Screenwriting : Script Coverage Services by Dawn Gonchar

If you want to get a bunch of viewpoints for the same price as paying for just one coverage report, try the Black List. It's $50 a pop. They give you abbreviated notes, with logline. Just like writers, all readers are not created equal. Some readers aren't worth the $200 just for them to regurgitate the flow of the script back to you. I thought the best one I used was http://screenplaymechanic.com. If you use him, let him know I sent you.

The note on the black list are really short. If you want coverage for a first draft go to scriptshark.com I was really well served in terms of notes. I also tried scriptpipeline.com they are nice, a little too diplomat for my taste. Meaning they don't want you to go elsewhere. Sometimes brutal, honest opinion is the best I think.

Thank you both...this is helpful to know. I appreciate the feedback!

Dawn, don't pay a penny for early development, it's not rocket science. Save the money for trying to get it in the hands of actual decision-makers and deal-makers when its ready. Until then, Stage 32 writers - we should be helping develop our fellow writers, we should be reviewing scripts and providing fair, valuable analysis. I know reading and giving feedback is time consuming, but we have to do it for each other. Why pay for analysis that's no better than thoughtful analysis from our peers? Dawn - I'll cover your script and get it back to you within two weeks, if you'll do the same for me.

Yeah. A group of peers is really good for early development and just gaining objectivity. I tend to go for coverage when I feel I am nearing the finish line.

I don't do "coverage", I do notes - and there is a difference. But I'd be happy to help you. Don't waste your money on Blacklist coverage - it is REALLY subpar and you only need it if you're looking to post your scripts on their website. Peer feedback is great as you're writing, but sometimes can do more harm than good. It's your call of course, and you should really do your due dilligence, but feel free to check out my site www.nobullscript.net. I'd be happy to help.

Thanks Danny - I appreciate your feedback. I'm working through the Act 3 with my mentor later this week, and then will make any finally changes before having it reviewed. I'll definitely keep your information handy!

MIchael, Very good point. I am part of a very small peer review group and have reviewed scripts for others. I'm somewhat hesitant on this one because it is a Muppet Movie. Still a comedy, which is my genre, but happens to be Muppets. I can understand why some may not wish to, or even feel comfortable reviewing this one...... Nonetheless, it never hurts to asks! I'm about 1-2 weeks away from making final changes based on feedback from my mentor. I'll come back to this group and see if I can find some willing folks. P.S. I am farily new to screenwriting, but am always willing to review scripts for anyone.

When you're ready to have it read, let me know and we'll swap. I'll have it back to you in 2-3 weeks with as much feedback as I can provide on technicals, story and commercial viability - which I think is your biggest challenge with a new Muppet Movie in the age of Pixar and 3D. But all that can be worked out. Lets get you moving forward.

Danny, can you describe the difference in traditional "coverage" and the notes you provide. I think it might be helpful when deciding what route to take starting out. I see many different definitions of "coverage" including estimating the budget, story analysis, and developing the plot to meet specific studio requirements. Thanks.

Joey, with all due respect, the issue we're trying to work out is getting feedback on our work as we're developing it. The term "executives" connotes decision / deal makers, and no one wants to put a sub-par screenplay in front of an executive. When we do put it before an exec, its already going to be the best we can make it. Your service is valuable, and we'll pay for it, but what we're talking about is getting the work as close to finished as possible before we pay for an exec to see it.

Good question Ami. Coverage is basically written so that no one else has to read the script, Notes are written so that everyone will WANT to read the script. Coverage is usually a page synopsis and 2-3 pages of general thoughts about the script and a few areas of what needs work or what works. Some include a character breakdown or 5-point grading sheet as well. With NOTES, it's a much more in-depth process and it's geared to YOU, the writer, instead of being third person about the story. At least that's how I write my notes. They are 6-8 pages (or more) of much more constructive and specific notes on all the major elements of your script. It doesn't include a synopsis, though I do include a 20-pt grading sheet and logline. Coverage is something anyone can do who has worked i the business for 3 days. Notes are a skill that takes time and experience to develop. (And I was also a development executive). Love you Joey!!! :-))) My question for Dawn is - is your script a movie with the MUPPETS we all know and love? Or have you created a new world of muppets and characters and it's a whole new TYPE of muppet you're writing about. If you've written a Kermit/Miss Piggy Muppet Movie, there's really nothing you can do with that. They don't accept scripts for muppet movies from random new writers. And it won't win a contest because you don't own the rights. But if it's NEW muppets, that's a different story and could be cool, though definitely a hard sell still. But I'm happy to help when you're ready!

So when you have professional "coverage" done, do you submit that coverage when submitting scripts to a studio? So they read the coverage instead of the script? If it's not directed at or to help the writer, who is the coverage specifically written for?

If you want to know what is missing what is overwritten and how your script is upraised by the "market", coverage gives you insights on that. Even for a first draft, especially for that, it's a really good indicator. Then you can draw several conclusions from what was said to you. Worth the price you pay I think.

Alle, Thank you for your information and feedback. It's definitely a tough spot to be in considering one wrong move could hamper a career. I have a screenwriting mentor (Chris Soth who developed the mini movie method) who has been instrumental in helping me ensure the structure is what it needs to be, that the characters are strong, the arc is present and consistent, and the story keeps the audience engaged. I've debated whether or not an additional coverage would be needed before going out and marketing this script.

Anthony, Thank you. I did get professional coverage on this story idea over a year ago, which is why I realized I had a lot to learn. I spent the last year taking screenwriting classes and reading as many books as I could get my hands on. Had I not gotten the professional review of my very first script, I would probably have made the critical error of marketing it before it was ready.

Joey - thank you! I should have realized stage 32 offered these services; they seem to have everything!

We try, Dawn! In case you missed it, here was the blog announcing our acquisition of The Happy Writers and our appointing of Joey Tuccio as President. https://www.stage32.com/blog/Stage-32-Acquires-The-Happy-Writers

Dawn, you have to ask yourself what you're looking to get out of the service, if you are looking for an overview of genuine feedback on the story, characters, dialogue, themes etc. There is a plethora of services that can help, but a select few who have the writer's best interest at heart, Joey here on Stage 32 is known for his Herculean efforts for writers and Danny knows what he's talking about. If you need something more detailed -- like page by page notes that will get your script in tip-top shape, you are looking at much more than what is being defined as 'coverage'. Do stay away from any site that will not tell you who is reading your script, as they are most likely just in it for the money.

Ami, no you shouldn't ever send your coverage report in with a submission. Ever. Whatever company you send it to will generate their own and very often notes or coverage reports will include phrases that YOU think sound wonderful and complimentary, but execs and agents know it's actually code for "this writer isn't good enough yet." For instance, if the first line of your coverage or notes is "you have a solid premise and concept" the subtext of that is "but it's not well-written enough" OR "but the story goes in the wrong direction." Because otherwise the first line of the notes would likely be "You have a well-written script with a great concept." Execs know how to read between the lines.