Script coverage

Definition

Script coverage is a document that provides a summary and evaluation of a screenplay, often including a synopsis, character descriptions, and analysis of strengths and weaknesses. This feedback is crucial for writers and industry professionals during the rewriting process, as it helps identify areas that need improvement before finalizing the screenplay or presenting it for production. Script coverage also plays a role in determining how screenwriting software can assist in refining scripts through tools that streamline this evaluation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Script coverage typically includes a brief synopsis, character breakdowns, and an overall evaluation, often with a rating system to indicate the quality of the screenplay.
2. This document serves as an essential tool for writers to understand how their work is perceived by others, helping them make informed decisions during the rewriting process.
3. Coverage can highlight issues such as pacing, dialogue effectiveness, and character development, allowing writers to address specific concerns before finalizing their scripts.
4. Many production companies rely on script coverage to filter submissions, ensuring that only the most promising projects move forward in the development pipeline.
5. Screenwriting software often includes features that help writers generate coverage efficiently, making it easier to analyze their work and track revisions over time.

Review Questions

• How does script coverage assist writers during the rewriting process?
  • Script coverage provides critical feedback on various elements of a screenplay, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses. This information allows writers to understand how their story resonates with readers, enabling them to focus on specific areas for improvement. By identifying issues like pacing or character development through coverage, writers can effectively revise their scripts to enhance overall quality before finalizing them.
• What role does script coverage play in the presentation of short screenplays to production companies?
  • Script coverage plays a significant role in how short screenplays are presented to production companies. It serves as a first impression of the script's quality and potential for success. Coverage not only summarizes the screenplay but also evaluates its marketability and emotional impact, which is crucial for capturing the interest of producers and decision-makers who may be inundated with submissions.
• Evaluate the impact of modern screenwriting software on the creation and utilization of script coverage.
  • Modern screenwriting software has greatly enhanced how script coverage is created and utilized by providing tools that streamline the writing and analysis processes. These applications often include templates for generating coverage reports quickly and effectively, allowing writers to focus on content rather than formatting. Additionally, features like collaborative editing enable real-time feedback from peers or mentors, facilitating a more comprehensive review process that ultimately leads to stronger scripts ready for submission.

Related terms

Logline:

A logline is a one or two-sentence summary of a screenplay that captures its central conflict and hook, often used in script coverage to quickly convey the essence of the story.

Script Notes: Script notes are detailed comments and suggestions made by readers or mentors on specific elements of a screenplay, similar to script coverage but often more focused on particular scenes or dialogue.

Draft: A draft refers to a version of a screenplay that is in progress or completed, which can be evaluated through script coverage to guide further revisions and improvements.