Screenwriting : Script coverage services by Christopher Platt

Christopher, I offer competitive and affordable pricing, depending upon what you need and I have helped many improve their scripts. As someone who's also produced 18 pictures, I would be happy to offer advice on casting, potential distribution and in helping you reasonably see what kind of budget you can make the movie on. Feel free to reach out to me on here or at cinematicheroes@aol.com and check me out on IMDb - same name as above. ;) I've been around as I've worked with multiple Oscar-Winners and Oscar-Nominees. And, I've re-written, ghost written and polished scripts for many clients. I would be happy to offer you a free phone consultation before you decide. - Sam

Sam - do you have a rate sheet?

Doug, absolutely. I use a sliding scale, based on the person's budget - I do my best to fit in. Also, the price is dependent upon how much work is needed. Is it a short or a feature. So, there are many variables. If you ever want to have a phone conversation, please reach out and let me know. :) GOD BLESS and * STAY FRESH * !

Sam, certainly your rates must reflect a whole gamut depending on complexity of services requested but I think it would be helpful to the new & entry level writers here on S32 if they could have some basic costs. For example; if I sent you a 15 page no/low budget short that is 'pretty good' - approximately how much would you charge for notes & coverage (obviously everything is negotiable). How about a ragged FL script? A lot of new writers have no knowledge of expenses at all.

Well, since every script is different - as is every writer - it's hard to answer hypotheticals, especially since I've heard some new & entry level writers put down executives offering coverage or hearing pitches and charging a fair rate, saying things to the effect of, "If they're so big, why do they need my $200?" I think this is absolutely wrong. Sometimes a show of respect - what you may think is only a little money - goes a long way with someone who works hard for you. I think when someone offers you a fair rate and if you check them out and they are real - and especially if they've helped others before - you take it. I've also heard the IMDb debate - "it doesn't matter" - and I vehemently disagree. While some people use studio database, many casting directors (here in NYC) or indie filmmakers use it as a reference. It acts as sort of your resume. Also, if your film is real and you don't list it, they will often list it for you, so I don't understand how people have done films and they don't appear on IMDb? Moreover, WHY would anyone resist any type of resume that will help them and not hurt them? But, I digress. I only raise this argument, because I believe you can really check someone out on IMDb and see what they've done, who they've worked with, see their pictures and awards. The budgets they've worked with. You can realize in 10 seconds if someone is a real player that can help you. So, if they offer you a low price, WHY insult them by saying, "If they're so big, why do they need my $200?" Again, I ONLY raise these points, because I've seen them in the lounge discussions. NOW, having said that, to answer your hypothetical, if you sent me a 15-page no/low budget short that was "pretty good," but needed notes and coverage, I might charge $100 for that. (And, again, as you said above everything is negotiable.) And, by a ragged, feature-length script, I take it you mean it needs considerable work? For that, I could charge a lot more. If the person was genuine and nice and had a passion for this industry, I might only charge them $300 for that. Again, it depends on their budget, how much work the script needs. How long is it in terms of pages. Feature or a short? Do I see a genuine spark in the person and they want this bad and are open to mentoring? I'm sorry for the long harangue, but I was uncomfortable just listing a price, without knowing particulars. But, I hope that sheds some light for new and entry-level writers on basic costs and rates. Thanks for asking, Doug! GOD BLESS and * STAY FRESH * ! ;)

Try these guys? Would recommend. https://industrialscripts.com/script-coverage-services/

Sam, very good answer and I agree with you all the way. I'm not sure I'd rely all that much on IMDB. Some of the older writers were working long before IMDB was born. For example, I (retired) don't maintain an IMDB page - I have no need. If you do your research, you'll find my little footy prints all over the place. Remember too, that many writers use a nom de plum (or plume?).

I genuinely liked the services offered here at Stage32. Submitted to one of the ‘execs’ and got thoughtful coverage.

Not sure about buying IMDb credits, unless you're referring to Crowd-funding perks, which I acknowledge exist. However, you can tell a real credit right away when you look at the cast. If the filmmaker in question has worked with Academy-Award Winners, played in major festivals and even won some Awards, gotten distribution and has pictures to back it up, what more can you really ask for? Those kind of credits and accomplishments can't be disputed. In addition, all of the people on studio systems such as Daniel Craig, Quentin Tarantino, Jennifer Lawrence or John Travolta, are all on IMDb, so again, I don't understand how people without an IMDb page can say much. Bottom line: If you did it, it would be on IMDb. That was my point. Doug, I do understand what you are saying about older writers. And, in terms of nom de plums, that nom de plum would still be on IMDb. To dispute the hard work some people have accomplished, to me, at least, is not in good spirit.

Kay, If you purchase an IMDb Pro subscription, you get a page, not credits. It will just be a blank page that you can put your photo on. People see right through that. The credits have to be earned. Also, IMDb Pro has the listing of current agents and their numbers for actors, numbers and emails for many production companies and is just a good reference guide. And, if your daughter acted in and shot a film - be it a short, documentary or feature - than she deserves that credit. If the film exists in some form, she deserves credit for the work she did. I've heard you say that before - that it's a consumer product, not a professional one. But, chances are, if you're not on IMDb, you're not on studio systems database, either. So, I still believe it's an accurate one.

My experience with script coverage services is they're ALL uneven. I think that's a result of not knowing who the reader is and there being a lot of variation in the stable. I like that Stage32 allows you to pick the reader and you know a lot about them (but I haven't used that service yet, so can't vouch from personal experience).

I'm using the Friendly Reader. He's a Stage 32 member.

Just join https://blcklst.com. It's affordable, and their readers tend to be Producer Assistants doing some part-time work. You can also submit to a screenplay competition that gives free feedback. Black List is a reputable choice. Good Luck!