FEELING STUCK IN YOUR STORYTELLING?
Let's get you unstuck, with a personalized consult to help you move your story forward - plus bonus access to the original Lights Film School curriculum archive, a decade in the making.
Bookings close August 31 or when slots fill up.
FEELING STUCK IN YOUR STORYTELLING?
Let's get you unstuck, with a 1:1 consult to help you move your story forward - plus bonus access to the Lights Film School curriculum archive, a decade in the making.
Bookings close August 31 or when slots fill up.
FEELING STUCK IN YOUR STORYTELLING?
Let's get you unstuck, with a 1:1 consult to help you move your story forward - plus bonus access to the original Lights Film School curriculum archive.
Bookings close August 31 or when slots fill up.
A compass on your creative path.
This is a storytelling consult. A 45-minute, one-on-one Zoom call with me, Michael, former director of Lights Film School. It's a chance to talk through your story this summer:
Where you're at, where you're stuck, and where you're headed.
Whether you're writing a screenplay, shooting a short film, developing a novel, editing a video essay, or just starting to find your creative voice, we'll get you oriented.
This is the first time I'm offering personalized consults to our wider community. They're designed to give you what Lights Film School always stood for: Clarity, craft, and connection.
What you'll get:
- Live, 1:1 feedback tailored to your project and situation, with clear next steps
- Actionable insights into story structure and character development, adapted to you
- Creative collaboration with someone who's walked this road before
A compass on your creative path.
This is a storytelling consult.
A 45-minute, one-on-one Zoom call with me, Michael, former director of Lights Film School. It's a chance to talk through your story this summer:
Where you're at, where you're stuck, and where you're headed.
Whether you're writing a screenplay, shooting a short film, developing a novel, editing a video essay, or just starting to find your creative voice, we'll get you oriented.
This is the first time I'm offering personalized consults to our wider community. They're designed to give you what Lights Film School always stood for:
Clarity, craft, and connection.
What you'll get:
- Live, 1:1 feedback tailored to your project and situation, with clear next steps
- Actionable insights into story structure and character development, adapted to you
- Creative collaboration with someone who's walked this road before
A compass on your creative path.
This is a storytelling consult.
A 45-minute, 1:1 Zoom call with me, Michael, former director of Lights Film School. It's a chance to talk through your story this summer:
Where you're at, where you're stuck, and where you're headed.
Whether you're writing a screenplay, shooting a short film, developing a novel, editing a video essay, or just starting to find your creative voice, we'll get you oriented.
This is the first time I'm offering personalized consults to our wider community. They're designed to give you what Lights Film School always stood for:
Clarity, craft, and connection.
What you'll get:
- Live, 1:1 feedback tailored to your project and situation, with clear next steps
- Actionable insights into story structure and character development, adapted to you
- Creative collaboration with someone who's walked this road before
🎁 Plus $497* of learning, yours free.
As a bonus, you'll get access to the retired Lights Film School curriculum, a 660-page archive that guided thousands of emerging filmmakers around the world for more than a decade. This treasure trove of digital materials is yours to reference as you develop your creative voice and vision.
It's been gathering digital dust, and I'd rather see it live again in the hands of people it can help.
*This is the same archive shared with verified former Lights Film School students upon request. Enrollment at the time - which included access to a live version of the Lights Film School curriculum, instructor guidance, live events, and community - previously cost $497.
How I help creators move their stories forward.
I used to lead a live workshop for Lights Film School called "7 Steps to Making a Good Short Film". It helped emerging screenwriters and filmmakers clarify their ideas and move forward with confidence.
I recorded this session while living in Thailand. Watch the first few minutes to meet me, or skip to the 29-minute mark for a screenwriting crash course. No pressure to watch the whole thing - this is just here if you'd like to get a feel for how I think and teach!
🎁 Plus $497* of learning, yours free.
As a bonus, you'll get access to the retired Lights Film School curriculum, a 660-page archive that guided thousands of emerging filmmakers around the world for more than a decade. This treasure trove of digital materials is yours to reference as you develop your creative voice and vision.
It's been gathering digital dust, and I'd rather see it live again in the hands of people it can help.
*This is the same archive shared with verified former Lights Film School students upon request.
Enrollment at the time - which included access to a live version of the Lights Film School curriculum, instructor guidance, live events, and community - previously cost $497.
How I help creators move their stories forward.
