Jacobs & Herzberg Story Coaching

One of the most important elements in Jonathan’s classes is that you need to find out why you want to tell your story before you’re ready to tell it properly. Even though I have studied journalism this was very valuable to me. Jonathan helps you in finding this urgency and necessity by asking good and critical questions and by using his broad experience to help you think of options. Your story will always be in the front in this process: he teaches you how what you want to say determines how you say it – and helps you find form to strengthen your content.

Geart Van Der Pol

Journalist

UNLOCK THE BEATING HEART OF YOUR STORY

Jacobs & herzberg
Story coaching

At Jacobs & Herzberg, we believe that every powerful story has a heart.

And at the center of that heart is your truth; your why and your what.

When you understand those, your ‘how’ begins to reveal itself.

But it rarely starts with answers. More often, it begins with a spark, a feeling you can’t name, an image that won’t leave you, a moment that burns quietly in the back of your mind. That spark is fire. It’s instinct. It’s your subconscious calling you toward something meaningful.

Our work begins there.

We partner with writers, directors, and creators of all kinds to help uncover what their story is really about. Not just what’s on the page, but what’s underneath it. Through, intentional dialogue, the deeper work, we help you trace that fire to its source. We help you uncover the beating heart of your story ; the emotional truth that gives it purpose. And that’s the story that moves people, that they recognise, and feel.

Once you connect to that, the rest can begin to flow. Structure, tone, character, rhythm ; your story starts to move like water. Clear. Alive.

Because when you know your ‘why’ and your ‘what’, your ‘how’ becomes not just easier , it becomes inevitable.

We’re here to help you catch the spark, stay with it, and follow it inward.

That’s where your story lives.

That’s where it begins. Reach out to us and lets move your story forward!

Studio Iris Jacobs

about jacobs & Herzberg

Iris Jacobs

Iris Jacobs is a writer, director, actor and visual artist creating stories and art with a strong emotional core, a heart, and the drive to really see people and uncover their truths. Born in the Netherlands and now based between Spain and the Netherlands, she studied Cultural & Social Design, wrote her thesis "Between Art & Entrepreneurship', produced for theatre companies, and worked as an art director and production designer. Eventually, the urge to tell her own stories became impossible to ignore. Inspired by Spielberg’s idea that “your dream whispers in your ear”, she slowed down, listened and that’s when her creative voice began to speak clearly. Iris takes play bloody serious. Whether she is writing, directing, acting, or making collage art. Her collage art is part of her creative process; a space to discover emotional layers and unexpected truths. Her visual work is available via Saatchi Art, tricera.net, kiekie-art and Turning Art. She’s available worldwide to write & direct your film or play, develop original scripts, collaborate as a performer, and guide you to unlock the power of your story. Her award-winning short 'Fight Flight Free' screened internationally, and in 2025 she won the Best Director Award at the Barcelona Indie Awards for 'Conclave Clandestine'. 'Twin Twisters' was screened at Ladies In Control Festival in Barcelona.. Current projects include 'A Highly Suspicious Connection', 'Everything I Didn’t Tell You', and 'The Apology' (co-written with Nicolette Sweeney). As an actor, she is part of the performance lab Madrilónika, with the play 'Calma Tensa' directed by Majo Cordonet and excited to connect with passionate and creative people worldwide.

Jonathan Herzberg

Jonathan Herzberg is a natural born storyteller from the Netherlands, currently based in Spain. After studying philosophy, economics, political science, film studies, and literature, he embraced filmmaking at the Dutch Film and Television Academy in 2007. His co-written feature 'The Road to Cádiz' premiered at the Netherlands Film Festival and CPH\:PIX, followed by a Dutch theatrical release. His award-winning shorts include 'Final Review' (Rotterdam Shorts Festival) and Seven Things I Have Learned About Time Travel ( Director’s Note series). He worked with international talent like Yorick van Wageningen, Darko Peric, Francesc Garrido, Pep Cruz, Montse Guallar and many more. He taught at Amsterdam Film School and internationally at Bigoli Studios in Barcelona, and founded The Filmmakers Café in Barcelona. He is developing several feature films & series and this year he will direct the play 'The Caracal' from his grandmother, the award winning playwright and poet Judith Herzberg in Madrid.

Our Mission

Iris Jacobs and Jonathan Herzberg are a powerhouse story coaching duo, united in pursuing the truth and the beating heart of every story; each with their own unique approach. Iris brings a deeply visual and rhythmic perspective, honed through art direction, theatre, and design. She sees both people and stories clearly, guiding writers from their raw impulse to uncover the emotional core, always with care, humor, and softness. Jonathan complements this with sharp narrative intelligence and a filmmaker’s precision. He asks the right questions at the right moment, opening space for writers to explore what lies beneath their drafts and intentions, shaping hidden ideas into stories that come from the heart. Together, they balance intuition with structure. Every truth is unlocked if the writer feels there is more to their story, and their combined instincts, vision, and guidance help writers discover, sharpen, and tell narratives that resonate deeply.

Client Testimonials

I have had the pleasure of working with Jonathan on several occasions. Each time we meet, I learn more than just technical scriptwriting, I learn what it means to be an artist. His screenwriting course challenged me to be an artist while instilling the basics of writing in a fun manner. Later, I took an idea for a theatre piece to him, and he sat with me and showed me how to rethink its chronology, scene selection, and, most importantly, it's purpose. His feedback taught me how to identify a piece's subtext and the emotional touchstones I did not even realise I was working on. His insight immediately elevated the work. I highly recommend working with him.

