Understanding Script Coverage
Take a closer look at your story.
Before you submit your script for coverage, understand what to expect with your hard earned cash. Some companies charge hundreds of dollars for the service, and you should know what you’re getting.
Main Sections
There are four main parts that define script coverage:
A cover page
A synopsis of the script (usually 1-2 pages)
Detailed reviews of specific story elements such as: Characters, Plot, Dialogue, and Structure.
A list of elements that are ranked from Poor to Excellent.
The Cover Page
The is the first page of coverage. It includes the obvious like the name of the reader, the title of the screenplay and the name of the screenwriter. The cover page also contains “meta-data” like genre, time period, number of pages, film comparables, and a possible budget range. All of this information gives the producer an idea of what to expect when reading the script. As a screenwriter, seeing these elements helps you understand what someone else thought reading your script. Maybe the reader thought it took place in the 2010’s when you wrote it for the 1980’s. That way you know that you need to make an adjustment.
The Synopsis
You, as a screenwriter, do not write this. The reader takes the time to write maybe one or two sentences for each scene to condense the basic actions and acts of your script. Producers rarely read every script that is put in front of them, mainly because they don’t have the time to read dozens of 90+ page scripts daily. But they might have time to read a two page summary. It’s important for the screenwriter to read this as well, in case there was a missed communication that the reader read. See what was misunderstood and make adjustments.
Story Elements
This is typically the bulk of the coverage. Some companies don’t focus on this section, but we believe this is where the reader can express their thoughts in better detail than a simple rating. At Billings Productions, our script coverage services offer a four part breakdown: Characters, Plot, Structure, and Dialogue. Each will be one to two paragraphs explaining our thoughts on the essence of your script, giving specific examples from the script on what’s working and what’s not.
Poor to Excellent
The rating system can be daunting. Most companies rate the following: premise, plot, structure, characters, dialogue, setting, casting potential, and production value. Our script coverage rating system goes far beyond that. We include ratings such as: aligns with social climate, passes the Bechdel test, continuity, diversity of characters, clear goals of the characters, visual elements, and so much more. We understand the love put into scripts and we want to give that same energy to each coverage.
Click here to view our customizable script coverage services.