Screenwriting : First 20 page coverage recommendations by Theresa Drew

They do a first fifteen here.

Perhaps a second look at the comments you already have is in order. You're smart to get two looks, but it sounds like the same feedback came back. Unless I misunderstand your meaning of 'thoroughly'.

Just to be clear and so I don’t sound bitter because I didn’t like my feedback. The first reader said he was confused about my location, ( my story takes place in different holidays), and he wasn’t sure what holiday my character was in and as a result it made the rest of the story confusing. He wrote almost my entire page of notes on this topic. Meanwhile, I could list at least four different and specific instances the holiday was mentioned, from characters to dialogue to setting to actual street signs. If he missed that then he didn’t read it carefully. But just in case I needed to be even more clear and that maybe it was my fault, I added another instance where the characters say where they are. And on my following read by a different person he came up with totally different issues, not related to what the first reader had said at all, that were also clearly spelled out. I know how to take notes and am not sensitive when someone doesn’t like my work. But I can tell when someone hasn’t read it. And it’s not acceptable when you’re forking out money for it. You can tell good notes from bad ones and these were bad notes. I’m just looking for a more reputable company.

I hear you, and it sucks. I've received notes with the wrong main character name.

Complete agreement: Bux for an objective, accurate and well thought out feedback. Unfortunately, it's the nature of the beast. Some companies do not do a good job.

Thanks for mentioning the firm so others might pass on them as well.

Thanks Paul. I’ll check him out.

Hey, Teresa, I'm also a script consultant who offers a "first 20 pages for $20" deal. My email addy is patsavageband@gmail.com

I do coverage $1 a page.

Coverage and editing $2 a page

A mighty interesting read:

https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/RED-LIST-on-Coverflyhttps:/...

Just an update. I used Howard Casner as Paul recommended. $20 for the first 20 pages and the notes were great. Really thorough and insightful. I will use him again in the future. Highly recommend.

Realise this isn't quite what you're looking for right now, but for future reference, I've just launched a new service: feedback on your first five.

I'll read your first paragraph for a quarter.

I would translate Tony's "quarter" as: "start with creating a solid logline first, then put some sarcasm into your script." And stick with Howard if you like his notes.

No, I meant I'd read the first paragraph for a quarter. I agree with the logline bit, and sarcasm if it fits a character. In the real world, satire is not necessarily sarcasm.

I once used a coverage service that was quite well known and I paid good money. When I got back this mish mash of comments that were not helpful and often didn't relate to script I sent an email back to company to question. I was accidentally CC'ed in on email between company and their reader where they reader stated he was sorry but was tired from "a bro's party at another college" and didnt start reading it until about 3am. He then said he'd be happy to return the $15 reading payment to the company for stuffing up.

point is you never really know who is actually reading your script and how are they reading it - at 3am while half doing social media or are they actually sitting down and focusing on it.

I do find 'coverage ink' really good. Not sure if they do first 10/20/30 pages though.

CI does not offer 10/20/30.

Terri Zinner at www.afilmwriter.com has a 35 page coverage for $35. She is good; I have used her several times. She gives thorough, insightful notes.

My mistake. It is 30 pages for $35.

Perhaps contact Jason Mirch at Stage 32 to see if a first 20 page review is a feature they'd like to include here.

Thanks, Ewan! Hey Theresa Drew - I am the Director of Script Services at Stage 32. We offer a number of ways for you to have you script reviewed. In fact, Ewan Dunbar is one of the brilliant executives that works with us. Email me at j.mirch@stage32.com - I have also DM'd you as well!