“No one is better than Michael Hauge at finding what is most authentic in every moment of a story.”
Will Smith
Men in Black, Ali, The Pursuit of Happiness, Hitch, I Am Legend, Hancock
“In a field choked with alleged ‘script doctors,’ Michael Hauge remains the surest, most sensible alternative. When I pick up the phone for help, he’s the call I make.”
Shane Black
Screenwriter: Lethal Weapon 1 & 2, The Last Boy Scout; The Long Kiss Goodnight; screenwriter/director: Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
“Don’t come to Hollywood without reading [Writing Screenplays That Sell,] because everyone else has.”
Terry Rossio
Co-writer: Shrek; Pirates of the Caribbean 1,2,3 & 4
“Michael Hauge’s method is magic but, unlike most magicians, he shows you how the trick is done.”
William Link
Screenwriter & Co-creator: Columbo, Murder, She Wrote
“What Michael Hauge does seems quite simple but is in fact quite rare. He takes your ideas and makes them better.”
Christopher Murphey
Screenwriter: The Karate Kid; Body of Proof
“By far the best screenwriting book I’ve ever read. Michael Hauge’s wise and humane approach to story and character development is the only one that consistently works for me. I make sure to consult this book whenever I begin a project – and again when I run into trouble. Writing Screenplays That Sell will not only help you write a screenplay that has a chance of selling, it’ll help you write a movie worth watching.”
Bob Fisher
Screenwriter: Wedding Crashers; We’re the Millers; Screenwriter/Executive Producer: Mixed Signals
“Michael Hauge’s principles and methods are so well argued that the mysteries of effective screenwriting can be understood – even by directors.”
Phillip Noyce
Director: Patriot Games, Clear and Present Danger, Salt
“Props to Michael Hauge, who once again advances his timeless insights, this time into perhaps the most under-utilized tool in the professional writer’s war chest: the telephone pitch. Armed with his savvy methods, you’ll commandeer the meaningful consideration you and your work deserve.”
Diane Cairns
Producer; Screenwriter; Former Senior VP: ICM; former Senior VP of Production, Universal Pictures
“Michael Hauge brings rare psychological insight to screenplay theory, and will help you make your stories more believable and more emotionally effective.”
Christopher Vogler
Story consultant; author: The Writer’s journey: Mythic Structure for Writers.
“I met Michael through Will Smith, who brought him in as a consultant when we were developing The Karate Kid for me to direct. I have asked for his input and guidance on every project I’ve done since. To sit with Michael Hauge week after week was an incredibly enlightening experience. He constantly brought us back to what the process should be. Michael doesn’t think about who you are or what your position is; he speaks up for the story. Everyone who works with him thinks it’s amazing how matter-of-factly he makes the script better. He has the ability to take a step back and see the core of the story you want to tell. He always finds that intersection between the plot and the hero’s emotional journey. Michael also speaks a language that makes sense – it’s not all theory. And he has a great sense of humor, which is a wonderful way to get his message across. Any time I think I’m stuck in a corner, Michael will move some things around and suddenly the script works.”
Harald Zwart
Director: The Karate Kid; Agent Cody Banks; The Pink Panther II; The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones; Executive Producer: Kon-Tiki
“Michael’s unique way of discussing plot and character arc are unrivaled…”
Kristan Higgins
Multiple Rita Award recipient: Too Good To Be True; Catch of the Day; The Next Best Thing
“When Michael Hauge speaks, people listen. Not only does he take complete command of any room, you’ll know in your very first moments with him just how deep and powerful his understanding of story and character are. He can break down his unique approach in ways that are both effective and inspiring. His passion will reel you in, his charm and presence will keep you entertained. But it’s his boundless knowledge of everything he talks about that’s the real game changer for his audiences.”
Lee Jessup
Career Coach for Professional and Aspiring Screenwriters
“I have brought Michael in on numerous projects in all genres – his stature is above and beyond anybody I’ve worked with. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of movies and the industry, and his demeanor is great – he is gentle and generous and doesn’t bring any judgment to the table. Writers, directors and producers all love working with him, because with Michael, it’s never about him; it’s about the writer and about the story. Working with Michael gives your screenplay the best shot it has of getting financed.”
