THE STORY SPOT is a site for story creators of all forms and genres and for the consultants (story analysts, script doctors, et al.) who love them. Our primary focus is the team created when a screenwriter, novelist, short story writer, or memoirist meets their coach. We are the little voices on writers’ shoulders who encourage, remind, and most of all, see through the beautiful chaos of creativity in order to carve the path, together.
THE STORY SPOT strives to support and inform in an effort to realize a shared vision. At THE STORY SPOT, you will find articles and tidbits, resources and events as well as information about story consultation services offered by our respected coaches (below).
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THE TEAM
THE STORY SPOT offers story consulting and development services from a team of experts representing a 360-degree view of contemporary storytelling. Want to know if you’re ready for that big pitch? Need insight on your pilot episode’s arc? Need a set of eyes on that revision? We’re here to help.
Our consultants are all working professionals with respected experience in their field of expertise. Learn more about each of them to choose the best fit for you and your projects. And feel free to ask questions! Do keep in mind that all services provided through THE STORY SPOT are provided with the intent to give you insight into your project. We want to work with you to craft your best work. Our consultants cannot comment on the viability of your pitch or project for production. Again, our consultants are providing their story expertise to you; development, sales, or other production advice is NOT part of our service.
SARAH DODD — SERIES & PILOT EPISODES
Sarah Dodd, B.A, M.F.A
Sarah started her screenwriting career in 1995. Since then, she has worked as a writer, producer and story editor in a variety of television genres including: drama, action/adventure, sci-fi, children’s and animation. In between staff gigs, she has taught screenwriting at Ryerson University, Niagara College, Vancouver Film School, and Langara College.
Sarah’s consulting specialties: dramatic series & pilot episodes
SARA ST. ONGE — SHORT FILM & BREAKING INTO THE BIZ
Writer/director Sara St. Onge’s short film, The Funeral, premiered at the Sundance and Toronto International film festivals. Her short musical, Lobotomobile, premiered at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival. Sara’s feature script, Drain You, co-written with comedienne Rebecca Addelman, was short-listed for the 2009 Sundance Writers Lab. Her original series, Damaged Goods, recently garnered a development deal with a major network.
More about Sara at www.awesomology.com.
Sara’s consulting specialties: short film & breaking into the business
LEONARD CHANG — FILM NOIR
Leonard Chang, M.F.A.
Leonard is the critically acclaimed author of five novels including USA Today Summer Reading pick Fade to Clear and The Fruit ‘N Food. He studied at Dartmouth College, Harvard University, and received his Master’s of Fine Arts from the graduate creative writing program at the University of California at Irvine.
Leonard’s first novel, The Fruit ‘N Food, won the Black Heron Press Award for Social Fiction and is now taught at colleges around the world. His second novel, Dispatches from the Cold, won a San Francisco Bay Guardian Goldie Award for Literature. He is also the author of a popular and critically-acclaimed noir trilogy: Over the Shoulder, Underkill, and Fade to Clear, finalist for the Shamus Award. His novels have been translated and published in France, Japan and Korea.
Leonard’s short stories, essays, and book reviews have appeared in literary journals including The Crescent Review, Prairie Schooner, Confluence, and The Literary Review. He was the Visiting Distinguished Writer at Mills College from 2001-2003 and teaches at Antioch University’s MFA Program.
More about Leonard at www.leonardchang.com.
Leonard’s consulting specialties: mysteries, detective stories, film noir
JEFF RENFROE — THRILLERS & SCI-FI
Filmmaker Jeff Renfroe has directed a number of award-winning music videos, commercials, short films, and features. His co-written and co-directed debut feature film “One Point O” was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival where he was cited as one of Variety’s “Ten Directors to Watch.” The project won Best International Feature Film and Most Ground Breaking Film at the 2004 Fantasia Film Festival in Montreal, and was named one of the “Top 50 Dystopian Films of All Time.”
More about Jeff at www.jeffrenfroe.com.
Jeff’s consulting specialties: action/thrillers and sci-fi feature films
DIANE WRIGHT — ROM COMS & DRAMAS
Diane J. Wright, M.F.A.
Diane J. Wright is a story editor, novelist, and the founder and managing editor of THE STORY SPOT. She has created television series for HGTV and the Life Network and has acted as story consultant to DreamWorks, Lifetime Television, Alliance, as well as to independent production companies in LA and Toronto. She has been a judge in the Carl Sutter Screenwriting Competition and collaborated on feature films that earned competition spots in the Sundance and Tribeca film festivals. She has twice received Telefilm Canada’s Writer’s First Award, taught creative writing at the University of La Verne, and published articles in national magazines such as Chatelaine and Tribute, Canada’s leading entertainment magazine. Diane’s first novel, Birthday Girl is available through Seedpod Publishing.
Diane’s consulting specialties: teen dramas, romantic comedies & action/adventure feature films
Services provided by each consultant are at their discretion and are provided with your project’s interests at the forefront. Contact us for a free evaluation. We’ll discuss your project needs and the services that may be right for you. Good writing!
