"Character development? Drama? Does the writing even make sense? Most importantly: Will it all work out in the end?"
You hear it all the time: "It looked cool, but it was kind of dumb."
When audiences come away from a film, are they talking about camera angles and codecs? No, they're discussing the story. They're talking about the characters and the plot they were caught up in. They're cheering the moments that worked and jeering those that didn't. Or worse, they loved the concept in the preview but sat bored through an inadequate execution.
A Story Editor works directly with the writer and director to create the strongest story possible. Classically for scripted television and features, story editors are being used increasingly on documentaries and shorts. Hiring one helps develop the story faster and greatly improves act structure, plot progression and character development. It is the key to turn a "nice idea for a film" into a smooth, finished story that begs repeated viewings.
It's simple math:
Great Story + Bad Cinematography = Cult Classic
Bad Story + Great Cinematography = Flop
Without a story editor you'll spend an eternity in the edit bay fixing the story that didn't survive the shooting process.
Email me at the address above for an estimate. We can discuss pricing for features, scripted television and documentary; as well as single acts, single scenes and characters.
Feedback
"Chris Bové understands storytelling not only better than every other editor I've worked with, but also better than most directors and writers. He nails down so quickly what the story is about, and sees from the beginning what elements will be important in serving the film. He has a peerless grasp for structure, and most importantly for ascertaining the main tension - and making sure that the pacing, characterization, and moment-to-moment serves that tension.
I've worked with Chris on three completely different films - an elegiac love story, a quirky kids' adventure, and a thunderous action-comedy - and he not only adapts to the storytelling style for each new film, but also relishes the opportunity. He is unparalleled in is his ability to forecast post-production problems during scripting and pre-production. Just by reading the script, he'll give you plot ideas, key shots and sound fx that you likely hadn't thought of - and that you'll no doubt need later.
Ultimately, Chris is all about telling a good story. He's a joy to work with because of this purity of purpose, clarity of mind, and efficiency in execution."
- Soman Chainani writes, produces and directs award-winning independent films for domestic and international festivals.
"As a writer/producer/director I’ve always been a firm believer in bringing an editor into the storytelling process before you get into the edit bay. Chris has such a strong sense of story structure and character development that his input as a story editor in early drafts of the script is invaluable. He has an innate ability to strip away the unnecessary and help bring out the critical elements that move a story forward. And where some story editors like to hit you over the head with the obvious—Chris takes the alternate route and uses subtlety and nuance to enhance the filmmaker’s vision. He’s always put my vision and the audience first.
He effortlessly adapts to individual styles and storytelling methods—not always an easy feat. He can always come up with creative ways to prevent mistakes in the field that will cost me later in the way of re-shoots. All filmmakers are passionate about their art—the great thing about working with Chris is that he’s as passionate about your film as you are."
- Paul Lamont is an award-winning producer of documentaries seen regularly on PBS and PBS-HD.
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