Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Buchanan.
Michael, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
A dive trip to Roatan led me to writing when I first met my future writing partner, Diane Lang. I began writing intensely in the summer of 2000 after I attended writer workshops at the University of Iowa. Novels were first in my writing career, then screenplays became part of my journey several years later. Published books include Micah’s Child, The Fat Boy Chronicles, and Stealing First: The Teddy Kremer Story. I have had several shorts produced along with the feature The Fat Boy Chronicles. TFBC was featured on Netflix for four years, was #6 family feature in Redbox for several months and has been seen worldwide by millions. I was lead writer on three documentaries that focused on the impact of the arts, the importance of nature in our lives and the latest one shed light on historical sites in my city of Alpharetta. These documentary films are Spiral Bound, Nature Matters and Saving Farmhouse.
When The Fat Boy Chronicles was released as a book and then movie, my co-author and I were invited to speak at local, regional and national conferences about issues confronting today’s teens. I also speak at schools about bullying and the need for kindness in the lives of our youth. Ten years after the release of the book, it is still used by schools around the nation for its value in health and anti-bullying efforts.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest struggles was overcoming those who said, “Why are you writing? What do you know about that?” For the most part, their reason was that I was a high school math teacher and basketball coach. I guess I would’ve thought the same, but it was great to get the support of many in my life. When I am told I can’t do something, I grit my teeth and work hard to prove them wrong.
While we worked hard on our first book, the path to get published was difficult and daunting. I was probably not prepared for the rejection but we didn’t give up. Finally, someone said “Yes” about the books. For screenwriting, once again, I was learning much of it on my own. Taking classes, reading books, bugging friends who knew how to write screenplay became part of my education. In looking back, there were so many times to let the beast take over and throw in the towel. But that just isn’t me.
I am sure that taking writing and screenwriting at the university level would’ve been the best path. That, however, was not where I was when words for the page and screen became part of my life. We all have our own calendar and as long as determination in part of our chemistry, we might just make it.
Please tell us about Tin Roof Films.
Tin Roof Films produced The Fat Boy Chronicles and is currently working in development on Bait and Tackle, another family feature. I work with Jason Winn on the creative part of the company. There is no doubt that all of us associated with TRF and the movie are proud of the film. The response from kids, parents, teachers and others has been overwhelming. I know first hand the story has made a difference in the lives of those who are taunted by bullies. Hope is powerful and many people have told us the story gave them hope for a better tomorrow. Kids and adults have lost weight as a direct result of watching the film or reading the book. And, many students have moved from bystander to hero for those who need someone to step in and help them make it through a tough time.
I have seen many programs that are used in schools to help with bullying and I feel The Fat Boy Chronicles works as well as any. As a painter of southern scenes, I have works in galleries throughout the South. I also dive in alligator-infested rivers looking for artifacts and fossils.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I grew up on the Southwest side of Atlanta in a little community called Ben Hill. At that time, the town was not part of metro Atlanta but felt more like being in a rural part of Georgia. Out of all the memories from my favorite dog Blackie to riding bareback on my pony Goldie and all else in that time, playing little league baseball with my Dad as coach and Mom in the stands means as much as anything.
Pricing:
- Speaking at schools range from $200 to $500 depending upon length of day.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thefatboychronicles.com
- Phone: 678-468-8687
- Email: mike@tinrooffilms.com
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