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 Episode
- Practical ways to shop a first feature script without gatekeepers
- How contests, listings, and “script for sale” pages can build momentum
- Managing burnout, depression, and isolation as a writer
- Why community matters and how to find your tribe
- Franchise talk: Alien, Predator, and what’s worth studying as a writer
Key Moments
- 00:22 Welcome and the story behind Trespass
- 02:19 From podcasting to screenwriting and finding purpose through writing
- 06:38 Hitting rock bottom, NYU film training, and family support
- 10:33 Men’s mental health, suicidal ideation, and reaching out for help
- 16:14 A lighter turn: Alien, Predator, and finding inspiration in fandom
About the Guest
Tommy 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 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
- Trespass (feature script) and the strategy of listing scripts for purchase
- 13Horror contest model for script visibility
- Alien: Romulus
- The Rookie (ABC)
- Hulu’s animated Predator film
- NYU filmmaking program (as a career reset and skills boost)
- Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (U.S.)
Connect with Guest
- The Popcorn Podcast — YouTube and Spotify
- Instagram: search “The Popcorn Podcast Tommy Cresta”
- Gaming and horror content on the same channel
Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun
#screenwriting #mentalhealth #suicideprevention #indiefilm #screenwriterpodcast #horror #Alien #Predator
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