I used to lead a live workshop for Lights Film School called "7 Steps to Making a Good Short Film". It helped emerging screenwriters and filmmakers clarify their ideas and move forward with confidence.
I recorded this session while living in Thailand. Watch the first few minutes to meet me, or skip to the 29-minute mark for a screenwriting crash course.
No pressure to watch it all - this is just here if you'd like to get a feel for how I think and teach!
Is this right for you?
To help you decide and make sure we're on the same page, this isn't a script coverage service. It's not a generic coaching session. It's a creative conversation designed to meet you exactly where you are, get you moving again, and help you feel even more alive in your creative work.
It's for you if:
- You feel stuck or unsure and want a professional, human, outside perspective on your idea, project, or overall direction
- You want your work taken seriously by someone who knows the craft and has helped hundreds realize their creative vision
- You crave clarity, momentum, and meaningful progress
- You're ready to take the leap into the creative life - or you already have, and you're craving camaraderie and a dose of inspiration
- You're willing to bet on yourself and do the work
FAQs
"Can you help me with [insert project type here]?"
Almost certainly, yes. I work with all sorts of storytellers, including screenwriters, filmmakers, editors, novelists, and video essayists. I also help solopreneurs, non-profits, and lifestyle businesses develop their stories and communicate them effectively to the people they want to reach.
"What if I'm just starting out?"
Perfect! We'll clarify where to begin and what to focus on so you don't waste time spinning your wheels.
"Can you look at my project beforehand?"
Yes, within reason. As you book your consult, you'll be invited to share more about yourself, your project, and how I can help.
You're also welcome to share a work in progress, and I'll do my best to review it in advance of our chat. If your project exceeds 10 pages or 10 minutes, I won't get through everything, but I'll still come prepared. In such cases, a brief overview or treatment is ideal.
Can I reschedule?
Yes, with at least 24 hours' notice. Bookings are non-refundable due to the opportunity cost on my end, but we can reschedule for sure.
Is it worth it?
That depends. Would you benefit from pinpointing your next creative move, with clear, specific direction tailored to your goals?
How serious are you about your creative work?
If you’re ready to dig in, I can help. I’ve spent more than a decade supporting storytellers through Lights Film School - and now through The Lighthouse - helping people shape their stories into the best possible versions of themselves.
Not just technically, but emotionally, thematically, and philosophically, too.
I love the challenge and collaborative nature of this work, especially when we get to pop the hood together one-on-one. If you can meet me halfway with curiosity and intention, then yes, it’s worth it. Scroll down for testimonials to see what others have experienced.
And I get it - this is an investment in yourself and your vision. That’s why it's priced accessibly, in the same spirit as Lights Film School, breaking down barriers to quality storytelling education for passionate creators everywhere.
What exactly is the Lights Film School curriculum archive?
It's a 660-page PDF, accompanied by supporting digital materials and included as-is. While not downloadable, it can be viewed online via a private link. It's no longer actively supported, but the archive remains a rich, self-guided resource developed over 10+ years by Lights Film School.
While I have no plans to do so, the archive may be retired at my sole discretion. For now, it's available indefinitely after booking. I ask that you please respect the countless hours poured into Lights Film School by not sharing, modifying, or repurposing the archive in any way. Thanks!
Is this right for you?
To help you decide and make sure we're on the same page, this isn't a script coverage service. It's not a generic coaching session. It's a creative conversation designed to meet you exactly where you are, get you moving again, and help you feel even more alive in your creative work.
It's for you if:
- You feel stuck or unsure and want a professional, human, outside perspective on your idea, project, or overall direction
- You want your work taken seriously by someone who knows the craft and has helped hundreds realize their creative vision
- You crave clarity, momentum, and meaningful progress
- You're ready to take the leap into the creative life - or you already have, and you're craving camaraderie and a dose of inspiration
- You're willing to bet on yourself and do the work
FAQs
"Can you help me with [insert project type here]?"
Almost certainly, yes. I work with all sorts of storytellers, including screenwriters, filmmakers, editors, novelists, and video essayists. I also help solopreneurs, non-profits, and lifestyle businesses develop their stories and communicate them effectively to the people they want to reach.
"What if I'm just starting out?"
Perfect! We'll clarify where to begin and what to focus on so you don't waste time spinning your wheels.
"Can you look at my project beforehand?"
