John C. Lyons's Lounge Discussions

They are two separate things. The idea of the coverage program is to get your script in the best shape possible for the contest (or elsewhere). When you enter the contest your script will go with over 8,000 others for 2, first round reads, and given it got a recommend it will likely go to the second round (but the 1st round readers are not the same readers who do coverage) you may get a 2nd round read from someone who provides coverage also but the chances that they are the one that read your script for coverage are slim. Depending on the score given by the 2nd round reader will determine if it moves beyond that round. All rounds of readers provide notes, you get them all if you advance. This year they have added a summary paragraph that all entrants will receive.

Thank you, Laurie, that's what I wanted to know.

You're welcome, good luck!

Hello Timothy, I was researching the AFF Coverage Program before submitting and saw your post. I was just curious if you would share how the experience was for you and how your screenplay fared in the festival. Cheers

Hi John, The coverage was very substantive and appreciated. The screenplay did make it to the second round, however not beyond that. I was left wondering if the coverage reader was a little older (as he/she got a reference that was a line of dialogue that could be taken two ways - he got the way that referred to the 1980's). Another producer, Howard Kazanjian (Raiders of the Lost Ark, Return of the Jedi, etc) read it and loved it too, but thought it might not be edgy enough for younger producers/readers. Alas, that may have been the case. I did get a nice handwritten note added to the "Second Rounder" form letter, indicating that all the AFF readers were very impressed by my characterizations and writing style. Would I do it again (the coverage program)? Certainly. Hope that helps.