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Working with a Story Editor PDF Print E-mail

Where to find story editors

Good old-fashioned word of mouth is a great place to start.  Ask your writer, fellow producers and other colleagues which story editors have been effective for them in the past.  Find out who story-edited the movies you feel had outstanding scripts.

Additional places to look for story editors:
  • Harold Greenberg Fund list of story editors.  It is not available on the fund’s website; call 416-956-5431 to request.
  • Telefilm Canada may offer some guidance.  If the agency is financing your project, speak to your contact there for ideas.
  • Writers Guild of Canada Directory of Members (not all feature film story editors are Guild members)
  • IMDb Look up movies you think had great scripts.  Who worked on them?  The story editor’s contact information may be on the site.

Choosing the right story editor

Hiring the story editor is similar to hiring the writer.  You need to know what your creative objectives are for the film, and choose someone who has strengths in those areas. 

Discuss your material with the story editors you’re considering. In this conversation, you may only present a verbal pitch and get their responses. Or, in other cases, they may read your material, then respond. Keep these important questions in mind:
  • What is their take on the material?
  • How would they interact with the writer? 
  • Are they able to present a clear and compelling vision for the project at its most successful?
  • Are they able to tell you in a clear and specific way how they will go about reaching the goals for the script?
 
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