1. What is Feedback and/or Coverage?
Feedback and Coverage – same thing, is a written review of a screenplay that includes a page to a couple of pages of written comments covering good and bad aspects of a screenplay and sometimes includes a short synopsis of the script and a rating: Recommend, Consider, Pass. Feedback or more commonly, Coverage is widely used in the film industry by agents, producers, and studios to sift through piles of submitted scripts in the hope of finding some gem they can make into a movie. Coverage is performed by a Story Analyst, or Reader whose job is to read submitted scripts and pass along the promising scripts to their bosses while discarding the rest. Coverage and especially Notes or Development Coverage is also used by some contests and script consultants as a paid service to aid writers in improving work before sending it to market.
2. Why should I get Feedback/Coverage on my script?
In professional screenwriting it’s important to get every edge possible to stand apart from the pack. Working, world-class screenwriters often use coverage services, sometimes multiple services to get a crucial review of their work. One of the most essential skills of a screenwriter or any artist is the ability to stand back and view the work from the point of view of the audience. Does the script make sense to others? is it compelling? does this or that scene work as intended? No matter how brilliant the writer, they are often too close to their own material to spot areas to fix or enhance. It is a strange phenomenon, that a professional reader, who is skilled but might have less writing experience, credits etc than a top Hollywood screenwriter, is yet able to spot strengths and weaknesses in a script better that the top screenwriter; only because the reader can view the work objectively.
3. Will you act as a manager or agent for my script?
While our contest offers massive promotion for the winners, the Movie Script Contest, Writer Services is a straight coverage service offered to assist writers in getting their work ready for market. We do not take percentages and we do not act as a manager, agent or producer for any script submitted to Writer Services.
4. Who are your Readers?
All readers who work for Movie Script Contest and Movie Script Contest, Writer Services are professional working Hollywood story analysts. Many work or have worked for among the top names in Hollywood.
5. What if I disagree with the Reader’s comments?
Feedback/Coverage is a professional, informed opinion on a script’s merits and areas to improve. Because it is an opinion, it is open to disagreement. Ultimately, the writer decides what is best for their own work. We promise a script will be read cover to cover, fairly, objectively and with the writer’s interest at heart. We simply offer the perspective and experience and industry savvy of years in the Hollywood trenches.
6. Is my script safe with Movie Script Contest, Writer Services?
We recommend all writers register their work with the WGA and/or U.S. Copyright Office, or similar entity. We take the security of a writer’s script seriously and all readers sign a release prohibiting unauthorized use of a writer’s story in any form.
