Screenwriting : Considered by a coverage agency? by Mark William Chambers

I recently had a feature script I've written considered by a pretty respectable agency. What is the next step?!

Hi Ron. This is a paid coverage agency. Not CAA or WME. Just a professional coverage agency that specializes in reading scripts and giving honest feedback. They judge character development, pacing, tone etc. but according to their ratings they only consider less than 4 percent of their submissions. And they've only given a handful of recommends in their 15-20 years in business. (However many that is) So now, I'm trying to figure out if I should send it out to producers, do another rewrite, get more feedback from other fellow writers? I'm kind of stuck. Any advice you have id really appreciate.

Yes, it's a company not an agency.

First off I wouldn't go as far to say the coverage is meaningless because I've received some great feedback and the notes are pretty spot on. If you're taking about helping me to the next step, it's still a positive so I wouldn't go around talking to other writers like that.

Congratulations Mark! Having someone notice your skill is always amazing, even if they aren't able to push it to the right hands. Coverage sites are just that... a place where you're getting feedback and not really expecting more than that, so getting a consider tells you that your script is on the right track... I think it's more a question of the right track to what. I've used Scriptapalooza and Stage 32, and received notes from the Bluecat screenplay contest. You have to understand the differences in these services I think. With a coverage site like Scriptapalooza, I've found the up side of having detailed notes and multiple readers very helpful; however, you have no clue who your readers are. That's epic failure right there because you don't know if they're currently active in the industry or their level of experience. I want to try Specscout at some point since they have a "promotion" piece as they score it and list it, but I'd only do that with my script once I feel it is hot stuff because it's a waste of money (it's expensive) to submit there if you know you have no chance of scoring highly. Though you don't know who you're getting with them, the fact that they give you exposure makes it worth it, I think. They also have a detailed rating system which can show you where you need improvement (in the script or as a writer). Bluecat for me was hit or miss. It really depended on the reader- I got one disgruntled person whose review must have been written as he was constipated on the toilet but another reviewer for the same script who gave more helpful comments. It's also for a contest so what they are looking for as opposed to a coverage site where readers are interns, professors, or "retired" screenwriters would be very different. I have found that Stage 32 Happy Writers has been the best experience, not only because Joey and his team are awesome, but because you know who reads your work AND you know these people are in the industry presently so they know information about the industry that other random coverage site readers wouldn't. That is key. I haven't used the blacklist, but I've been reviewing other people's experiences because I was choosing between it and Specscout (the blacklist is significantly cheaper);however, I don't like that it seems like a site where you pay and you're posted. I personally like the earning your credit and that Specscout has a detailed scale that you're rated by as opposed to some arbitrary score. I think it is important to figure yourself out and become confident enough in yourself and your script that you can step back and honestly rate your scripts level. If your script is still in beginning mode and draft stage, I'd say go with some coverage site that is not so expensive that will help you work on your craft and your skill. With this, they will rate you pass, consider, recommend but that shouldn't be your goal. Your goal right now is improving your craft and improving your script. THEN, if you've consistently received recommends or considers with revisions, then you may be ready to move on to a site that will give you an industry litmus test... like Stage 32. Since you're getting executives/producers/managers feedback, you are going to get the real deal and some real insider knowledge. Listen to what they say and take it seriously because others in the industry more than likely would respond similarly. But also keep a small amount of confidence on your shoulder so that if they (these industry reps) don't like it or say it needs loads of work, you won't be crushed (this is just another step)... and keep in mind that (with the exception of managers and execs who have written credits), these are execs and not writers- some of them may not be as astute in story or structure or the basics, but they do know about what will sell and what has the Hollywood feel. Understand that when they criticize something it's not about you or even the script, sometimes it's about the industry and they know how the industry would react. Once you hear that, then it's up to you to decide if you will listen or do your own thing-- there's always a choice. THEN, I think the next step (if you've got Stage 32 coverage and haven't yet got a hit where someone is hiring you or requesting more work or optioning you but they keep indicating that they love your writing or the idea or whatever- it's just positive) is to start pitching and also look into a site like specscout which will not only provide coverage but will rate your script and put it on blast for other industry professionals. I think in this way your script is growing and developing and has been tested, but you also grow as a writer (and seller). I know this was long but I hope it helps and congratulations again on your consider, you're heading in the right direction. P.S. I also think you need to have a group of people who are versed in screenwriting to swap scripts with, as this should be done before spending all this money and can be just as valuable in the beginning steps to defray costs or even jump ahead in steps instead of resubmitting to sites. Anything free is always helpful. Also, I'd make sure to register my script with WGA before sending it to anyone (writer's group or coverage site).