Story Mapping
Story Mapping is a creative planning method used in the film and television industry to organize and visualize the flow of a story. It's like creating a detailed roadmap for a script or screenplay, where writers lay out all the important story elements, character developments, and plot points in a visual way. This technique helps writers and development teams see the big picture of their story, identify potential problems early, and make sure the narrative flows smoothly. You might also hear it called "story breaking," "story boarding," or "narrative mapping."
Examples in Resumes
Developed Story Mapping techniques for a 10-episode television series
Used Story Map methods to restructure and improve feature film scripts
Created comprehensive Story Maps for multiple animated film projects
Led writers' room sessions using Story Mapping techniques
Typical job title: "Story Analysts"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Story Analysts
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a situation where a mapped story isn't working in production?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate problem-solving abilities, explain how to identify story issues, suggest alternative approaches, and show experience in making quick, effective story adjustments while maintaining the core narrative.
Q: How do you approach story mapping for a complex series with multiple character arcs?
Expected Answer: Should explain methods for managing multiple storylines, character development tracking, and maintaining story coherence across episodes while keeping audience engagement.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What tools and methods do you use for story mapping?
Expected Answer: Should describe practical approaches to organizing story elements, mention specific techniques or software used, and explain how they help in the development process.
Q: How do you ensure that story beats align with the overall narrative arc?
Expected Answer: Should explain how they check for story consistency, maintain pacing, and ensure that individual scenes contribute to the larger story.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic elements of a story map?
Expected Answer: Should identify key components like act structure, character arcs, main plot points, and how they work together to create a complete story.
Q: How do you start the story mapping process for a new project?
Expected Answer: Should describe the initial steps of breaking down a story idea, organizing main plot points, and creating a basic structure.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Understanding of basic story structure
- Ability to identify key plot points
- Basic character development tracking
- Familiarity with industry standard formats
Mid (2-5 years)
- Development of complex character arcs
- Advanced plot structuring
- Script analysis and revision
- Collaboration with writing teams
Senior (5+ years)
- Managing multiple storylines
- Leading story development teams
- Problem-solving story issues
- Mentoring junior story analysts
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to identify basic story structure
- Lack of understanding of character development
- Poor communication skills
- No knowledge of industry standards
- Limited experience with collaborative writing
Related Terms
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
Unlocking Team Potential: Personality Mapping for Dynamic Management
Why Your Hiring Process is a Maze (And How Design Thinking Can Turn It into a Superhighway)
Beyond Borders: Mastering the Art of a Global Onboarding Calendar
