Understanding Script Coverage: The Key to Revise and Get Your Script Covered
The journey of a screenplay begins with script coverage— an essential step in bringing your vision to the big screen. Script coverage is the analytical process where a script reader evaluates your screenplay and provides detailed feedback. This article explores the nuances of script coverage, the roles of script readers, and the importance of revising your script to improve its chances of getting covered.
The Role of a Script Reader
A script reader acts as a gatekeeper in the screenplay market, filtering through countless scripts submitted by writers. Studio agencies, production companies, and management companies all have a team of script readers whose primary task is to evaluate scripts and provide comprehensive coverage. The script reader's analysis is crucial as it helps determine whether a screenplay is worthy of further consideration, investment, or development.
What is Script Coverage?
Script coverage is the detailed analysis of a screenplay, typically consisting of various grading elements and notes on what works and what doesn’t. This analysis covers a wide range of aspects, including but not limited to concept, story, characters, dialogue, pacing, structure, marketability, castability, and overall worthiness. These elements are graded using specific scales and formats, which may vary slightly between companies.
Reader vs. Assistant
It's important to distinguish between a script reader and an assistant, as these roles are often conflated. A true script reader's job is to read and write coverage. They do not undertake tasks such as managing the office, answering phones, or making copies. Conversely, assistants are often asked to write coverage due to the volume of material they need to process. Dedicated script readers typically handle higher-profile scripts that have been graded as Consider or Recommend by assistants.
Grade Assignments
Scripts are typically graded on a scale from Pass to Recommend. A Pass indicates that the script may not meet the company's standards or that it is outright terrible. A Consider grade suggests that while the script has promise and potential, it may require significant revisions. A Recommend grade means the script is worth investing in, potentially through an option development deal or outright purchase.
The Application of Script Coverage
Script coverage is not just a technical exercise; it serves as a crucial feedback mechanism for writers. The script reader focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of the screenplay, offering detailed notes on elements like character development, plot structure, and dialogue. This feedback is invaluable for writers looking to refine their craft and improve their chances of success.
Key Components of Script Coverage
Logline: A concise summary of the screenplay's central idea or selling point. For example, A quirky family determined to get their young daughter into the finals of a beauty pageant take a cross-country trip in their VW bus. - Little Miss Sunshine. Summary: A detailed plot synopsis of the story from beginning to end. This summary should be written in third-person present tense, covering the entire narrative arc and key plot points. Comments: Analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the script, providing insight into what works and what doesn’t. This section is crucial for writers, as it offers direction for revisions.Conclusion
Script coverage is a vital step in the development of a screenplay. It not only helps producers and development executives make informed decisions but also provides writers with essential feedback for improvement. By understanding the process and applying the insights from script coverage, writers can refine their scripts and increase their chances of getting covered, potentially leading to greater success in the screenwriting industry.
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