Screenwriting : Script coverage by Brian Lajeunesse

Yes, several times. But I'll try someone else if I want more coverage to obtain another viewpoint.

That was my initial thought but then I thought: He seemed to really like the idea and maybe if i can show that I can take notes and make changes then maybe I could get him to buy in.

But I do know from personal experience that if your reader is attracted to your script enough, then there is a chance the reader will share it within his/her own organization for development consideration. Of course this is not the main purpose of script coverage here but it happens.

Since I"ve already worked with several producers/directors. Suppose you make changes and then send your screenplay or teleplay to an industry person, and they pass on your work. How will you know whether your paid feedback helped or hindered?

Phillip E. Hardy, Prolifique "Suppose you make changes and then send your screenplay or teleplay to an industry person, and they pass on your work. How will you know whether your paid feedback helped or hindered?" The industry person who you resubmitted your script to might have passed, but now you have a better script to pitch other places, so I think that's how you will know that the feedback helped (rather than hindered).

Maurice:

Good answer. And an optimistic way of looking at it. However, I'm currently in a situation where exactly the opposite happened.

That sucks, Phillip E. Hardy, Prolifique. What happened (if you wanna share)?

I don’t partake in any of the services here but if you made the changes suggested why would you want to send it to that same person? If you are happy with the results why bother sending it to someone else just to get their opinions? You know what they say about opinions.

I guess what I'm thinking is that yes, I want the notes from someone on my script. But that's half the reason I'd pay for coverage. In my short time trying to break into the business I am learning that connections and good impressions might be the slight difference between being hired or not. The reason I would send it to the same person is that, maybe by showing that I can take the notes he gave and make the changes I think made sense, that it would show that I can play well with others. And THAT sometimes is the difference in someone wanting to work with me or not. There are literally tens of thousands of people trying to do this... so being unbendable I think is a trait I wouldn't want a producer to think of me. And even if they passed, perhaps they'd be inclined to pass it along.

You already made a good impression by paying for coverage. Move on to the next list of readers. If industry ppl love the idea and truly looking for material to make movies, they will want it as-is and pay you and either hire you to rewrite, or find someone else to rewrite. "Skin in the game" means employers (legit producers) value your craft by paying $

Great question and I can see your thinking.

I have received feedback and made changes, just like you. In one of those cases, the Exec asked for the script "as-was." I didn't hear back so I went ahead and made changes, passing the updated script to the exec via Stage 32 Customer Support. Still haven't heard back and accept that I probably never will. I

have a couple of successful pitches resulting in script requests that have ended the same way. Ghosted! lol.

I have also tried pitching various screenplays to the same exec, following the advice through stage 32 to show I have a portfolio and not just the one script.

That hasn't worked out.

So, my new course of action is to opt for the First Ten Pages coverage. It only costs a little more and you get to send the whole script. The theory is.... if the first 10 pages do their job, the exec has the opportunity to read the rest.

Following the advice from the two Dan's, I would say send to new execs, get the script in front of more people. If the exec you consulted wanted to see the script after the changes, they would have said.

excellent points Dan and Simon. I'm still working on the second draft. I'll let you know what happens.