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Published: Feb/Mar '11 - Vol. 2, Iss. 9 of I Am Entertainment Magazine. Copyright © 2011,
N'Fluential Holdings LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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A “script coverage” is the practice of reading a screenplay/script and then analy-zing the various
elements of it in order to write a concise and clear summ-arization
of what the script is about.
A good coverage writer can be hard to find and are considered to be extremely
valuable in the film industry. The reason why is because a good coverage helps busy upper
level producers and agents save time. These folks are very busy mak- ing deals and don’t have
the time to read an entire script.
So, the script coverage is written to help them get a quick understanding of what the project is
about. It paints a good picture of what the moviegoers will see if the film is made.
But before you can actually critique a screenplay, you must first have a good understanding of
what the important compo-nents of the screenplay are. Once you have a solid handle on what
the compenents are, then give the screenplay a good read. Note: make sure you’re in a location
N'Fluential Holdings LLC. All Rights Reserved.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
A “script coverage” is the practice of reading a screenplay/script and then analy-zing the various
elements of it in order to write a concise and clear summ-arization
of what the script is about.
A good coverage writer can be hard to find and are considered to be extremely
valuable in the film industry. The reason why is because a good coverage helps busy upper
level producers and agents save time. These folks are very busy mak- ing deals and don’t have
the time to read an entire script.
So, the script coverage is written to help them get a quick understanding of what the project is
about. It paints a good picture of what the moviegoers will see if the film is made.
But before you can actually critique a screenplay, you must first have a good understanding of
what the important compo-nents of the screenplay are. Once you have a solid handle on what
the compenents are, then give the screenplay a good read. Note: make sure you’re in a location
that doesn’t allow for distractions so you can truly hone in on the coverage.
When reading the script, make sure you take notes, marking down what the flaws are, placing your comments in your smart-phone’s notepad
(assuming you have one in this day and age). Make sure these notes will spark your memory when you begin to actually breakdown the script
later.
Once you’re done reading the screenplay, write a good synopsis of what the story is about; including major events, charact-ers and storylines
only. Also make sure you include things like what genre, time period, and location the script is set in. Be sure to be completely neutral, showing
no bias, keeping in mind that all that matters in the coverage is the facts about the
script.
Next, you should write your own analysis of what the script is like. This is where you have a little wiggle room to be somewhat opinionated about
the screenplay’s structure, storyline, characters, character development, and the feel/tone of it. Be sure to include any strengths and weaknesses
in the author’s writing, and also comment on what similarities it draws to other movies that have been made which are in the same lane/genre.
Also remember to:
When reading the script, make sure you take notes, marking down what the flaws are, placing your comments in your smart-phone’s notepad
(assuming you have one in this day and age). Make sure these notes will spark your memory when you begin to actually breakdown the script
later.
Once you’re done reading the screenplay, write a good synopsis of what the story is about; including major events, charact-ers and storylines
only. Also make sure you include things like what genre, time period, and location the script is set in. Be sure to be completely neutral, showing
no bias, keeping in mind that all that matters in the coverage is the facts about the
script.
Next, you should write your own analysis of what the script is like. This is where you have a little wiggle room to be somewhat opinionated about
the screenplay’s structure, storyline, characters, character development, and the feel/tone of it. Be sure to include any strengths and weaknesses
in the author’s writing, and also comment on what similarities it draws to other movies that have been made which are in the same lane/genre.
Also remember to:
- Be honest about the script. Some scripts are good and some are bad. Keep in mind that no script is perfect, so point out areas that need
improvement. - Consider the circustances. If it was written by a studio exec’s kid, be careful with being too opinionated.
| SCREENWRITING 101 - HOW TO WRITE AN EFFECTIVE SCRIPT COVERAGE |
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