Yes, within reason. As you book your consult, you'll be invited to share more about yourself, your project, and how I can help.
You're also welcome to share a work in progress, and I'll do my best to review it in advance of our chat. If your project exceeds 10 pages or 10 minutes, I won't get through everything, but I'll still come prepared. In such cases, a brief overview or treatment is ideal.
Can I reschedule?
Yes, with at least 24 hours' notice. Bookings are non-refundable due to the opportunity cost on my end, but we can reschedule for sure.
Is it worth it?
That depends. Would you benefit from pinpointing your next creative move, with clear, specific direction tailored to your goals?
How serious are you about your creative work?
If you’re ready to dig in, I can help. I’ve spent more than a decade supporting storytellers through Lights Film School - and now through The Lighthouse - helping people shape their stories into the best possible versions of themselves.
Not just technically, but emotionally, thematically, and philosophically, too.
I love the challenge and collaborative nature of this work, especially when we get to pop the hood together one-on-one. If you can meet me halfway with curiosity and intention, then yes, it’s worth it. Scroll down for testimonials to see what others have experienced.
And I get it - this is an investment in yourself and your vision. That’s why it's priced accessibly, in the same spirit as Lights Film School, breaking down barriers to quality storytelling education for passionate creators everywhere.
What exactly is the Lights Film School curriculum archive?
It's a 660-page PDF, accompanied by supporting digital materials and included as-is. While not downloadable, it can be viewed online via a private link. It's no longer actively supported, but the archive remains a rich, self-guided resource developed over 10+ years by Lights Film School.
While I have no plans to do so, the archive may be retired at my sole discretion. For now, it's available indefinitely after booking. I ask that you please respect the countless hours poured into Lights Film School by not sharing, modifying, or repurposing the archive in any way. Thanks!
Is this right for you?
To help you decide and make sure we're on the same page, this isn't a script coverage service. It's not a generic coaching session.
It's a creative conversation designed to meet you exactly where you are, get you moving again, and help you feel even more alive in your creative work.
It's for you if:
- You feel stuck or unsure and want a professional, human, outside perspective on your idea, project, or overall direction
- You want your work taken seriously by someone who knows the craft and has helped hundreds realize their creative vision
- You crave clarity, momentum, and meaningful progress
- You're ready to take the leap into the creative life - or you already have, and you're craving camaraderie and a dose of inspiration
- You're willing to bet on yourself and do the work
FAQs
"Can you help me with [insert project type here]?"
Almost certainly, yes. I work with all sorts of storytellers, including screenwriters, filmmakers, editors, novelists, and video essayists.
I also help solopreneurs, non-profits, and lifestyle businesses develop their stories and communicate them effectively to the people they want to reach.
"What if I'm just starting out?"
Perfect! We'll clarify where to begin and what to focus on so you don't waste time spinning your wheels.
"Can you look at my project beforehand?"
Yes, within reason.
As you book your consult, you'll be invited to share more about yourself, your project, and how I can help.
You're also welcome to share a work in progress, and I'll do my best to review it in advance of our chat. If your project exceeds 10 pages or 10 minutes, I won't get through everything, but I'll still come prepared.
In such cases, a brief overview or treatment is ideal.
Can I reschedule?
Yes, with at least 24 hours' notice. Bookings are non-refundable due to the opportunity cost on my end, but we can reschedule for sure.
Is it worth it?
That depends. Would you benefit from pinpointing your next creative move, with clear, specific direction tailored to your goals?
How serious are you about your creative work?
If you’re ready to dig in, I can help. I’ve spent more than a decade supporting storytellers through Lights Film School - and now through The Lighthouse - helping people shape their stories into the best possible versions of themselves.
Not just technically, but emotionally, thematically, and philosophically, too.
I love the challenge and collaborative nature of this work, especially when we get to pop the hood together one-on-one. If you can meet me halfway with curiosity and intention, then yes, it’s worth it. Scroll down for testimonials to see what others have experienced.
And I get it - this is an investment in yourself and your vision. That’s why it's priced accessibly, in the same spirit as Lights Film School, breaking down barriers to quality storytelling education for passionate creators everywhere.
What exactly is the Lights Film School curriculum archive?
It's a 660-page PDF, accompanied by supporting digital materials and included as-is. While not downloadable, it can be viewed online via a private link. It's no longer actively supported, but the archive remains a rich, self-guided resource developed over 10+ years by Lights Film School.
