Breaking into Screenwriting with Darren Geare

This week on the podcast we find out about breaking into screenwriting with Darren Geare. Along with his brother Jeff, known as the Geare Brothers, Darren co-wrote The Retaliators, a screenplay that landed on the prestigious Black List. The film was later optioned, produced, and had a successful festival run. We discussed the journey from script to screen, offering valuable insights for aspiring screenwriters.

Getting a Screenplay on the Black List

One of the biggest milestones in Darren’s career was getting The Retaliators onto the Black List. He shared how the script gained attention, the impact of being on the top list, and what it meant for his career. For writers wondering how to break into the industry, his experience is both inspiring and informative.

Negotiating a Screenplay Sale and Finding Representation

Selling a screenplay is a complex process, and Darren walked me through how he and Jeff found representation and negotiated their first deal. We explored the challenges of securing an option and what writers should expect when navigating contracts and industry negotiations.

The Production Process and Problem-Solving on Set

Darren was closely involved in the production of The Retaliators, which came with its own set of challenges. He discussed what it was like being on set, working through unexpected problems, and ensuring the film stayed on track. His hands-on experience provides key lessons for writers looking to transition into producing.

Promoting a Film and Running the Festival Circuit

After production wrapped, The Retaliators had a highly successful festival run, including screenings at Fright Fest. Darren shared how he and his team promoted the film and managed reviews. For filmmakers looking to get their work noticed, his approach to publicity and festival strategy is full of useful takeaways.

Check out The Retaliators here: https://www.retaliatorsmovie.com

More about The Black List: https://blcklst.com

Watch The Apocalypse Box now: https://amberpictures.co.uk/the-apoca…

Find out more about screenwriting with How to Write a Commercial Screenplay with Lucy V. Hay