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PRAISE FOR LAURIE'S BOOKS AND METHODS:
"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 Producer and Co-Writer of Crash and Writer of Oscar® Winning Million Dollar Baby
“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
"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 Academy Award® 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
“The greatest fear for any writer is the blank page, whether you are
starting to write for the first time or even if you have had a
considerable amount of success. Laurie’s book takes away that fear of
failure by offering bite sized exercises which will allow you to
realize the dream of writing a full length screenplay, without having
to change your life to achieve it.” Henrietta Fudakowski, Story Editor of Tsotsi, Oscar® Winning Best Foreign Language Film
"By clearly demonstrating how to write a screenplay in a single hour a
day, Laurie Hutzler has demolished the last great excuse not to
write... Keep her book within easy reach and refer to it often, because
it is an instruction manual for screenwriting success." Michael Colleary, Co-Producer and Co-Writer of Box-Office Hit Face/Off, Co-Writer of Laura Croft Tomb Raider, and Producer and Co-Writer of Firehouse Dog
An unexpectedly stimulating day. The emphasis was very usefully on depth and truthfulness of story and emotional contact with the viewer- rather than on marketability, as I'd feared. Jane Dauncey, BBC Series Producer, Casualty
"I very much I enjoyed and valued the day with Laurie . It was brilliantly presented and provided so much food for thought both as a writer and in my role as creative consultant looking to help invigorate and re-excavate long running series - in this case Casualty. Her structures and analysis were wonderfully thought provoking and have given a very practical and exciting basis for further work . The ultimate test of a good workshop - it kept on working after she had left the room !" Barbara Machin, BBC Series Consultant, Casualty
I was delighted that Laurie Hutzler was able to spend some time with the Editorial team on Casualty. Casualty is the worlds longest-running hospital drama, with 48 hour-long episodes that play on Saturday nights at 8:15 on BBC One, and have done so for the last 20 years. Despite that longevity, work has to constantly be done on character and character mix, and Laurie's Emotional toolbox was a very effective new approach for us. As well as approaching new characters, over-familiarity with established characters by editorial people as well as actors can soften the edges and blur definition, and Laurie provides the means to dissect and analyse, and sharpen up. And one really great quality that comes through her work is that she really cares about character, wherever they may be playing, a quality that rubs off on her audiences.Time very well spent. Mervyn Watson, BBC Executive Producer, Casualty
"The fantastic thing that Laurie's seminar did for us above everything else was remind us WHY we do what we do, and to tap into our need to connect emotionally with our audience. When you're working on a high-volume long-runner, you sometimes lose sight of the important stuff in order simply to make the show, and it was so inspiring to be able to step back and really analyse who our characters are, why and how they work, and to get excited about telling stories about them. The Emotional Toolbox approach is a wonderful system for getting to the bottom of problems that we might have been avoiding, and really being able to enjoy coming up with solutions. We're finding that using the character types when we're struggling with a storyline or character dynamic really helps to unlock things for us." Alison Davis, Talkback Thames Series Producer, The Bill
"I found Laurie's approach really worthwhile and we've really reaped the benefits of it at our story conference. The Emotional Toolbox has now allowed us to really clarify who the characters are and why they do what they do. Jonathan Phillips, BBC Producer, Doctors
"Laurie's material really 'hit home' where I'm concerned! Her workshop has been a real life changing experience for me. I have been directing for many years, and subsequently producing on The Bill, and have been working largely on experience and instinct. Suddenly, there Laurie is, putting into words and a form, a brilliant, energising and meaningful method of work that has opened up and made sense of a whole world. I am so grateful...it's like a new lease of life. Slyvie Boden, Talkback Thames Producer, The Bill
"It was great to spend the day with you discussing EastEnders. Exploring the Character Map and Emotional Toolbox gave us a totally new way to look at our characters, from the inside out. Not only giving us the ability to make sure all our inhabitants are fully drawn but also giving us the ability to see who is actually missing from the current slate." Lorraine Newman, BBC Series Producer, EastEnders
"It was a great
experience to work on the foundation and specification of our
characters with Laurie. Laurie shares our enthusiasm for our formats and has
vividly given us valuable impulse for our future work. With her
support, we will further develop vivid, three-dimensional characters
and with it emotionally moving stories, which will fascinate our
viewers anew. It would be a great pleasure to continue the workshop
with Laurie next year." Emmo Lempert, Executive Producer Grundy UFA Television Production, Germany
"Thank you very much for your entertaining and enlightening two day workshop in London. It was extremely usefull not only by structuring the thinking process about our characters but also as a method to reconsider some personal experiences in a way that produces (sometimes astonishing) results." Dr. Michael W. Esser, Grundy UFA TV Productions, Head Writer, Verliebt in Berlin
"The workshop
with Laurie was the best I have ever attended - primarily because we
