Behind the Screen: An Interview with Mike Gauyo
In an era where storytelling transcends mere entertainment, Mature Magazine is thrilled to present an exclusive interview with the talented Mike Gauyo. Born in Haiti and raised in Boston, Gauyo's journey to becoming a celebrated screenwriter is a testament to his resilience, creativity, and commitment to showcasing the diverse narratives within the Black community. From his early childhood experiences as a Haitian immigrant to his current role as a writer for acclaimed shows like Insecure and Ginny & Georgia, Gauyo has consistently sought to amplify unheard voices and stories.
In this candid conversation, Mike Gauyo opens up about the defining moments that led him to pursue screenwriting, including his formative years at the University of Massachusetts Boston and his bold move to Los Angeles in pursuit of his dreams. He shares the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way, highlighting the importance of perseverance and self-belief in an industry that often tests both. Gauyo also discusses his inspiration for his latest project, Send Help, a show that not only delves into personal trauma and its manifestations but also shines a spotlight on Haitian culture—an aspect of his identity that he passionately represents on screen.
As we explore the intricate layers of Gauyo's career, it becomes clear that his work embodies the core mission of Mature Magazine: to provide impactful dialogue and imagery that spark curiosity and creativity. Through his storytelling, Gauyo is redefining what it means to be mature—embracing growth, evolution, and authenticity in every aspect of his journey. We invite our readers to delve into this inspiring interview and discover how Mike Gauyo continues to break boundaries in the ever-evolving world of television and film.
Mature Magazine: Could you tell us about your early childhood? What were some of the defining moments that led you to pursue a career in screenwriting?
Mike Gauyo: My childhood. What a time [ha ha]. I was born in Haiti and my family moved to the US when I was 4. We settled in Boston, Massachusetts, primarily because we already had some family there. When we arrived, I first noticed the big difference between myself and other Black people I came across. Imagine me as a four-year-old kid speaking Haitian Creole and none of the other Black kids understanding me. That's when I began understanding the differences and the nuances of being Black. So, when you ask how my childhood led me to screenwriting, I would say that even at a young age, I took a lot of interest in what our differences were as Black people and just wanted to dive a little bit more into that and gaining a better understanding of how we all operate within our different subcultures. I want to highlight and amplify that on television.
Mature Magazine: You earned a theater degree from the University of Massachusetts Boston. How did your time at university shape your career aspirations and writing skills?
Mike Gauyo: I enjoyed my time at Umass Boston. My favorite professor there was Robert Lublin. Robert was someone who absolutely lived and breathed theater. Like he loved what he did, he loved teaching, and learning from him was just a joy. Also, by the time I got to Umass, I had already been to two other universities and was pre-med at both. I was trying to appease my parents, who wanted me to become a doctor, but during that process, I quickly learned that becoming a doctor wasn't for me. I grew up writing, so that felt like the natural pivot.
I don't think my time at Umass Boston shaped my career aspirations because I had already determined I wanted to move to LA and be a TV writer. Still, it helped surround and provide me with a village of other people who wanted the same thing. I met one of my very best friends at Umass Boston, and her name is JoJo. We ended up moving to Los Angeles together and have been in LA for the past 11 years.
Mature Magazine: Moving to Los Angeles in 2013 was a significant step. What prompted that decision, and how did it feel to take such a big leap toward your dreams?
Mike Gauyo: Yes, moving to LA was a major decision for me, not just because of pursuing this [new] career but also because of my family dynamic. I'm very close to my mom and family. I have younger siblings and a sister with cerebral palsy. So, I always want it to be pretty close to home because if something ever happens, I want to be close enough to where I can get home. However, my mom gave me her blessing to move to LA because I was initially going to move to New York. I thought, OK, I can move to New York to pursue a writing career and still be close enough to Boston to hop on a bus or train and get home. My mom was the one who gave me her blessing to move to Los Angeles because she knew and felt that's where I needed to be to achieve my dreams. Ultimately, taking the leap felt really good.
Mature Magazine: You started your career as an assistant on iconic shows like American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance. What key lessons did you learn during this period?
Mike Gauyo: I don't know if I learned any key lessons there [ha ha]. I would say I established a good work ethic because working on shows like American Idol, especially as a production assistant, would be working 12-14-15 hour days. For instance, during Hollywood week, I'd be working 17-18-19 hours a day. So, the key lesson I learned was to keep my head down and do the work.
Mature Magazine: How did working on these high-profile shows influence your approach to writing and producing content for television?
