FAQs

All my consulting is individualized to best suit your project, situation and budget, so I always recommend emailing us if you need help choosing a coaching program. Otherwise, in addition to the guide on the COACHING PACKAGES page, here’s what I would recommend:

If you're a screenwriter or filmmaker with a concept or a completed outline or treatment, but have yet to write the first draft of their screenplay I recommend the FIRST DRAFT PACKAGE.

If you have a completed screenplay, I recommend the SCRIPT COACHING PACKAGE. Then if you feel you need more time, we can always apply what you’ve paid toward the COMPLETE REWRITE PACKAGE or the MASTER COACHING PACKAGE. Or you can simply purchase additional time at the reduced rate of $250/hr.

If you are a novelist with an idea for a novel, a synopsis and chapters for submission, or a completed draft, the MANUSCRIPT COACHING PACKAGE is best. It also qualifies you to purchase additional time at a reduced rate of $250/hr.

If you’re either a screenwriter or a novelist who simply wants help originating, defining and structuring your story idea, a STORY DEVELOPMENT PACKAGE is probably your best choice.

If none of these options fits your project or budget, simply signing up for coaching at my HOURLY rate is probably best. SIX hours can be purchased at a discounted rate with the HOURLY DISCOUNT PACKAGE.

2. What if I have limited funds and your packages are outside my budget?

I understand that your budget must be a primary consideration. So if you have less to spend on coaching, email us and describe your project and the amount you wish to spend, and I will recommend how I, or my associate Marissa Cerar, can best help you within that budget.

3. What if I’m just beginning my first draft, and don’t have a completed screenplay or novel yet?

This is a perfect time to begin coaching. I highly recommend purchasing the STORY DEVELOPMENT PACKAGE and working with me early in the process, so I can guide you toward a properly structured, commercially viable story with well-drawn characters before you invest time in a complete draft.

4. I need help choosing a story concept. Can you help with that?

Certainly – I frequently help clients in this way. I’d suggest either purchasing a single hour of my time to begin, or signing up for the STORY DEVELOPMENT PACKAGE.

5. What if I have a story concept, but I don’t have anything written yet?

That’s not a problem. You can purchase a FIRST DRAFT PACKAGE and simply tell me your concept and ideas for your project at the beginning of your session, and we’ll work from there.

6. Do you consult on television pilots, episodic series, or TV movies?

Absolutely. The packages for feature film screenplays are equally appropriate for TV movie outlines and scripts. If you have a pilot or episode of a television series, email us, and we’ll design a discounted package that fits your particular situation and budget.

7. What if my situation or budget doesn’t fit into any of the packages?

Just email us, describe your project and situation, and I will let you know how we can be of greatest benefit within your budget.

8. Do you do written critiques?

I do, but they are primarily for production companies and studios, or funding bodies like Screen Australia, or the Australian state film boards. Otherwise I highly recommend allowing me to coach you, as the best ideas for your story grow out of our interaction during one-on-one session. But if you prefer simply a written summary of my overall comments and suggestions, plus page notes, the cost (for a screenplay of 120 pages or less) is $1000. It’s the same for a written critique of the synopsis and first 30 pages of your novel manuscript.

9. Do you produce scripts or submit to agents?

No. I am a story and script consultant; I work with writers and filmmakers on their screenplays, novels, movies and television projects. I do not represent, option or produce my clients’ work, and I don’t expect screen credit or claim any rights to any work that I do for you.

10. Do you ever rewrite a script yourself, or collaborate on a script?

On rare occasion, depending on the project, the situation and the fee. But my primary goal is to work with you to improve your own writing. If you’re interested in some other service on my part, just email me and we’ll discuss it.

MONEY

11. What if I begin the coaching process, and then wish I had purchased a bigger package?

Just let me know, and we’ll apply what you paid for the smaller package to the cost of the larger one, and continue the process from there.

12. What is your refund policy?

The cost of unused hours is always refundable. If you purchase a package and choose not to complete the process, the refund is calculated based on my regular hourly rate for the hours you've already used. You simply have to notify us by letter or email within one year of the date you purchased the original package.

13. Do you have payment plans?

I’m happy to work out payment arrangements for the larger coaching packages. Just email me your request and we’ll work out a payment schedule.

14. Do you work for shared credit, bonuses, or a percentage of the profit, rather than a fee?

No. Never.

15. Do you ask for a writing credit on my project when it gets produced or published?

No. Never.

THE COACHING PROCESS

16. Can I schedule a session even if my work isn’t ready to discuss yet?

Certainly – in fact I recommend it! Email us to schedule your session as soon as you can tell us the date your work will be ready for me to read. That way we can talk very soon after your work is completed, reducing or eliminating the time you’ll have to wait for my input.

17. If I have to cancel, can I switch to my backup appointment?

Probably not. I usually double book the backup times (otherwise I’d only be working half the time). They’re designed to prevent long delays for your session should I have to postpone – which I rarely do.

18. What if my work isn’t done in time for our coaching session?

Just give us as much advance notice as you can – at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled session – and we’ll reschedule.

19. How and when do I submit my work to Michael?

All work must be emailed DIRECTLY to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it at least 48 hours prior to your session.

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“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