did not only concentrate on dry theory but went right to the heart of
our series, i. e. worked on our characters with the Emotional Toolbox. Secondly, the toolbox is an excellent device to check and, if
necessary, to correct decisions made instinctively in the development
of our characters." Richard Hemmersbach, script editor at Unter Uns, Grundy UFA
"All in all, the workshop
was more than suited to clear insecurities, to motivate and to give
food for thoughts. For many colleagues, the workshop provided a 'light
bulb moment', which will allow a self-confident handling of the
characters in our everyday work." Berthold Eversmann, head writer of Gute Zeiten - Schlechte Zeiten, Grundy UFA
"I did Laurie's workshop when I was in the middle of my first writing commission. I'd already written one episode but was able to apply her ideas when writing the second. When I saw the two episodes on the screen I couldn't believe the difference-- the second episode was full of wonderful chacter moments and had a real depth that was missing from the first... It also helped me to rework a script that later went on to win a writing competition. This was the first time I used Laurie's tools to map the three main characters and I found it invaluable for generating conflict, differentiating characters and giving each character an attitude and a POV. I had the characters in my head at the time of the workshop but found Laurie's advice brilliant for giving them focus. I feel like you've unlocked the world of character for me." Dierdre Alexander, Screenwriter and Script Editor, London
"Laurie's class and methods are both groundbreaking and simple. Forget the complex material she draws from: she will make your writing process flow. It unlocks your creativity... even long after you've taken her class." Benjamin Maftoul, Producer, Paris, France
"Laurie Hutzler's "Emotional Toolbox: The Character Map" is constructive, deep and truly original, to my knowledge like nothing else ever written on screenplay writing. She presents a firm, clear analysis of dramatic writing linked to (and this is highly unusual in a screenwriting teacher) profound insights into human psychology and behavior, which is what most good movies are all about. Anyone with ambitions to become a professional screenwriter can learn a hell of a lot from Laurie Hutzler.." Al Ramrus, Screenwriter, The Island of Dr. Moreau, James Dean Remembered, Appointment with Destiny: Surrender at Appomattox
“Laurie Hutzler's book crackles with the passion and innovative techniques that have been such a gift to her students at UCLA and around the world.” Hal Ackerman, Screenwriting Co-Chair UCLA School of Theater, Film, Television and Digital Media
"Digging from both parts of the creative tunnel, the emotional side and the side of reason, is an exceptional way to work. This is the power of working with Laurie. But there is a secret in those fortunate encounters. Laurie has the charisma to help you discover the unknown parts in yourself and in your script-- the most orginal parts, the most truthful parts. Glimpses of light and darkness taking a shape that is both sincere and unique." Maria Iliou, award-winning Greek writer/director and international Fulbright Film Fellow
“....the absolute essential reason for any writer to use Laurie's techniques is because they work. You can actually capture your creative lighting in a bottle, set it on a shelf, and uncork whenever you need it -- first draft to the umpteenth revision. I kid you not!" James V. Hart, Screenwriter, Hook, Dracula, Contact, Tuck Everlasting, Muppet Treasure Island and Sahara
“This book is a godsend for any writer! Laurie’s insightful exercises and smart writing schedule make it possible for anyone with a dream and one hour a day to tell complex and emotionally satisfying stories. It is a perfect how-to book... Bravo!” Sean Kennelly, contributing writer, Creative Screenwriting & Jim Hill Media
"Laurie Hutzler's bright fresh book is appropriate not only for writers who are new to the game but for experienced professionals as well. Her engaging, provocative, no-nonsense approach embraces hands on advice at the same time it posits profound insights into the essential nature of dramatic narrative. Here is a must read for all screenwriters." Richard Walter, Screenwriting Co-Chair UCLA School of Theater, FIlm, Television and DIgital Media
"Laurie's insights in character and story impacted me on a deep level, surpassing anything I had been previously taught and challenged me to go deeper in my search for the truth... My writing will never be the same." Benjamin Lobato, ABC/Disney New Talent Development Winner
"I've read virtually every screenwriting book on the market and none compares to Laurie Hutzler's. She provides a uniquely insightful analysis of what makes a good story and a successful writer along with a concrete method and tools for accomplishing both. Her daily steps trigger creative thinking and inspire the work, page after page. Her brilliant conceptual framework for developing compelling characters is masterfully translated into specific, hands-on writing tools and techniques, each supported by helpful examples from classic and contemporary films. If you want to understand what makes a film great and you want to write a great film, Laurie Hutzler has the answers." Debbie Peters, Screenwriter, NYC
