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Creative & Relational Advising

This work is for artists, filmmakers, nonprofit leaders, and cultural organizations in the middle of something complicated, important, or hard to see clearly from the inside. It is not consulting. It is not coaching. It is rigorous, relational, and honest — the kind of honest that is also safe.

My work has always lived at the intersection of power, psychology, story, and social justice. That's not a framework I apply, it's how I see. My strength lies in seeing what's beneath the surface: the subtext, the inner workings of the heart, mind, and power dynamics at play. I'm aligned with decolonial and non-hierarchical ways of relating, while deeply fluent in the hierarchical structures that shape the world. I help clients traverse those realities with strategic clarity and ethical precision, while staying aligned with their own authority and what they are here to bring forward.

I don't work for you. I work alongside you, in service of the work itself and your highest alignment with it.

What this can include: creative and strategic development, script and editorial advisory, negotiation and positioning support, preparation for high-stakes conversations, leadership and organizational dynamics, conflict management, psychological safety in work environments, relational dynamics, and confidential counsel at key decision points or even while wading through the daily mess of this beautiful and wildly fucked up life.

I work with a small number of clients at a time. Engagements are available as single sessions for focused questions or discrete decisions, or as ongoing retainers for clients in active phases of development, transition, or expansion. Sliding scale options are available for independent artists and early-career filmmakers.

For questions about working together, availability, and pricing, get in touch.

What clients say:

"I have sold three scripts since beginning my writing career a few years back and just completed my first feature length film. I have been lucky enough to get notes and feedback on every one from Sylvia. She has impeccable taste, tons of knowledge and a kind and constructive way of giving it. I wouldn't submit a script or an edit of a film without her feedback."

Amy Landecker — Writer, Director & Actress (For Worse, Your Honor, Transparent)

"As a former studio executive and now producer, I have developed way too many scripts to count. Story development is perhaps my strongest skillset. But recently, I felt like I needed extra help on a project that is very close to my heart, and one that I'm perhaps too close to. I knew Sylvia would be a smart, skilled sounding board for me, I knew she would understand what the film aspires to be, and help me with structure and the arcs of the characters. But what I didn't expect was how invaluable she'd be in helping me dig down way below the characters, clarify the theme, and find the real universal truths. Sylvia has a real gift of being able to combine her nuts and bolts skillset with a deep understanding of human nature, and this project is definitely better because of her."

Carla Hacken — Producer (Hell or High Water, Demolition)

"Sylvia Saether is an extraordinary storyteller and an astute collaborator. I have consistently relied on Sylvia for script revisions, feedback on drafts and notes on cuts of both episodic and feature works in progress as well as pitch decks and pages. Her notes are clear, concise and cut through to the heart of the storytelling. One unique quality of Sylvia is her ability to provide feedback that allows for achievable execution. She doesn't hold back and meets the task at hand with both joy and precision."

Maggie Kiley — Writer & Director (Dr. Death, Dirty John, Pretty Little Liars)

"Working with Sylvia was a transformative experience for my music career. She helped me clarify my purpose, align my goals, and focus my energy on strategies that worked for my music rather than just on it. Her insights into content strategy and branding were invaluable, but it was her ability to reconnect me with my 'why' that truly set her apart. With her guidance, I was able to maximize my efforts and create a roadmap that felt both authentic and achievable. I can't recommend Sylvia enough to any creative seeking clarity, direction, and inspiration in their work."

Alex Tighe — Musician & Graphic Designer