Ep 294 - Breaking In to the Industry Without Breaking Down

Tommy Cresta from The Popcorn Podcast joins Geoffrey to talk about moving from reviewing movies to writing them. They dig into shopping a home-invasion feature called Trespass, ways to get eyes on your script, and the messy middle of creative burnout. The conversation also gets real about men’s mental health, eating disorders, and building support systems that keep you writing. Stick around for Alien and Predator franchise hot takes plus a peek at Tommy’s found-footage project and gaming content.If you are having thoughts of suicide or are in emotional distress, you are not alone.Call or text 988 in the U.S. to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for free, 24/7 confidential support.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodePractical ways to shop a first feature script without gatekeepersHow contests, listings, and “script for sale” pages can build momentumManaging burnout, depression, and isolation as a writerWhy community matters and how to find your tribeFranchise talk: Alien, Predator, and what’s worth studying as a writerKey Moments00:22 Welcome and the story behind Trespass02:19 From podcasting to screenwriting and finding purpose through writing06:38 Hitting rock bottom, NYU film training, and family support10:33 Men’s mental health, suicidal ideation, and reaching out for help16:14 A lighter turn: Alien, Predator, and finding inspiration in fandomAbout the GuestTommy Cresta is one half of The Popcorn Podcast. He reviews films, creates gaming content, and is shopping the home-invasion feature Trespass. He’s also developing a winter found-footage horror project and documenting a ghost investigation for his channel.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. He hosts The Successful Screenwriter podcast to empower writers and filmmakers at every level.Resources Mentioned in the EpisodeTrespass (feature script) and the strategy of listing scripts for purchase13Horror contest model for script visibilityAlien: RomulusThe Rookie (ABC)Hulu’s animated Predator filmNYU filmmaking program (as a career reset and skills boost)Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (U.S.)Connect with GuestThe Popcorn Podcast — YouTube and SpotifyInstagram: search “The Popcorn Podcast Tommy Cresta”Gaming and horror content on the same channelConnect with Geoffrey D. CalhounWebsite:thesuccessfulscreenwriter.comInstagram: @screenwriterpodYouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter #screenwriting #mentalhealth #suicideprevention #indiefilm #screenwriterpodcast #horror #Alien #Predator🎬 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!