Phillip Bowman
Award winning UK and Australian television producer: Minder ( ITV Britain); Crossroads (ITV Britain); Hard Cases (ITV Britain); Lizzie’s Library (ATOM award best drama); Mortified (AFI award best kids drama New York Gold and Grand Awards winner and International Emmy nominee)
“Since he was recommended to us by Screen Australia, we have worked with Michael on three projects. He brings a candid, independent and compellingly fresh perspective to the work. He keenly understands how films are made and has a strong, global perspective. Michael is very collaborative. While he has distinct opinions, he draws out even reticent collaborators to express and think about options, and shapes conversations organically, never didactically. Michael’s personal dedication, sincerity and availability are qualities we haven’t found with anyone else of his caliber. Our team and I always look forward to our sessions.”
Murray Pope
Producer: The Last Reel; Black Echoes; A Murder of Crows
“Michael adds immeasurable value to any screenplay. He asks all the questions one should be asking but hasn’t. He’s a neutral voice, and helps the story and characters make sense when everyone else is too close to see them clearly. He establishes great trust by taking in all the points of view in the room – writer, producer, director and actor. But in the end he is always on the side of the story. Michael is the rock star of consultants.”
Jessica Postigo
Screenwriter: House of the Scorpion (WB); Operation Checkmate (Sony); Book of the Dead (WB); Mortal Instruments: City of Bones; Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes (Constantin/Sony Pictures); Tarzan 3D (Constantin)
“It’s very easy to reduce writing principles to formulas, but for Michael, formula follows function. He has a very practiced sense of what makes a story work, but he is also deeply committed to discovering the story that you want to write. He starts every coaching session by asking questions. He never makes assumptions about your story, and instead finds out what you want your story to be. Michael is much more interested in getting your story right than in being right. If he says your story isn’t working, then it’s probably not working. But he can help you fix it.”
Shelley Evans
Screenwriter (CBS, Showtime, Lifetime, Hallmark)
“When Michael coached me on my screenplay, he would never say, “You should do it like this,” but rather would find out what I wanted my script to be and guide me to that point. He was able to question my work without it feeling like a critique. Sometimes the silence from his end of the phone could make me feel self-conscious and I would feel compelled to talk, but I soon realized that he was just listening and processing information. He never said anything that wasn’t deeply considered. Working with Michael is like seeing a good counselor: he doesn’t just tell you your problems; he listens to you and then offers solutions. He draws the best out of you.”
Charlie Clausen
Screenwriter: The Wake; Blackwood
“I wouldn’t have made any of the progress I’ve made in my career without Michael’s genuine support for me as a serious writer. The first time I worked with Michael I was terrified. But once we got going, it was as if he placed a steadying and encouraging hand on my back urging me to go forward, do better, try harder. He simply said: “You’re working with me, and therefore you are a professional writer. Let’s get on with it.” And so I did. Michael’s primary concern is keeping the writer connected to the project. Implicit in that is that the writer can be trusted to come up with workable solutions. He is interested in the heart of the story, and how the writer connects to it. He understands and respects the fact that the writer is (consciously or unconsciously) revealing something of herself – no matter what the project or genre. He will bring out the creative best in you.”
Ruth Estelle
Producer; Screenwriter; Former Senior VP: ICM; former Senior VP of Production, Universal Pictures
Michael is a genius with movies – when you have a problem or think you’ve come up with something clever, he will have a cinematic reference for it going back 20-30 years. Michael breaks things down into percentages, but he doesn’t lock into any formula. His ideas grow out of a character’s identity and essence, which is a more organic approach to story structure. He is very gentle but he’s not soft – he sticks to his guns when you have a problem. But when he does, he’s fighting for the story, not his opinion. And he doesn’t give up on you if you don’t agree.
Geoff Redknap
Writer/director: Hangfire; The Auburn Hills Breakdown