From Film to Real Estate: Meet New Southampton Agent Michael C. Dougherty

This week we spotlight Michael C. Dougherty, a successful film producer and new agent recruit in our Southampton Office. A former Hamptons Magazine A-List honoree for “Most Influential Young People,” Michael brings a fresh creative lens to East End real estate, drawing on his experience writing and producing feature films. In his Spotlight interview, he reveals hidden Hamptons must-dos, where he sees the best value today, highlights the movies that best capture the Hamptons on screen, and much more.

You recently joined BHS’ Southampton Office…why did you decide BHS was best for your business?

BHS is considered the top and most prestigious agency throughout the Hamptons. It is the oldest real estate brokerage in the U.S. I was also very impressed with the Executive Managing team, Robert Nelson and Philip O’Connell. Their leadership, warmth, and push into working to our best ability very much attracted me to join BHS. The other agents throughout all BHS Hamptons offices are very kind, always working diligently to bring top properties to sell and purchase. 

You were previously on the Hamptons Magazine A-List of “Most Influential Young People”, what do you feel are the hidden secrets to do in the Hamptons and why?

Surfing and anything having to do with the beaches out here are the best hidden secrets. As an avid worldly traveler, I consider these beaches to be the best in the world.  I own a Jeep Wrangler and the best secret is taking my Jeep down at sunset or sunrise with some boards in the back driving my Jeep on the beach. Plummeting into the water with my board and watching the sunset from the water is truly spiritual and deeply personal to me. I grew up doing this my entire life out here! Hence my reason for writing my drama/romance feature film “Love & Everything in Between” – filmed entirely in the Hamptons currently for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video! 

Where is the best value in the Hamptons right now? Neighborhood, property type, area?

I feel the North Sea area in Southampton is very much undervalued. I recently owned a Waterfront home in Southampton Cove which I believe has timeless value. Shinnecock Hills is another area that has yet to reach its price peak and is considered undervalued.  Any place within Southampton, close proximities to both Sag Harbor and Southampton Villages are prime locations. You can never go wrong with a purchase of a home anywhere in the Hamptons. You will always win!

Favorite place to dine in the Hamptons and why? What are you ordering?

I’m a barbecue guy! I love a fresh filet of flounder with some lemon and lots of butter and throwing it on the grill. Hamburgers, hot dogs, scallops, shrimp kabobs marinated in pesto, corn on the cob! All on the BBQ grill with me overseeing! That’s my idea of eating out! 

As an accomplished filmmaker writing and producing several feature films including “Love & Everything in Between”, what are your favorite movies that use the Hamptons as their backdrop and why?

I recently watched ‘Something’s Gotta Give’ at the Southampton Playhouse in honor of the late Diane Keaton with my hero Jack Nicholson. I loved Diane Keaton as well and consider her such an angel. “Last Summer in the Hamptons” with Nick Gregory who stars in my film “Love & Everything in Between”. It’s funny—when I sold my film to Amazon Prime and SundanceTV, the sales reps who  purchased it on behalf of Amazon and SundanceTV were able to achieve the distribution because they knew the marketability of the Hamptons. The Hamptons have an incredible international appeal and global reach. It’s truly amazing! 

As an avid sportsman, what are your top 5 outdoor activities to do out East?

Surfing, long distance running on the beach and on the streets throughout the Hamptons, golfing, kayaking, meditation on the beach and sunset, beach walks along the shore, bonfires at night. 

Share something few know about you. 

I am a filmmaker. I am currently in pre-production for my next feature film: “The Butterfly & The Butcher” that I wrote. “The Butterfly & The Butcher” is a gangster film to be done in Brooklyn and downtown Manhattan. We have several feature films that I have written in various stages of development such as “A Perfect Facade” to be filmed in the Hamptons, “Acidente” and “The Marakesh Story” 

Share a photo on your camera roll that means a lot to you and share why?

The photo is of my Grandmother and me, who I was very close to. I feel a very strong connection to my Grandma regularly.

Connect with Michael at [email protected]