The Beginnings were humble.

Model rockets, Little League, singing children’s gospel music, a best friend’s Super 8 camera, neighborhood “actors” drafted (often blackmailed) into service, and scripts scribbled on set in the woods and back yards of West Nashville…

Twenty five years later, Howie sat in a crowded Los Angeles movie theater, attending the premiere of Warner Brothers’ Space Cowboys, watching Clint Eastwood and Tommy Lee Jones read words he’d written. His first studio movie. 

Writer, Producer and Director, Howie Klausner is founder and president of I-40 Studios, a Film and Television production and development company. Author of 60 screenplays and three books, most recent credits include REAGAN, starring Dennis Quaid, Penelope Ann Miller and Jon Voigt, releasing worldwide in 2024, SOUL SURFER, also starring Quaid, THE IDENTICAL, starring Ray Liotta and Ashley Judd, THE LAST RIDE, starring Henry Thomas and Kaley Kuoco, THE SECRET HANDSHAKE, starring Kevin Sorbo and Amy Grant. His bio-pic PETER is set for production in Malta early 2025, directed by Alejandro Monteverde.

After over two decades in LA, Howie returned to his native Middle Tennessee; still writing and producing, and occasionally drafting his neighborhood friends to act in a movie. He also speaks frequently to colleges and organizations around the country, encourages and mentors upcoming writers and producers, and sings in the Nashville rock and roll party band, Doctor Fun.  

Howie lives in Franklin with his wife Heather; their three adult daughters are working in Los Angeles and Nashville.