RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

With an award-winning background in production at Saturday Night Live and PBS, Story Safford specializes in research & development for documentaries, film, TV, podcasts, digital products & content:

Mixed methods research and investigation
Proposal writing and strategy, story producer
Sales and creative treatments, pitch presentations
Coordinate & conduct interviews
Perform and record voice over and narration
Contract, vendor, partner and platform management
Adobe Creative Suite

Case Study

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt was already a hit, however, research showed that many found it too dark to be funny, creating obstacles to building new audiences.

Research identified key themes to make Kimmy more relatable and likable, amplifying her innate optimism into something not to be mocked, but to make life better.

The objective was to maintain Kimmy's voice and honor her spirit, reminding core fans why they loved Kimmy while appealing to a new audience.

Role: VP Strategy

Stakeholder interviews, desktop and syndicated research, brand strategy, field research, story development.

Award: Clio Bronze

My very first day on the job at Saturday Night Live on a short film, Proud Dad, starring Robin Williams.

Research, source props, coordinate and manage casting.

Directed by Hart Perry and written by Gary Giddins for PBS's American Masters, John Hammond: From Bessie Smith to Bruce Springsteen celebrates the life and legacy of the man who literally discovered and nurtured what would become the sound of the 20th century.

Desktop and field research, proposals, sales and licensing, pitch presentations, on camera interviews.

Award: Peabody, Documentary Filmmaking