Matthew Murtha

Writer, Researcher

I had some experience as a writer, but Jonathan’s classes taught me what is needed to build a strong story. His knowledge of the subject matter is outstanding, his enthusiasm and passion make it a joy to take his classes, but above all the way he is his committed to supporting you in your creative process make him a huge source of support. I fully recommend his coaching to any filmmaker!

Roelant Bosch

Filmmaker

No teacher has taught me as much as Jonathan Herzberg. With his intelligence he showed me what I’m still allowed to learn, without judgment, soft and relentless at the same time. He has given me and the rest of my class a well aimed push in telling our own stories.

Irene Oostveen

Reporter Dutch News

Story Coaching

At Jacobs & Herzberg, our Story Coaching service helps you excavate the core of your narrative. We work one-on-one to unearth your unique themes, sharpen your emotional throughline, and build a structure that honors your vision. With personalised exercises and guided feedback, you will gain the confidence and clarity to tell your story with honesty, depth, and conviction.

Our Script Doctoring service breathes new life into your draft. Whether you are stuck on pacing, character motivation, or dramatic stakes, we diagnose weaknesses and prescribe targeted solutions, reimagining scenes, tightening dialogue, and amplifying conflict. The result is a leaner, more compelling screenplay that stays true to your voice and connects powerfully with your audience.

Script Doctoring

Why Choose Jacobs & Herzberg ?

Complementary Strengths, Unified Vision

Jacobs and Herzberg form a powerful coaching partnership. Iris focuses on the sensory and emotional flow, while Jonathan sharpens the story’s discipline and dramatic rigor. Their combined expertise helps writers elevate their narratives to be both deeply authentic and structurally sound.

Purpose-First Story Development

As emphasized by a testimonial: "You need to find out why you want to tell your story before you're ready to tell it properly." Jonathan asks thoughtful, probing questions that help uncover your story’s urgency, necessity, and underlying purpose: helping your message land with clarity and intent

Transformative, Artist-Centered Impact

Clients describe the coaching process as more than just technical, it’s transformative. One writer shared how Jonathan helped reshape scene chronology, purpose, and emotional subtext, unlocking deeper layers of their story and expanding their artistic potential. Another noted how his teaching “challenged me to be an artist,” with a soft yet relentless push toward creative growth.

Deep Emotional Truth Meets Storytelling Structure

Iris Jacobs brings a rich, visually intuitive and research-driven approach to storytelling. Her knack for rhythm, movement, and authenticity helps you distill your story to its emotional core. Her direction allows your narrative to breathe with genuine resonance. Jonathan Herzberg offers a strong command of storytelling mechanics, structure, pacing, dialogue, guiding your narrative with precision and clarity

FAQ

What types of stories do you coach?

We work with a broad spectrum of narratives, from feature films, series pilots, and shorts to theatre plays, novels, and branded content. Whether your project is dramatic or comedic, genre-driven or character-led, we will help you uncover its unique heartbeat and shape it into a cohesive, compelling story.

Who can benefit from Story Coaching?

Our Story Coaching is ideal for emerging and established creators alike: filmmakers, screenwriters, playwrights, novelists, copywriters, and advertising creatives. If you have ever felt stuck on structure, theme, or voice; or simply want to deepen the emotional core of your work: our one-on-one guidance will sharpen your vision and boost your confidence.

What does Script Doctoring involve?

Script Doctoring is a surgical approach to your draft. We perform a comprehensive “story health check,” identifying issues in pacing, character arcs, dialogue, and dramatic stakes. You receive a detailed report with targeted revisions, scene rewrites, dialogue polish, or structural tweaks tailored to preserve your voice while maximising audience impact.

How long does the process take?

Timelines vary by project size and depth of feedback: a 10–15 page short might take 1–2 weeks, while a feature-length script or novel draft could run 3–6 weeks. We will agree on milestones up front; first draft review, mid-process check-in, final polish. So you always know where you stand.

What’s your coaching style?

We combine active listening with probing questions, creative exercises, and actionable feedback. Our goal is to empower you; never to overwrite. You will leave each session with clarity on your story’s next steps and renewed excitement for the work ahead.

How do I get started?

Email us a brief project summary and sample pages. We will schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation to discuss your goals, review your material, and recommend the best package, whether a storyboard deep dive, full script doctoring, or ongoing coaching sessions.

What if I’m on a tight budget?

We offer flexible packages, single sessions, bundled consults, and payment plans; to accommodate varying needs. Our aim is to invest in your long-term growth, so let’s talk about what works for you.

Why choose Jacobs & Herzberg?

With award-winning credits, international teaching experience, and a passion for authentic storytelling, we bring both creative flair and disciplined craft to every collaboration. Unlocking your potential is our priority; together, we will transform your vision into the powerful story only you can tell. Our teamwork makes us a killer duo because we won’t rest until we found the beating heart of your story.

Where do the coaching sessions take place?

We are flexible and meet you where you are most comfortable: in our fully equipped studio, on location to suit your project, or online via video call. Wherever you choose, you will receive the same dedicated attention and expert guidance to elevate your story.