We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michael Klug a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Michael, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
I was born and raised in South Dakota. It’s a pretty blue collar state in general, and I just think that the “get to work” attitude is part of the makeup of this rural state. I was taught from an early age that if you wanted something, then you’re going to work for it. I had my first job (a paper route) when I was about 10 years old. Living in the Black Hills, winters could be tough. But regardless of how crazy or deep the snow might be, I still had to get out there and deliver the papers. I think that idea of “if I signed up for it, then I’ll follow through” carried through into the rest of my life. Even in what would be termed as “day” or “survival” jobs later in life, when I wasn’t working on my creative ventures, I still put my all into them. I took pride in any and all jobs I’ve ever had. And it wasn’t something I worked at doing, it’s just how I’ve been since I strapped on that canvas bag and tread out into the crappy weather to make sure folks got their print news. I can’t see my life without being responsible and working hard to see things through.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’ve been in the arts in some form or fashion since I was about eight years old, when I first appeared on stage in a production of “Pinocchio”. While I earned a degree in the theatre and I still act when the opportunity arises, I’m currently more focused on my writing career. I’ve been writing since I was about ten years old, and have been penning screenplays for close to two decades. I’ve completed fifteen feature specs, and written for hire a number of times. I was a film critic for seven years as well. And this year, I just completed my first novel (a lifelong goal). I’m in the query process for that piece right now. But the focus returns to screenwriting. I basically trained myself, taking tips from trusted colleagues throughout the process. And over four years ago, I started my own script consulting business: Klugula Screenplay Consulting. I enjoy that process (I adore brainstorming), and was putting in a lot of hours for friends, offering feedback, editing and formatting tips. I finally decided to launch a business and make it official . This year marked my company’s first time as a sponsor — for the 10th Annual FilmQuest. With that step, business has definitely picked up!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I credit one of my 9th grade teachers, Mrs. Linn and her typing class for so very much. In all of my years, nothing has proven more useful and used. And I proudly say that I type a solid 65 wpm.
My time as a film critic and a journalist have proven to be insanely impactful as far as my ability to network. So many of us know how important it is at industry events to self-promote (without being annoying about it) and to be a good communicator. I was thrown onto a red carpet scenario my first month on the job and I had to learn very quickly to get over my own neuroses and shyness and just get the job done. The seven years in that position gave me oodles of confidence and while I can certainly still be a wallflower, more often than not, I’ve no problem inserting myself into conversations, shamelessly touting my wares and doing it with my head held high! Good networking is part of the job!
My advice is to showcase your confidence in networking events. Whatever you do, don’t come off as desperate. It’s an automatic turn-off. Early on in such events, I know for a fact that I was incredibly awkward. Certainly that can come off as endearing, but confidence (without being a braggart) is much more appealing. And yes, I do still have those moments where I replay conversations, post-encounter, wondering how I could have been such an oaf. But seriously, practice makes perfect. Get out to events and sell yourself and your skills! It gets easier the more you do it!
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Over the years, I’ve learned to contain sadness or depression when it comes to rejection in this business. For example, when I’m submitting scripts or films to festivals or competitions, you’re guaranteed to get more rejections than acceptances (obviously there are exceptions). This used to feel overwhelming and throw me into a spiral of self-doubt. It’s just not worth it. I suffer from anxiety and it’s easy to let it eat y0u up. I now have the ability to (and this has been a very conscious practice) feel bad or wallow in self-pity in light of a rejection or a “no”. But I only let it linger for 24 hours or less. Accept it, feel it and then get over it. I know I have plenty of work on my plate as far as projects, and sitting for an extended period because of something which is so completely subjective, does me no favors. Basically, my advice it allow the “that was a bummer” mentality and then move on as quickly as you can. We’ve all got better things to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.klugulascreenplayconsulting.com
- Instagram: @klugula
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.klug.98
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-klug-98b27984/
- Twitter: @klugula
- Youtube: @klugula
- Other: www.notmymess.com
Image Credits
Johnny Call
