Story Consultant

Definition

A story consultant is a professional who provides specialized advice and insights to writers, producers, and directors about the narrative structure and character development in a screenplay or film project. They help enhance the storytelling process by offering feedback on elements like pacing, plot coherence, and thematic depth, ensuring that the story resonates with audiences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Story consultants often work closely with writers during the early stages of script development to identify strengths and weaknesses in the narrative.
2. They may provide feedback through written notes or in-person meetings, helping writers refine their ideas and strengthen character arcs.
3. The role of a story consultant can vary widely, from offering high-level strategic guidance to diving deep into specific scenes and dialogue.
4. Consultants can be brought in at any stage of production, including pre-production, where their input can save time and resources by addressing issues before filming begins.
5. Successful story consultants typically have extensive experience in writing, directing, or producing, allowing them to bring valuable industry knowledge to the projects they work on.

Review Questions

• How does a story consultant enhance the writing process for screenwriters and filmmakers?
  • A story consultant enhances the writing process by providing valuable feedback that helps writers refine their narrative structure and character development. They offer insights on pacing, plot coherence, and thematic elements, enabling writers to strengthen their scripts. By collaborating closely with filmmakers, story consultants ensure that the final product resonates more deeply with audiences.
• In what ways do story consultants differ from script doctors in their approach to screenwriting?
  • While both story consultants and script doctors aim to improve screenplays, their approaches differ significantly. Story consultants typically focus on high-level narrative structure and character arcs, providing guidance during the developmental stages. In contrast, script doctors may make direct revisions or rewrites on existing scripts to enhance dialogue or resolve specific issues. Their roles can overlap, but their objectives and methods are distinct.
• Evaluate the impact of utilizing a story consultant during the pre-production phase of a film project. How does this decision shape the overall outcome?
  • Utilizing a story consultant during the pre-production phase can significantly impact the overall outcome of a film project. By addressing narrative weaknesses early on, consultants help ensure that the script is polished before filming begins, which can lead to a more coherent final product. This proactive approach saves time and resources by preventing major story issues that might arise during production. Ultimately, involving a story consultant at this stage fosters creativity and enhances storytelling quality, contributing to the film's success in connecting with its audience.

Related terms

Script Doctor: A script doctor is a writer hired to revise or improve a screenplay, often making significant changes to enhance its quality before production.

Development Executive: A development executive is a professional working within a studio or production company who evaluates scripts and oversees the development of projects from concept to production.

Logline: A logline is a brief summary of a film or television project that outlines the main conflict and characters, typically used for pitching ideas.