers writers practical lessons and exercises to master the craft from page one.
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:
- The Screenwriting Sensei by Paul Chitlik — Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and MWP.com (25% discount at MWP)
- The Guide for Every Screenwriter by Geoffrey D. Calhoun
Connect with Guest:
Website: https://www.paulchitlik.com
Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:
#ScreenwritingPodcast #ScreenwritingTips #ScreenwritingPainPoints #ScreenwriterAdvice #TheScreenwritingSensei #PaulChitlik #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter
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