"I can only speak of Michael as I know him, as a good friend and a highly-regarded colleague. I’ve always found his script notes to be invaluable, because he comes from a place where many script consultants don’t. First and foremost, he has a deep love (some would say obsession) with movies, so he knows all of the elements that go into making a strong script. And as a film critic, he looks at a script with a unique perspective, but he’s not critical for the sake of being critical. This ties into the other thing which makes Michael special: He loves to see other writers succeed. So he brings his vast knowledge and insight to every script he reads, in order to help make your script the best it can be. He truly wants your script to not only sing creatively, but also to see it get made."
RYAN GREGORY PHILLIPS :: Screenwriter | Filmmaker
"Before I even type the words, 'The End', Michael Klug pops into my head. He's the first and only source I go to for my writing. From plot lines and structure to character development and plot twists, Michael knows it all. The other fantastic thing about Michael is that he can help you work through your creative blocks. I've been at my wit's end, stuck with no hope in sight, and Michael always finds a way to get me to open up. He will sit for hours and spitball ideas, and then BOOM! I'm back on track, and once again, Michael has saved the day and my sanity. He is my secret weapon in this industry and has never steered me wrong. If Michael stands behind it, you know that you genuinely have something special."
JONNA JACKSON :: Assistant Director @ FilmQuest | Producer | Script Editor
"I’ve worked with Michael on a myriad of scripts, tapping into his exceptionally creative mind. His consummate command of the written word, along with his cunning development of character depth (and breadth), make him a world class storyteller. He has a natural agility to maneuver through complicated plots and scenes to help reshape them in a way where story is enhanced. Michael also possesses a unique ability to express passion whilst remaining objective, and not letting ego drive his words. His years of experience as a film critic, his cinephile recall, his own varied work written from story to script; these things, and so much more, make him near perfect as a story consultant and editor."
MONTE LIGHT :: Screenwriter | Filmmaker
"I consider Michael Klug my first line of success as a filmmaker. By that I mean, I trust his advice on any new screenplay I’ve written, before I show it to anyone else. He’s the 'go to' guy. He knows structure and truthful character arcs. He has an ear for clear, realistic dialogue. Whenever Michael gives you notes, they always perfect the final product. And if Michael believes you’ve written something that works, I guarantee you the industry will agree."
LIBBY BAKER :: Actor | Screenwriter | Filmmaker
"Michael breathes the movie industry and he has an encyclopedic knowledge, and true passion for its unique form of storytelling. He is a living IMDb! His expertise on genre, form, style, structure and character is beyond impressive. He is my first call when I need advice on a project and his feedback is always insightful, constructive, creative and inspiring. You can't go wrong working with Michael!"
CRIT KILLEN :: Adjunct Professor of Screenwriting: Utah Valley University
"Michael Klug has proven himself to be a seasoned and knowledgeable screenwriter. I have been impressed with his style and proficiency in the art and craft of the screenplay. I regularly use his work in my university screenwriting classes as a positive example of not only writing style but of story concept, structure and flow. Michael's attention to detail is impeccable. I believe this comes partly from his deep love of cinema but also as a result of his extensive repertoire and knowledge of films and filmmaking styles. One only has to read any of Michael's reviews to know that you will receive clear, thorough, detailed, and productive feedback. Michael sticks to specifics when diving into a project, avoiding opinion in lieu of actual point by point items that may be hindering a good story from becoming great! Michael is the first name I think of when needing script feedback!"
EDWARD & MELISSA LYONS :: Filmmakers | Screenwriters
"If you’re stuck and need a kick in the pants to get your script into shape, Michael Klug's script notes are just what the doctor ordered. It doesn't get any better than having a highly respected film critic assessing your script. Michael was without a doubt the secret weapon we'd been looking for."
STEVE NEWMAN :: Screenwriter | Filmmaker | Actor
"Michael's great strength is that he gives feedback on the script you've written - not the script he thinks you should write. It sounds obvious, but so many people don't do that. The notes they give are on the movie they want to direct or the movie they wish they'd written themselves. In twenty years as a professional writer I've met a handful of people who possess the ability to give constructive feedback on other people's writing, without trying to insert their own voice or change it into something else entirely - he's one of them. He'll meet your script where it's at, regardless of genre or market, and present you with a sincere and informed (Man, he watches a lot of movies!) set of thoughts and reactions that you can actually work with."
