FAQs
What is coverage?
Coverage is the analysis and review of a screenplay’s characters, plot, and overall quality of writing. Coverage is a standard tool used by agents, production companies, and studios to quickly summarize the merits of film and television scripts.
What is included in coverage?
Standard coverage includes several key elements. The first page will include general background information on the writer and screenplay such as the name of writer(s), title, page count, genre, logline, box scores, and final recommendation. The box scores contain “Poor” to “Excellent” ratings for premise, characters, dialogue, concept, and scene structure. The final recommendation is used to determine the overall quality of both the writer and screenplay and is listed as Pass, Consider, or Recommend.
- Pass: The reader believes the writer and/or screenplay misses the mark in most areas such as those which appear in the box scores. This recommendation generally implies that a production company or alternative entity should not move forward with the script.
- Consider: The reader believes the writer and/or screenplay shows potential with strong showings in the several key analyzed areas such as those which appear in the box scores. However, this rating also acknowledges the presence of significant problems that must still be addressed before proceeding to production with the screenplay and/or writer.
- Recommend: The reader believes the writer and/or screenplay is strong in all analyzed categories and is ready for production.
- With/Without Reservation: This term can be included with Consider or Recommend ratings based on the reader’s perception of overall quality. “With Reservation” implies the need for caution when proceeding to production as an acknowledgement that some elements of the script should be addressed.
Why is Coverage Important?
Coverage allows you an objective third party look at your screenplay and provides valuable and actionable insights. These insights provide the opportunity for the writer to examine what areas of their work need the most improvement. This can save the writer time and headaches during any future rewrite.
What’s included with Basic Coverage? (Shop Coverage)
- Logline
- Box Scores (Premise, Characters, Dialogue, Story, Scenes)
- An overall Pass, Consider, Recommend rating
- Two pages of notes
- One week or less turnaround time
What’s included with Advanced Coverage? (Shop Coverage)
- Logline
- Box Scores (Premise, Characters, Dialogue, Story, Scenes)
- An overall Pass, Consider, Recommend rating
- Three pages of notes
- 4-Day or less turnaround time
What is a logline?
Think of a logline as your “elevator pitch.” The logline should give a 1-2 sentence summary of the story and often features key elements from your story such as the protagonist, his goal, and the primary obstacle they must overcome.
What is a Spec?
- In Film: A “Spec Script” (short for Speculative Script) is an original script written without confirmed plans for purchase or production. These drafts favor highlighting the author’s voice and telling the story over technical details such as camera angles and transitions.
- In Television: Whereas a “Spec Script” in film is an original story, a “Spec Script” in television refers to a teleplay based on a pre-existing television series. These are used to demonstrate the writer’s ability to capture the voice of a specific show and characters.
How long does it take to get my coverage?
Standard coverage will be issued within one week or less depending on current bookings. Expedited turnaround times are available with advanced coverage (4-Day or Less) as well as Priority Turnaround (1-Day) which can be purchased for an additional fee.
Who reads my screenplay?
Your screenplay will be personally read by Your Screenplay Guy who comes with nearly a decade of screenwriting experience, education, and award-winning expertise.