Laura Hainke
screenwriter to watch
Bio:
Laura Hainke began her film industry career in Visual Effects working on films such as Hellboy and The Ring. She then joined the characters department at Pixar Animation Studios and worked on films such as Ratatouille, Up, and Coco. Screenwriting became a passion of hers while taking after-work writing classes at Pixar. Her dark comedy feature Suicide Boy won the Austin Film Festival Enderby Entertainment Award in 2014.
How did you break in?
Writing classes at Pixar.
Credits:
What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned?
Look for the spirit of the note. Why does the reader want to change things in this particular spot? Usually, for me, it’s because of an earlier structure problem.
What has been your hardest scene to write?
The beginning of any project for me is always the hardest. Why am I doing this? What could I possibly have to say? Getting out of my way enough to get something on the page is difficult, it requires buckets of coffee and the promise of chocolate.
What do you feel was your turning point?
What are you working on right now?
I’m currently working on the novelization of Suicide Boy, and a comedic half-hour pilot called Leaving You.
What are your favorite movies?
All that Jazz, The Graduate, Rosemary’s Baby, Pulp Fiction, Magnolia, Adaptation, The Shining, Donnie Darko, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Black Swan, Get Out, this could go on forever so I will stop.
Who are your favorite screenwriters?
William Goldman, Charlie Kaufman, Paddy Chayefsky, Wes Anderson, Buck Henry, Stanley Kubrick.
What is your most Memorable AFF Moment?
I was overwhelmed by the talented writers that were willing to share their time. The Austin Film Festival creates a truly unique environment that’s approachable and inclusive.