Lawyers Are Great Storytellers

I’ve never met a lawyer who didn’t have dozens of great stories. A legal practice deals with human nature at its best and worst and involves situations of tremendous conflict. Human conflict is the bedrock of all great films, television shows and novels. Personal and professional experience has enabled a whole host of lawyers to establish rewarding writing careers in the entertainment business. You have the stories. You have writing skills. You just need to take what you already know and apply it to a new form.
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Launch Your Writing Career

A legal background is a great platform to launch a writing career. I worked as a lawyer before I transitioned to television and film (See my Bio). Ron Bass, practiced entertainment law before penning box office hits My Best Friend’s Wedding and Rain Man among many many others. Novelists Scott Turow, John Grisham, Richard North Patterson put their legal training to use writing best-selling crime or mystery novels. David E. Kelley transitioned from a Boston law practice to writing hit television shows like Ally McBeal, Picket Fences, and The Practice. Lawyer turned science fiction writer Melinda Snodgrass wrote several Star Trek: The Next Generation scripts during her successful career. They are just a few of the many many lawyers working in Hollywood or claiming a place on the best-seller list.

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Could You Be The Next Break-out Writer?

Whether you are writing a novel or a screenplay your work must be compelling and “cinematic.” A great script or a best-selling novel unfolds like a movie in the reader’s mind. You will find the tools right here to make your story flow like a film in the reader’s imagination! I can help you “Get to the Heart of the Story®.” But don’t take my word for it.

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Here’s What My Colleagues Have To Say:

“Laurie Hutzler has a method of exploring and developing characters that I personally found very useful. Her gentle process of posing insightful questions should help any writer create deeper, richer and more vivid characters.”

Paul Haggis, Oscar® Winning Writer/Director of Crash, Writer of Oscar® Winning Million Dollar Baby, Writer/Director of In the Valley of Elah, Writer of Quantum of Solace, Writer of Flags of Our Fathers, Creator of EZ Streets (CBS) and Co-Creator of The Black Donnellys (NBC)

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“Laurie Hutzler has a terrific sense of story. She has a gift for inspiring and motivating writers to do their best work. Laurie’s approach will help any writer dig deeper and find the heart of their story. Heart is what great storytelling is all about.”

Bobby Moresco, Oscar® Winning Co-writer of Crash, Writer/Director of 10th and Wolf, Staff Writer of EZ Streets (CBS) and Co-creator of The Black Donnellys (NBC)

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“Laurie has taught me more than anyone about the central importance of character in any screenplay. Her method of character analysis provides an invaluable tool for the writer who needs a non-destructive way to self-critique his or her screenplay. At the heart of every Oscar® Winning Best Film, is a screenplay that is the Best. Laurie’s methods help writers create their Best.”

Peter Fudakowski, Producer of Tsosti, Oscar® Winning Best Foreign Language Film

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“Laurie Hutzler knows all the right questions to ask that get you to know your characters inside and out. Her material works, period.”
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Mick Betancourt, NBC Staff Writer, The Black Donnellys and NBC Staff Writer, Law and Order: SVU and Comedy Central Comedian
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“Laurie’s keen grasp of storytelling and her focus on emotional truth have inspired our teams of writers, producers and directors around the world. Whether in Germany, Britain, Hungary, Australia – the list goes on – Laurie’s practical, entertaining methods work in harmony with local cultural specifics. The result has been better stories, more truthful characters and creative teams with a better understanding not only of drama, but of themselves”

Nick Malmholt, Head of Creative Development, Worldwide Drama, FremantleMedia

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Visit the Screenwriting for Lawyer site.