Abstract. We use the theory of Hodge modules to construct Viehweg-Zuo sheaves on base spaces of families with maximal variation and fibers of general type; and, more generally, families whose geometric generic fiber has a good minimal model. Combining this with a result of Campana-Pȃun, we deduce Viehweg's hyperbolicity conjecture in this context, namely the fact that the base spaces of such families are of log general type. This is approached as part of a general problem of identifying what spaces can support Hodge theoretic objects with certain positivity properties.