While I have no plans to do so, the archive may be retired at my sole discretion. For now, it's available indefinitely after booking.
I ask that you please respect the countless hours poured into Lights Film School by not sharing, modifying, or repurposing the archive in any way.
Thanks!
This is why I do it:
"An incredibly genuine desire to help other filmmakers succeed."
“As an emerging filmmaker looking for feedback on a script, I had the pleasure of working with Michael - and even though I live halfway across the globe, I certainly went to the right place.
Michael's ability to ask just the right questions led me to think critically about how I could develop my work further... He was able to pull out elements of the story I hadn’t even considered and help me understand their significance, all the way through production.
I truly believe he has such a unique perspective and joyful passion for film and writing, and an incredibly genuine desire to help other filmmakers succeed.” - Alina J., Adelaide, Australia
"A therapist for the creative soul."
"Mike's passion, talent and work ethic brought no question to my mind that he would be the person I would want to collaborate with on my project... Mike brought the characters to life through his relentless research (300+ pages of notes!)... and hammered out the final screenplay to produce something that even surpassed my own expectations! ...A therapist for the creative soul." - Cliff H., Indonesia
"Elevated my writing to levels I didn't imagine I could reach."
"Michael is who I turn to when I am looking for honest, on-point, and professional feedback on a script. He has helped me elevate my writing to levels I did not imagine I could reach... If you are genuinely looking to hone your craft or want to pull off a script that you would be proud of, you have come to the right place!" - Fara JR, Madagascar
"He meets you where you're at."
"Michael’s strong understanding of theory is leveraged through his warm, approachable and professional eye. His feedback was both grounding and provided space to explore new ideas within a collaborative space - he meets you where you’re at, which is invaluable for any creative work, let alone something still growing.
I’d full-heartedly recommend his services to anyone looking to improve their script." - Orph B., Adelaide, Australia
"Guidance vital for me to move forward in my career."
“Just wanted to let you know that my debut feature doc Hostage to the Devil went out worldwide on Netflix... I also wanted to thank you for your help and support during the early educational stages. I was able to receive the... constructive feedback and guidance that was vital for me to move forward in my career." - Marty S., Belfast, Northern Ireland
"You'd be hard-pressed to find a better collaborator."
"Michael is the best writer I know... I've returned to him again and again for nearly a decade.
He's written original screenplays (for which we've won awards), we've co-written feature films, he's provided indispensable notes, and has done some top notch copywriting for some of my commercial clients.
There's little he's not capable of, and he's one of the nicest, most thoughtful and compassionate people to boot. You'd be hard-pressed to find a better collaborator." - Noah W., Los Angeles
"The passion is contagious."
"Lights Film School has been a blessing to me... The folks at Lights Film School are passionate at what they do and the passion is contagious. I can safely say I truly am a better filmmaker." - Alroy N., South Africa
"Reinvigorated a film career I thought was dead."
"The questions Michael asked and suggestions he gave really gave me something to think about... The feedback is absolutely outstanding. It has not only expanded my knowledge of film craft exponentially, but it also has reinvigorated a film career I thought was dead... I pretty much made every mistake a young filmmaker could make... Maybe this is my shot at redemption." - Shomari S., Florida
READY TO MOVE YOUR STORY FORWARD?
⏳ Bookings close August 31 or when slots fill up.
🐣 This is early bird pricing. Includes our 1:1 consult + bonus access to the original Lights Film School curriculum archive ($497 value)
READY TO MOVE YOUR STORY FORWARD?
⏳ Bookings close August 31 or when slots fill up.
🐣 This is early bird pricing. Includes our 1:1 consult + bonus access to the original Lights Film School curriculum archive ($497 value)
READY TO MOVE YOUR STORY FORWARD?
⏳ Bookings close Aug. 31 or when slots fill up.
🐣 This is early bird pricing. Includes our 1:1 consult + bonus access to the original Lights Film School curriculum archive ($497 value)
Not ready to book yet? No worries at all: Join me at THE LIGHTHOUSE.
© Michael Koehler. | Learn more about me. | Made with ♥️ on the road.
Not ready to book yet? No worries at all: Join me at THE LIGHTHOUSE.
© Michael Koehler. | Learn more about me. | Made with ♥️ on the road.
Not ready to book yet? No worries at all:
© Michael Koehler. Learn more about me. Made with ♥️ on the road.