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Story coaching.
Close creative guidance for uncovering urgency, emotional truth, hidden stakes, rhythm and deeper narrative necessity.
Jacobs & Herzberg · Story Coaching · Script Doctoring · Story Development · Worldwide
Story coaching. script doctoring. development. depth.
For storytellers, writers, screenwriters, playwrights, theatre makers, filmmakers and multidisciplinary creatives who want to uncover the beating heart of their story and shape it with greater emotional truth, structural clarity and artistic precision.
Whether you are at the beginning of an idea, deep inside a draft, or trying to understand why a story is not yet landing, this is a space for rigorous insight, honest reflection and careful development — so the story can become more alive, more exact, and more fully itself.
Jacobs & Herzberg Story Coaching
Two perspectives. One story. Deeper clarity.
Jacobs & Herzberg Story Coaching
Find what the story is really saying. Then make every choice serve it.
Iris Jacobs and Jonathan Herzberg bring together intuition, emotional intelligence, cinematic insight, structural clarity and exacting narrative care.
Together, they help uncover what your work is truly carrying beneath the surface — and shape it into a more coherent, resonant and compelling whole.
What we work with
Four ways into the story.
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Script doctoring.
Focused work on structure, scene design, character movement, dialogue, dramatic architecture and precision.
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Story development.
Development of the project as a whole — from early concept and treatment through structure, rewrites and evolving drafts.
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Story depth.
Finding the emotional core, subtext, necessity and deeper meaning that give the work its real weight.
The starting point
Before you find the how, find the what and the why.
Form becomes clearer when you understand what the story is truly about, why it needs to be told, and what emotional necessity is driving it.
Who this is for
For storytellers working across form.
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Writers & screenwriters.
For writers who want to move beyond plot and connect more deeply to voice, structure, emotional logic and narrative purpose.
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Playwrights & theatre makers.
For performance-based storytellers shaping scene flow, rhythm, dialogue, embodiment, theatrical language and dramatic tension.
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Filmmakers & directors.
For creatives developing treatments, scripts, visual story worlds, tonal coherence and the deeper pulse of a moving-image project.
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Artists & multidisciplinary creatives.
For those working across form who need support translating instinct into structure and inner material into meaningful artistic expression.
How we work
Heart. Truth. Development. Form.
Find the beating heart.
We begin by identifying what is essential: why this story matters, what it is carrying, and where its deepest emotional energy lives.
Clarify the narrative truth.
Together we examine stakes, subtext, chronology, tone, character movement and dramatic focus to understand what the story truly needs.
Develop the story.
We explore what wants to grow, shift, deepen or disappear, helping the work evolve without losing what makes it singular.
Strengthen the form.
We refine pacing, structure, language and scene design so the form serves the emotional core with greater clarity and force.
Ways to work together
Choose the level of support your story needs.
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Discovery call.
20–30 minutes · complimentary
A first conversation to hear where you are in your process, what the project needs, and what kind of support would serve the work best.
- Introductory conversation
- Project fit and direction
- Space for questions
- Online
Most booked
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Deep story session.
90 minutes · tailored feedback
A focused deep dive into your script, play, treatment, concept, film or project in progress, with close attention to emotional truth, structure, character and tone.
- One 90-minute session
- Story, stakes, structure and voice
- Personalised reflections + next steps
- Ideal for work in development
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Story coaching journey.
Multi-session package · bespoke support
A more sustained process for stories that need continuity, depth, accountability and careful development over time.
- Multi-session support
- Tailored to your project and rhythm
- Ideal for development, rewrites and transitions
- For one project or a body of work
Not sure what you need?
Start with a discovery call.
A short conversation is often enough to understand where the story is, what it needs, and which kind of support would be useful.
Book a Discovery CallWhy Jacobs & Herzberg
Emotional depth meets story craft.
Iris brings a strong instinct for rhythm, emotional resonance, atmosphere and artistic truth. Jonathan brings rigorous narrative thinking, structural intelligence and a sharp eye for what makes a story land.
Boutique, exacting, deeply personal.
This is not generic feedback. It is close attention, real artistic dialogue and thoughtful, tailored support for the writer and the work.
Tailored support can include
Story development · Script doctoring · Emotional core work · Character clarity · Structure and pacing · Chronology · Scene selection · Dialogue refinement · Thematic deepening · Tonal coherence · Feedback on works-in-progress · Treatment development · Bespoke guidance shaped around your process, project and artistic voice
Testimonials
Find the heart of your story.
Story coaching for writers, filmmakers, journalists, artists and makers who want sharper structure, deeper purpose and stronger emotional clarity.
“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. He teaches you how what you want to say determines how you say it — and helps you find form to strengthen your content.”
“Each time we meet, I learn more than just technical scriptwriting, I learn what it means to be an artist. His feedback taught me how to identify a piece’s subtext and the emotional touchstones I did not even realise I was working on.”
“Delivered excellent work! Definitely a professional. Highly recommended!”
“Working with her was a pleasure once again. She is accurate, reliable and professional.”
Jacobs & Herzberg Story Coaching
Your story already knows what it wants to become.
Let’s find it.
Worldwide · Online & selected in-person sessions · info@studioirisjacobs.com
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.