Exploring Open Opportunities, Instead of Prescribed Solutions

In the dynamic world of storytelling, the role of a story analyst is crucial. They are there to support a story's growth without putting it (or the client) in a straightjacket.

A story analyst's job involves having a professional opinion and speaking one's mind, but it's equally important to serve others and recognise that they are not in control of the project. The aim is to provide feedback that outlines guardrails for future revisions, preventing the script from falling askew while still allowing for creative freedom.

When it comes to offering feedback, a reader who manages to strike the balance between creative freedom and providing necessary guidance will produce top-class notes. This balance is achieved by asking questions, such as what kinds of characters are preferred, what specific tone is desired in new acquisitions, and does the company own any sound stages for production, and if so, where are they located?

Offering open-ended possibilities, rather than just pithy, one-off demands, signals to the client that they have the freedom to pick and choose their game plan. For instance, suggesting multiple pitches to address a specific issue in the narrative is a welcome approach. Examples of editorial pitches could include: A) the protagonist owes a massive debt to gun-toting loan sharks, and the proceeds from winning can settle the debt and help the individual avoid physical harm; B) the cash prize can allow them to buy a new house for a beloved mentor back home who lost everything after a fire; C) the driver comes from a marginalized community, and winning the race would prove to the wealthy naysayers that what matters most is courage and talent behind the wheel, not having the flashiest, most expensive paint job.

A light-handed approach is best when sharing various pitches for improving a project to avoid offending the client. Sharing comps (similar successful projects) with the writer can inspire them to new creative heights, rather than diminish them and their work.

Engaging with a writing workshop or a periodic writers' group can help a story analyst better understand the process from the other side of the table. Learning to think like a scribe can help with creative dissection, as they have experienced what it's like to be on the receiving end of someone else's critique.

Ultimately, a client who feels supported, rather than caged, is far more likely to meet their creative challenges with inspiring breakthroughs. A reader supports the client on their creative journey, empowering them to make wise, well-thought-out decisions. In this way, a story analyst plays a vital role in enabling the birth and growth of compelling narratives.