ANTHONY FERRARO :: Writer | Director
"I consider myself a storyteller not a filmmaker. However, I tell my stories through film and I get overwhelmed with the process of converting my stories into an industry-standard screenplay structure. I can write dialogue and direction, but when I work with a crew and actors I do not know personally, I’ve always felt like an outsider because my screenplays are not in a standard format. I have many friends who are also writers and we share each other’s work for feedback. It is too much to ask them to correct my spelling, grammar and my self-taught screenplay structure issues. So after reaching out to fellow filmmakers about my situation, Michael Klug’s name came up several times. Michael’s service was exactly what I was looking for. He is able to easily correct my script structure issues and further, when he gives me his page-by-page analysis, he explains those corrections. I find that both helpful and informative. Many people in this field promise to give page-by-page feedback but still leave you wondering where to go next. Michael explains everything you may want to change and why. At the end of the process, I had the confidence to send my screenplay out to people I do not know personally. That has been a huge boost for my professional filmmaking goals. I have always been confident in my story-telling, character development and world building. The anxiety about my scripts being passed over because I did not format them properly and therefore they were not taken seriously, was resolved after one session with Michael. That has been a game changer for me. I’m extremely grateful to Michael Klug and his wonderful service."
RYAN NEWTON HARRIS :: Actor | Writer | Podcaster
"Michael is willing to tackle each script on its own terms. He asks questions both tough and insightful. He’s willing to listen to and engage with the answers, but expects the answers to ultimately be reflected in the work itself. His accomplishments as a critic/journalist have helped him develop the skills to get right to the heart of things in a way that optimizes the value of each interaction. He is the rare gifted artist with a unique voice who is also able to communicate clearly and constructively with others about their passion projects and truly help them become more fully realized."
CANDIS PHLEGM :: Actor | Screenwriter
"As an actor who took up screenwriting (in part out of necessity), Michael's incredibly insightful notes have helped me see that I do have potential to excel in this lane of the entertainment business, while still having much to learn. Michael is a genuine person who loves cinema and that's the kind of person you want delving into the precious world you have created. He is firm, but fair, and wants only the best for your script. He provides straightforward, thorough, and thought-provoking critiques. His encouragement is as helpful as his dissection of every page, beat, and theme. To my delight (and possibly to Michael's dismay), I will return many times over for his expertise. I strongly implore anyone in need of a fresh pair of eyes and an open and honest mind to review their work - to Klugula Screenplay Consulting you must go!"
DANIEL ALEXANDER :: Actor | Screenwriter
"To have a seasoned and award-winning writer (with fifteen features under his belt) giving notes on your screenplay would be reason enough to hire Michael as a script consultant. But working with him goes so much further than that. His experience as a film critic, his genuine love for movies, as well as an incredible talent and work ethic, make his input and feedback invaluable. Sure, he will find errors, whether egregious or subtle and offer creative solutions. But beyond this, his ideas and insights elevate even the polished screenplay (the would be "final draft"), finding moments which will heighten drama, ways to further develop already intriguing characters, and little nuances that will separate your script from the stack. And he does all of this with a delicate brush, allowing the writer to maintain their own identity and creative vision."
KATHERINE LAVICTOIRE :: Actor | Screenwriter
"Wow, what a resource! If you’re looking for detailed, helpful, honest (but supportive!) feedback for your screenplay, this is it. I’m still pretty new at this, and made a lot of formatting mistakes on my first feature screenplay, and Michael keyed in very quickly to what parts I was not understanding. He was able to explain what I was doing wrong and point out enough examples throughout the script that I actually learned the lesson! He taught me! Even though I can now write a flawless script (j/k, he’s not a wizard), I would be a fool to not use his services when I get to the top of the next screenwriting mountain. Formatting/general copywriting aside, he was able to make suggestions that strengthened my story, and which clarified and deepened my character choices. He expertly excavates a thousand tiny details to improve both the story and the way the screenplay itself will read. His perspective is communicated in an honest but gentle way that made me excited to tackle these incredibly productive re-writes. I cannot recommend Michael highly enough."