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A Story Analysis

How many times do you watch a film and think: 'Well, that would have been better if it was half-an-hour shorter.' 

Or, "That was brilliant. Such a shame they messed up the ending like that."

As a story consultant, the saddest thing I see, in the majority of stories, is potential that has not been fully exploited. MOST stories I see (especially those rated at 6+ or 7+ on the IMDb) could easily have been right up there in the high 8s and doing a LOT more business if someone had known where the power lay and was given responsibility to look after it.  

On most projects I see, nobody understands what it is they must protect, and every one of the influential egos involved is pulling the bit they like in a different direction from everybody else. This is why there are so many flawed movies. 

There is no need for 'Close, but no cigar', but it happens ALL THE TIME... because nobody is in charge of caring for the precious, precious story. 

The first essential then, is to make sure YOU understand how and where the story gets its power and how that power is delivered by the characters. Then you will know when something isn't right. Then you will know if a proposed change is adding to the overall power... or diminishing it.

Then you will know what is right and what is wrong in every story for the rest of your life. 

NOW you have much, much more chance of personal success. 

Talk to me. I will show you how it's done. There is no better learning for you than to have me develop a Story Analysis for you. 

"Everybody in story industries needs to know what David Baboulene knows." Alex Marx. Writer/Director 

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What is in the Analysis?

You've heard of 'coverage'. You know there are 'tick boxes' that answer questions like: 'Is there a protagonist by page 3?' 'Does the hero meet a wise advisor at the mid-point of act ll?' 'Is there a turning point on page 27 that raises a key question in the mind of the audience that is resolved at the climactic moment of... blah blah blah...'

Oh, my Lord. You don't need me to tell you, these things do NOT define a good story. 

With me as your story consultant, you will receive a ~20,000 word detailed analysis of YOUR story. The way it is. And you will fully understand where the power lies in your story. Where the strengths are. where potential improvements are. If there is something nagging you about your story, I will shine a light on the areas that could be improved. I will show you your story like the exploded view of an engine and show you how all the parts turn together to make a beautiful whole. You will get it.

I will give YOU comprehensive understanding of your own story and you will be empowered to defend its integrity and keep it magnificent for the entire production process.

Call me. I'll make you a report like the one below.

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Ongoing Work Together

 If you are happy to control your story development process after the initial analysis document is delivered, go you! Wonderful! I generally stay in touch and am available for conversation at any time after the initial report is delivered. 

However, there are further options. Once new drafts of your story are written, I can provide notes on the impact of the changes, or another full report if there is substantial change. 

I can attend production meetings, or I can also be engaged as a story consultant for the entire process. For example, when the executive producers decide they have a brilliant idea which you don't agree with, it can be hard to fight them off. It's their money, after all. So having me around to tell them - with great diplomacy - why their brilliant idea is possibly damaging to the story and their chances of raking in huge returns... my presence can be highly beneficial for all concerned.  

Or when actors come on board and rehearsals begin. They suggest changes. It is so wonderful to have their dynamism and you want them to feel free to make suggestions and bring their expertise to the project. However, some of their ideas might not do the story any good. Having a story consultant who knows what the impact will be and who can explain why can retain the positive vibes while also rejecting the negative suggestions. I can also work as a script supervisor on the shoot if you want to be absolutely sure the critical story dynamics are delivered. 

It's a hugely important role, and if you want success, you want your story protected by an expert. 

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Going Further into The Story...

 In my work, particularly with production companies, I am often invited to get more involved and become a member of the creative team. My suggestions tend to either be embraced or they inspire the imagination of others and the story moves forwards in positive - and often unexpected - ways.

It works very well and I do love the privilege of adding creative value. 

As a vastly experienced writer, I can bring positive new dimensions to your story AND be the story consultant looking after the bigger picture. 

This is particularly useful and important for larger projects, such as a television series, as the story must hang together not just across an episode but across a season and then a series of seasons. It's a lot to manage at the story level, and that is my speciality.

Would you know, for example, the clever strategy for bringing enormous power to the pilot episode of a series while also being an effective episode one? 

I am available to manage these things into place.  

In the first instance, call me, and let's talk about your project.