"In television, the power of the story editor is extensive. This person can rewrite, revise, redirect and in some cases assume the responsibilities of a producer.
The feature script story editor assumes a very different role. It is similar to that of a dramaturge in theater. Essentially she or he is a personal trainer for screenwriters.
This concept is almost unheard of in the US. There, if a producer wants a script rewritten, a new writer is usually hired to replace the now fired original or current writer. In the UK, Canada and other countries, if a producer wants a rewrite, a story editor is hired to coach the original writer through the rough spots until the script is camera ready.
"The most important thing a story editor can do is suspend judgment. Make certain you know what the writer wants to say, to show," says John Frizzell. "I can't try to make their script fit what I think it 'should' be. I work with a lot of original thinkers, so it is always a challenge to help them write their personal vision in a way that can be properly translated visually for the screen."
(by Colleen Patrick from her ScreenTalk interview with long-time Praxis story editor John Frizzell)
Each year since 1994, Praxis has offered a training program for two B.C.-based story editors. In 2001, we expanded the program to include three interns, including a Citytv-sponsored cultural diverisity candidate.
The opportunities for our Interns to observe and work with senior professionals are invaluable for developing the complex skills required - not only the ability to analyze story, character, genre and theme, but also the interpersonal skills required in the delicate task of guiding creative work and mediating between writer and producer.
Past Praxis story editor interns include: Kat Montagu, Andrew Pope, Michele Adams, Diana Bodnar, Rebecca Wood-Barrett, Scott Fitzgerald Grey, Jason Margolis, Travis McDonald, Tarique Qayumi, Karen X. Tulchinsky, Ki Wight, Neil Every, Ken Eisner, and more.
The training program for 2007 included: .
- Participation in the Praxis Summer Workshop, a series of script readings and discussions, followed by private sessions between Praxis advisors and their writers. The Interns also attend meetings with producers and other professionals who advise the writers on both creative and practical issues.
- Each intern was placed in a Vancouver-based Production Company to work in the story department over the summer.
- Supervised story editing project: Following the June session, each Intern was paired with a graduating SFU film student to work on their final project.
The
Story Editor Internship 2008 is now accepting applications. Deadline for applications is Tuesday, May 20th. All applications must arrive at Praxis by 5pm PT May 20th.
- a letter describing your experience and intent, and how you expect to benefit from the internship
- your resumé
- three references
- three samples of script analysis that you've written for feature film scripts
Send your package to the Praxis office: Suite 3120 - 515 W. Hastings St., Vancouver, BC V6B 5K3