Michael Lee Simpson
- Writer
- Producer
- Editor
Michael Lee Simpson is an artist who tells stories through a variety of mediums. By facilitating honest conversations with extraordinary talents, he draws the curtain on the inner workings of their success in the entertainment we admire. He's had the honor of interviewing 800+ remarkable talents as a journalist, ranging from Golden Globe and Oscar-winners, studio executives, actors, musicians, entrepreneurs, A-list producers and directors to screenwriters and bestselling authors. With a wheelhouse expanding to other avenues of storytelling, he created the "Inspired Minds" podcast as a platform for gifted professionals to shed light on their experiences. Graduating from the University of Kansas with degrees in English and Film/Media Studies, he quickly became a multi award-winning writer with top accolades in the entertainment industry. His historical drama, "Worthy of Gold," won the Austin Film Festival and WorldFest Houston, and for two consecutive years achieved standings in the Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting. In addition to working as an optioned screenwriter, script consultant and published author, he's a Contributing Writer for Backstage, Creative Screenwriting Magazine and Script Magazine.
"Michael's insights go beyond a journalist's eye. One of his most exemplary skills as an interviewer is his ability to communicate. The integrity of his pieces shines a bright light onto an often dark world." - Diana Ossana, bestselling author, Oscar-winning screenwriter, "Pretty Boy Floyd," "Zeke and Ned," "Brokeback Mountain."
"Michael is the rare journalist who brings out the passion in those he interviews. He knows how to get to the core of their creative journey, allowing them to be brutally honest, earnest and speak their truth." - Gary Goldman, producer, director, "Shameless," "Valley of the Boom," "House of Lies," "Entourage."
"Michael is a joy to talk to, which makes his interviews feel less like cross-examinations than chats with a friend. He excavates choice quotes from his subjects that make his articles engrossing, concise, and a joy to read." - Andrew Jay Cohen, producer, screenwriter, "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," "Talladega Nights," "Neighbors," "Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates."
"Michael is a concise and foreword thinker when it comes to media context. His insights and fair analysis are clear and informative is a unique way with a unique perspective." - Jeremiah Chechik, director, "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation."
"As a well-known independent film producer, I've worked with many journalists and get interviewed frequently by journalists around the world. I have to say that Michael Lee Simpson is one of the best interviewers; he's respectful, he's insightful, intelligent, does his research and just all-around a great writer. I would continue to work with him and recommend him at any chance possible." - Mary Aloe, producer, "Flag Day," "Worth," "55 Steps," "Bruised."
"His writing is mindful and insightful, which is why I always say yes when he wants an interview. It's always a pleasure to read his work." - Bobby Roth, director, "Grey's Anatomy," "Prison Break," "Lost," "Hawaii Five-0," "Criminal Minds."
"Michael is one of the few journalists to seriously focus on the art of TV writing. His talent, wit and love of writers shines through in every article." -Carla Kettner, screenwriter, showrunner, producer, "Bones," "Judging Amy," "Mob Doctor," "The Blacklist."
"He doesn't just use soundbites from the people he interviews. He really lets us talk. I'll bet everyone he quotes appreciates it." -Jeff Arch, author, Oscar-nominated screenwriter, "Attachments," "Sleepless in Seattle."
"Michael wants to hear what his subjects have to say. He wants to get to the truth of the topic. He wants the real stories." -Richard Potter, producer, "Mimic," "The Prophecy," "Phantoms," "Allied Forces," the "Scream" franchise.
"Michael is fostering impressive relationships with top talent and has an uncanny ability to get to the heart of the story. His analysis of trends in the entertainment industry is spot on and I always look forward to reading whatever he has to say!" -David H. Steinberg, screenwriter, producer, showrunner, "American Pie 2," "Slackers," "No Good Nick."
"Michael's insights go beyond a journalist's eye. One of his most exemplary skills as an interviewer is his ability to communicate. The integrity of his pieces shines a bright light onto an often dark world." - Diana Ossana, bestselling author, Oscar-winning screenwriter, "Pretty Boy Floyd," "Zeke and Ned," "Brokeback Mountain."
"Michael is the rare journalist who brings out the passion in those he interviews. He knows how to get to the core of their creative journey, allowing them to be brutally honest, earnest and speak their truth." - Gary Goldman, producer, director, "Shameless," "Valley of the Boom," "House of Lies," "Entourage."
"Michael is a joy to talk to, which makes his interviews feel less like cross-examinations than chats with a friend. He excavates choice quotes from his subjects that make his articles engrossing, concise, and a joy to read." - Andrew Jay Cohen, producer, screenwriter, "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," "Talladega Nights," "Neighbors," "Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates."
"Michael is a concise and foreword thinker when it comes to media context. His insights and fair analysis are clear and informative is a unique way with a unique perspective." - Jeremiah Chechik, director, "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation."
"As a well-known independent film producer, I've worked with many journalists and get interviewed frequently by journalists around the world. I have to say that Michael Lee Simpson is one of the best interviewers; he's respectful, he's insightful, intelligent, does his research and just all-around a great writer. I would continue to work with him and recommend him at any chance possible." - Mary Aloe, producer, "Flag Day," "Worth," "55 Steps," "Bruised."
"His writing is mindful and insightful, which is why I always say yes when he wants an interview. It's always a pleasure to read his work." - Bobby Roth, director, "Grey's Anatomy," "Prison Break," "Lost," "Hawaii Five-0," "Criminal Minds."
"Michael is one of the few journalists to seriously focus on the art of TV writing. His talent, wit and love of writers shines through in every article." -Carla Kettner, screenwriter, showrunner, producer, "Bones," "Judging Amy," "Mob Doctor," "The Blacklist."
"He doesn't just use soundbites from the people he interviews. He really lets us talk. I'll bet everyone he quotes appreciates it." -Jeff Arch, author, Oscar-nominated screenwriter, "Attachments," "Sleepless in Seattle."
"Michael wants to hear what his subjects have to say. He wants to get to the truth of the topic. He wants the real stories." -Richard Potter, producer, "Mimic," "The Prophecy," "Phantoms," "Allied Forces," the "Scream" franchise.
"Michael is fostering impressive relationships with top talent and has an uncanny ability to get to the heart of the story. His analysis of trends in the entertainment industry is spot on and I always look forward to reading whatever he has to say!" -David H. Steinberg, screenwriter, producer, showrunner, "American Pie 2," "Slackers," "No Good Nick."