Mike Gauyo: I learned a lot as a writer's assistant on CLAWS and as a writer, writing on shows like Ginny and Georgia and Insecure because they really helped me hone in on my voice and just how to tell stories effectively.
Mature Magazine: A decade after moving to LA, you've secured writing credits on acclaimed shows like Insecure and Ginny & Georgia. What were some of the challenges and triumphs you experienced along this journey?
Mike Gauyo: For me, the triumph has always been in the work, meeting great people, and building connections. I'd say some of the challenges have been just more internal: trying to manage imposter syndrome and self-doubt, which tend to creep up often for me. The challenge in my career has always been the pressure I put on myself.
Mature Magazine: Tell us about creating and producing your show, Send Help, for AMC's ALLBLK network. What inspired the concept, and what message do you hope it conveys to the audience?
Mike Gauyo: My best friend, brother, and my birthday twin [ha ha] Jéan Elie, who also played Ahmal on Insecure, inspired the show's concept. The overall story is about his life, upbringing, the loss of his older brother, and how that's affected his life and relationships. What I hope the show conveys to the audience is that trauma can exist in the body and manifest itself in ways that affect other components of your life, and while it could be debilitating, you can use it as a tool to help inform who you are as a person and the type of person that you want to be. However, we also wanted to highlight Haitian culture, which isn't often highlighted on television.
Mature Magazine: What shows and movies did you watch growing up that inspired you to become a screenwriter? Are there any particular writers or creators who have significantly influenced your work?
Mike Gauyo: Growing up, Black sitcoms like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Martin, The Wayans Bros., and Family Matters inspired me and fueled my love for TV. As I matured, it was shows like The Practice, The West Wing, and Scandal that deepened my passion for writing. I became enamored with how language and words could express complex ideas, the rhythm of speech, and the intricacies of dialogue. I greatly admire writers like Aaron Sorkin, Shonda Rhimes, Mara Brock Akil, and trailblazers like Issa Rae, who have all succeeded in crafting unique voices.
Mature Magazine: How do you draw inspiration for your stories and characters? Can you share specific experiences or influences that have profoundly impacted your writing?
Mike Gauyo: I mean, I would say I just draw inspiration from my own life and things that I've been through. Also, my family and family dynamic is something I don't often see on television. So, being a Black, gay, Haitian immigrant who is one of 3 kids, whose sister has palsy, parents who work crazy hours, and a mother who is a scam artist with a heart of gold are the things that I pull from. There's not one experience that I would say has profoundly impacted my writing; it's just my life and upbringing that have shaped me.
Mature Magazine: Looking ahead, what are your career aspirations? Are there any specific projects or genres you're eager to explore?
Mike Gauyo: New voices like Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Michaela Cole inspire me. People who speak to the millennial generation are needed in the TV zeitgeist, so I'm excited by those individuals and would love to work with them. I would love to write something about any specific projects or genres in the Marvel Universe. I've said a few times on other platforms that I'd want to write the Brother Voodoo feature for Marvel, or even if it were a TV series about Brother Voodoo, I would love that. He's a Haitian character from the Marvel Universe, who also goes by Jericho, who lives daily as a therapist and has powers. I want to be able to dive into that world.
Mature Magazine: What advice would you give aspiring screenwriters looking to break into the industry?
Mike Gauyo: The only piece of advice I have for aspiring screenwriters who are looking to break into the industry is to keep writing. Success is in the work you're avoiding, and as much as you network or hobnob with the right people, it's going to mean absolutely nothing if you don't have the material to back it up, so I would say keep writing.
Mature Magazine: As someone who has successfully transitioned from assistant roles to a leading writer and producer, what are the most critical skills and qualities needed to thrive in this industry?
Mike Gauyo: I'd say you need to be flexible. You need to know how to pivot and learn to accept the no's while continuing to strive for the yeses. Be your most authentic self, and remember to have fun.
Mature Magazine: Finally, what does "Mature" mean to you personally and professionally? How do you see it reflected in your work and journey so far?
Mike Gauyo: What does mature mean to me? I would say that mature means growth. It means evolution. It means self-awareness. It means developing yourself to the point where you are the most comfortable in your skin and the most comfortable in your career. Maturity is knowing that you can create personal and professional boundaries that are aimed towards protecting yourself and providing yourself with the most peace– that, to me, is mature. In terms of reflecting in my work, I would say the more inner peace I have, the better I can operate in my life and career. As someone who has had breakdowns in the past and who has/still deals with their mental health, I would say that creating inner peace has helped me be able to achieve my hearts desires and enjoy the journey.
