Screenplay coverage, script coverage, story analysis
A screenplay coverage report is a three to five page report on your script/movie, which is filed by film and production companies and literary agencies when your screenplay is submitted. Hollywood interns and assistants, or other wannabe screenwriters acting as independent contractors, are the ones doing the reading and script coverage, not agents and producers.
The script coverage report contains a 1 – 3 page story synopsis and a page or two of personal notes. Screenplays are rated with a system evaluating story, style, character, script format, dialogue, concept and marketability. Each script will gain a “pass” (rejection), “consider” or “recommend.” Because no one wants to look like an idiot in the film industry, it is rare that a script is recommended. It's gotta be better than great. It needs to be a sure fire blockbuster or have stars, directors or money attached.
It’s a system to condense material. The problem is that it could be anyone who is evaluating your creative material. If that reader doesn’t relate to, understand, or simply despises your subject matter in your screenplay, you are bound to get a negative review. But who said the world was fair? The film world is not fair at all.
But you can still use script coverage samples to market yourself and your screenplay to agents, producers or investors. There are screenwriting consultants who provide this coverage service and or analysis ranging from $300. You can use the coverage in your query letters when trying to sale a screenplay, for investment packages and to tack onto the top of your script when you submit it to ensure that agencies and production companies have an existing screenplay report to read.
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