Screenwriting : Screenplay finished - what now? by Joseph Rhea

I don't get coverage because I have a wife that is good at letting me know my screenplays all suck. But if I did want to go that route I would probably contact Danny Manus. He is a long-time member here on Stage 32.

I had a consultation over a pilot script with ewan Dunbar and he gave me some gret advice. I'd recommend him.

Thanks, Dan.

The coverage I have found most reliable and helpful (most of the time) is Stage 32 and Shore Scripts. And just me, but if it hasn't been read/reviewed by a professional (reader/agent/producer, etc..) and given the thumbs up, I'd take advantage of the next few months and seek them out. Over two years of writing, I've learned I'm way too close to my stories to be critical and subjective ;-)

Thanks Bill and thanks, Matthew.

I would network with peers & filmmakers and ask for feedbacks, then do a final pass to send to reps & ppl serious about making movies- buying specs or hiring for assignments

https://writeandco.com/

Joseph Rhea Congratulations! Have you thought about submitting to Stage 32's First 10 pages review? If you get a high score, the rest of the script will be requested.

Thank you Dan, Vasco, and Robin. I am listening seriously to all suggestions. Much appreciated.

No, don’t spend money. Stick it on scriptrevolution.com and see if it gets any eyeballs on it.

What did you want to achieve from coverage? Every dollar you spend in life should have a purpose (sorry for sound all dad like). Coverage as a rule will not move you closer to a sale. Even if they coverage services says you are a genius and it is the best screenplay ever, unless the person trust that service, it is meaningless.

Research your genre. Find all the players in that genre at your budget level. Figure out what is happening and then see how you can leverage that information.

Danny Manus. https://www.nobullscript.net/

Best in the business.

You can look up executives here to see if there is anyone that has had experience with titles like yours for more specific insight.

Yes, spend money. Those who denigrate notes generally fear receiving them because they're pedants who are terrible writers... or worse.

Hosting a script that is not in great shape can be detrimental in the long run. Hosting sites are no guarantee of a sale. Really bad advice.

OP has the right idea. Stick with it and get notes from a reputable firm. Forget those who attempt to dissuade you and question why they do.

Philo Kvetch you are completely discounting what William wrote. He has done everything he can. This is as good as William can get at the moment. I was pushing back against the assumption that he must pay someone. Who are these people? Why do they deserve to be paid. What are their qualifications and skills? How will they do anything that will move William’s work forward? Your assumption is that his work is bad. Which is unqualified. I assume a writer knows their work.

I only take notes from people I am working with, not strangers that could no more skill or less than myself.

I've read you.

Philo Kvetch thanks. What have you read.

Dreck.

How much reading up on craft have you done, Joseph Rhea? Might be a good time to take in some books/courses/lectures and see if that inspires you to make improvements.

For what it's worth, and with regard to some of the comments above. Richard Adrian optioned his horror feature Muderhorn via Script Revolution and following an endorsement from Danny Manus. What's being suggested has worked. Here's the success story post.

I'd start working on another. If you do well enough in a contest to get the attention of a manager/agent, one of the first questions they'll ask is "what else do you have?" Same goes for any paid opportunities - the script doctor job I'm currently working on asked for samples from 3 separate features as part of the application. Really good to be able to show you're not a one-hit wonder.

What else have you written?

So I'm possibly on a very different path from most screenwriters here. I'm a working scientist who has also written several sci-fi books in the past decade. My screenwriting goals are centered on adapting stories from my preexisting IP, and this is my 2nd feature in that realm. Once I finish this script, I plan to adapt it into a book (since it's a prequel to my series). So my story will be out there one way or another, and maybe that's how I get it noticed by filmmakers: the book does well and someone says "this could be a movie", and I mention that the script is already finished. Not an easy path, but none are, right? In summary, I am writing screenplays because I'm having an absolute blast doing it. No belief anything will ever be sold and I'm fine with that.

Dont waste money on coverage. Get professional NOTES. And make sure it's as good and ready as it can be to achieve the goals you are looking for. I'm happy to help over at No BullScript! email me! No anonymous coverage or 2 pgs of vague flowery bullshit. Get real indepth notes calls!