What is Script Coverage?
You may have heard the phrase before, but — what is script coverage?
Maybe you just wrote your first draft. Or you think you finished your script, but you don’t know what else it needs. What’s next? Do you submit it to contests? Seek representation or producers to get it produced?
Before pursuing any of these goals, the next step should be getting notes. And the best place to start is to find script coverage services.
Gathering notes and feedback is one of the best ways to improve your script. As the WGA reports, over 50,000 scripts are registered every year! With that many projects in circulation, it’s important to find ways to help your script stand out among the competition.
What is Script Coverage?
Script coverage, also known as screenplay coverage, is the analysis of a script from a trained, professional reader. The script reader examines the script and gives notes on the story, dialogue, structure, and character development.
Script coverage provides logistical information, such as genre, time period, number of pages, and budget. These details can be convenient for interested producers and studios looking to pick up a project.
The reader also writes a synopsis and logline for the script. This portion is helpful for executives who may not have time to read the full screenplay. Script coverage might be their first impression of both your story and your writing ability.
The reader studies the strengths and weaknesses of the script to determine if they would Recommend, Fail, or Consider the project (or you as the writer) to a production company.
Overall, coverage is an essential tool in the film industry that benefits both the screenwriter and production companies.
Why Do I Need Script Coverage?
Improve Your Script
Seeking feedback from a professional reader is one of the best ways to refine your script. We get it — feedback can be scary. Finding tricks for how to deal with feedback can help you keep an open mind when it comes to tough notes.
A reader will also address any areas of confusion you may have overlooked while drafting your script. You might be excited to find new elements to incorporate into your next draft. Who knows? A fresh set of eyes could be exactly what your script needs to take it to the next level.
Grow as a Writer
Not only is script coverage a wise investment for your screenplay, but it can also greatly benefit your writing career. By seeking helpful advice from a trained reader, you’ll gain invaluable tools to improve your skills and develop as a writing professional.
Script coverage is an insightful tool that helps executives gather a high-level glimpse into your screenplay, provides detailed notes to improve your script, and can help you further grow your writing skills.
How Do I Find Script Coverage Services?
So, you’ve hired a script reader — but do you actually have good script coverage? There are several traits you need to look for when hiring a reader.
Find a Professional Reader
While searching for script coverage services, find a trained, professional reader to evaluate your script. The reader will be educated in the screenwriting craft and can offer valuable feedback on the elements in your script.
Whether they work in the film industry or earned a degree in screenwriting, the script reader will provide essential insight into how to improve every aspect of your script, from the characterization to the marketability of the project.
Look For Friendly but Honest, Critique
It’s also important to find a friendly reader who knows how to give constructive feedback. You need to trust your reader rather than be afraid of their cringe-worthy notes. Find someone who can be honest with you, but not in a brutal way.
What if you received a Fail or Consider rating? Or what if you received a ton of notes? Neither means you’re a “terrible” writer. It just means there could be more ways to improve your script. After all, don’t you want to make your script the best it can be?
Next Steps
While all screenplay coverage points out strengths and weaknesses, not every service will suggest actionable steps you can apply to your rewrite. You might receive a Pass rating, but what notes can you actually execute in your next draft?
The best script coverage will inspire you with ideas for improving your screenplay. A reader will provide a fresh perspective to help you see your script from a new lens. With their notes, you’ll have the motivation to elevate your next draft.
Coverage and feedback services at FADE IN: to FADE OUT. include in-depth notes from professional, trained script readers. Our readers can help you gain useful feedback for your project with Feature Coverage or TV Pilot Coverage.
In addition to written feedback, you will also receive actionable steps that will inspire you for the next draft of your script.
Our readers evaluate each script based on premise, characterization, dialogue, storyline, structure, and marketability. They also rate both the script and the writer to help you find ways to progress in your career.
Every script will receive a Pass, Consider, or Fail rating. Don’t be discouraged if you receive a Consider or Fail. Our friendly, actionable, and honest notes will motivate you to improve your next draft and grow in your craft.
Learn more about how our Writing Services can help you get your screenplay from FADE IN: to FADE OUT. with an engaging story on every page.