"The book is unbelievable. I am a beginner in screenwriting. Never have I managed to finish a script. I read a lot of books about dramatic structure. My earlier background was as an actor, I learned by working with international actors and directors in the theatre. Lately, I have moved into film. Now I am a filmmaker, cameraman and director for documentaries and commercials. And I teach directing at a university. I recognize my feeling on a set for the dramatic situation and I can change it very fast when working with actors. Always, my problem was, that I have good ideas, but I never managed to finish a script. I read a lot of books. Really I do not know why, I had trouble with writing in action. My characters were never in active and alive.Today it is the sixth day of writing after your method. I do not know why, but it works. Ok, one important point is, that I write around the same time. Normaly I stop after the second or third day. I was afraid, that I am sitting again before a blank paper and I will be blocked. It was totally different with your method. Scenes are coming, Ideas happen. Every night in the bed I am afraid, then I let my brain going around and most i find an idea about i will write. The same phenomenon is in front of the blanc paper. But this time I had no block. It works. And the characters are moving, acting. It all apears in my script-- new persons, new constellations. The joy is to see after such a success. The book gives me the power to sit down and do my regular writing. I want give you this short feedback. It works, even if I am a German guy and write in German." Christoph Helmholz, Screenwriter, Germany
"I have been educated, encouraged, and uplifted through your website resources and newsletters. I found both upon the recommendations of two friends, who heard you speak. Thank you for sharing your insights and for being so available to writers." Jennifer G. Dombush, Screenwriter, Los Angeles
"Laurie Hutzler knows all the right questions to ask that get you to know your characters inside and out. The Emotional Toolbox works, period." Mick Betancourt, NBC Staff Writer, The Black Donnellys, Comedy Central Comedian
"This stuff is brilliant!" Gretchen Gersh Whitman, Screenwriter, NYC
"The Character Map book gave me the tools to work on my screenplay from the inside out using archetypes to flesh out characters that not only connect emotionally to the audience, but who are also believable with a complete transformative arc. Starting with Laurie's character maps also makes it much easier to outline your entire screenplay so that it works as whole, creating a universal story that connects on all levels instead of just plot." Michael Mahoney, screenwriter, London, co-author Inspiring Creativity
"Thanks so much for your insightful talk at the Scriptwriter's Network! It was really a breakthrough for me in my current rewrite. Thanks also for your helpful website. Your teaching method and kind, generous spirit are much appreciated. I will recommend your book!" Bev Banfield, Screenwriter, Los Angeles
"Thank you for the wonderful workshop you held in Cardiff. Since then I have been storylining a Welsh drama series called Tipyn o Stad which is set on a council estate in North Wales and is now in its sixth series. The skills I developed during your workshop have proved to be invaluable - especially while mapping out our new characters - so a huge thank you!" Llinos Gerallt, Story Editor, Wales
"Thank you for the course held at S4C Wales over the weekend. It was fantastic and really opened my eyes to delving deep within the characters I create. I was buzzing after the weekend and left on a high! Thank you so much for being so inspiring.I have been plodding along with a writing project and was tired with the characters but I feel that concepts within the course will give it a breath of fresh air and inspire me to get out of a rut!!" Branwen Davis, Screenwriter, Wales
"Laurie's approach has three great strengths: First, having established character at the heart of our emotional connection to narrative, she approaches character development in a structured way that's recognisable and true to our own everyday psychological perceptions and processes. Secondly and in parallel with this, her approach is intensely practical and of immediate and continuous value to writers. So many other structured screenwriting approaches mire writers in self doubt, or are really of more use in post-facto analysis. Laurie's approach supports and encourages creativity and the daily practicalities of writing. That's underlined with the publication of ONE HOUR SCREENWRITER.And finally, she's passionate about her work, about narrative and the stories she analyses, is endlessly enquiring and a great pleasure to work with." Jonathan Hourigan, writer, director, script editor and university lecturer on film and television, London, England
I really appreciated everything you've showed me and now fully realise how important emotional development and character resolution and how to articulate it. I've been stumbling for years to try to articulate it myself so you were God's gift to me. You have also given me a vocabulary to discuss my characters with producers and developers which is of immense use. I basically cannot stress how useful you have been. Liam Gavin, Screenwriter and eQuinoxe TBC Workshop Participant, Cannes, France
I am a novice screenwriter, currently enrolled in a great online screenwriting program. I find that The Emotional Toolbox One Hour Screenwriter and Character Map inform my understanding of the craft. I use the books and the newsletter to help brainstorm characters, traits, wants vs. needs, story moments, events... The exercises that guide me to remember how I felt and reacted in real life situations and how those around me reacted helps me to understand what it means to “show, not tell”. I’ve had to buy dozens of books to get half the information Laurie has generously packed into each book. And the price is “write” Laverne Webb, Screenwriter
I had another break-through morning. I was working on a re-write that I am doing on a script I wrote last spring and an idea for next quarter that I kicked around with a friend yesterday all fell into place. The world and the events and even the theme just came flooding out onto the page. And, of course, that is the really fun part about this writing thing. So I wanted to say thanks again for the great class and the pronounced effect you've had on how I write. Maureen Johnson, Screenwriter and UCLA MFA student
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Emotional Toolbox Books 
