why you don't need script coverage

Script coverage is for buyers not screenwriters. SAY WHAAATTT???

​YES. YOU HEARD THAT RIGHT.

Script coverage isn't for screenwriters. It's for buyers – executives at networks and studios, producers - managers, and agents. It's an evaluation of your script's marketability for a specific brand given by network or studio interns and assistants. Their feedback, ie. coverage, tells the executive if they should bother to read it or send it to file 13. Therefore, script coverage may highlight a few problems in the screenplay, but it won't help you address those problem areas.
But if you can't address the notes and promptly turnaround a revised draft of your screenplay, then you won't build the skillsets necessary to make it in Hollywood.

​WHEN YOU SUBMIT YOUR SCREENPLAY FOR COVERAGE

It is assigned an unknown reader at any skill level from intern to industry professional to evaluate your script's marketability and give subjective comments on the story's strengths and weaknesses. 
Companies then give the screenplay a score or recommendation, leaving the screenwriter wanting to improve their rating to hopefully get access to getting their stories produced.
After revisions or rewrites, the screenwriter will return to said script coverage company, submit their screenplay, and get reassigned to another unknown reader. Why is this a problem?

• The 2nd reader has not read the first version of your screenplay.
• The 2nd reader is uninformed of the notes given by the 1st reader.
• The 2nd reader can now give contradictory notes to the 1st reader.
• The screenwriter is left confused and unsure how to address the notes.

AND IT'S SO FRUSTRATING!

​WHAT YOU NEED IS DEVELOPMENT NOTES

Our signature service that put TPP on the map. When you work with TPP, you're assigned your personal Story Expert who will work 1:1 with you:

• Giving detailed, objective, and actionable notes on your screenplay based on why elements in your story aren't working and how you can fix them.
• Talking through your notes so you can ask clarifying questions.
• Creating a plan specifically for you to revise your script, including an option to add-on a Rewrite package for 1:1 guidance through your next draft.
• Tracking your progress from draft to draft. 
• Celebrating your wins with you. 🎉

This means...

• No more contradictory notes.
• No more confusion about why a note was given.
• No more trying to figure out how to address notes yourself.
• No more going at this screenwriting thing alone. 😁

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​Upgrade your writing portfolio and level up your screenwriting career.

SUBMIT YOUR SCREENPLAY

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Author

Shannan E. Johnson is a former creative executive at The Syfy Channel turned CEO + Head Consultant of The Professional Pen, a script consultancy that develops screenwriters from idea to pitch to become more confident storytellers ready for a professional screenwriting career, and consults with scripted development teams at entertainment companies to streamline their notes process to get to pre-production more efficiently.