I just received coverage that I ordered from a stage 32 writing contest. I was really surprised at how sparse the notes were. I’m not complaining about the content but there were four sections all with only a few sentences in each. I would barely call it a page and it was absolutely not worth the 50$ ( which I might add, they said was discounted from $99) I was surprised because I’ve never gotten coverage from stage 32. Does anyone know if this is typical ? Or would this be because the notes were for a contest and therefore not as extensive.
Screenwriting : Stage 32 contest coverage by Theresa Drew
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I'm more interested in quality than quantity of feedback. It sounds as though you did poorly on both accounts, but I've learned to distrust my own initial reaction to feedback. So often I put it away, or just plain forget about for a few weeks, then go back to it and the feedback has somehow grown more incisive.
From what little info shared, this coverage (if you call that coverage) is a skim job. Worth $50? Dunno. Maybe 1 or 2 suggestions will click in your brain and help you rewrite script.
coverage, real coverage, is for bosses to skim 1 or 2 summary pages and then decide if they want to read the entire script.
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I had coverage from them in the past and it was quite exhaustive, although shorter than what I was hoping for...is there not a sample somewhere for you to check before buying? I might be confused but I think there was one years ago...I suggest emailing them explaining your disappointment and see if there is anything they can do about it, sure they don’t want to lose business :)
The standard coverage (the $99) should be 3-5 pages according to their description. The one I got done was 3ish pages, and pretty solid. I believe I got the level above standard though.
Snake oil salesmen...
that's why writers should be paying for real NOTES and not cheap coverage written by random readers. Coverage is written so that no one else has to read your script. Notes are given so that everyone else will want to. Come on over to No BullScript, I'd be happy to give you real comprehensive, constructive notes.
The coverage content was good, but sparse? Maybe that's a good thing?
I do think that if you’re someone who’s not connected to the business in any way, then professional feedback is invaluable. So I don’t mind paying for something if it’s good quality. I usually use Wescreenplay. They’re my favorite so far because it’s cheap and extensive and all my notes have been really helpful and thorough. I like ScreenCraft too. They’re expensive. $100 for a page of notes. But the notes are always excellent and a page is a full block of text and very detailed. I realize that many times notes you get from contests are much briefer than regular notes but The way Stage 32 advertised it, was that you’d be getting 50% off their $99 notes. So I assumed they’d be a little more in depth. If they weren’t the regular notes they shouldn’t have advertised it that way. And if they are then I’m glad I know because I would never pay 100 for a few sentences. No matter how accurate the notes are, something that brief is never going to help get your draft to where it needs to be.
Hi Theresa.
I found the contest notes from a Finish Line contest submission to be better than anything I received before.
Not plugging them - just giving an observation. YMMV.
Most people will tell you this is a matter of business practice, or even perhaps the experience level of the reader. I suppose that's true, but certainly not fool proof. I have often scratched my head wondering how some people "in the business" remain. What's more important is the perceived value of your return on investment. Did you learn anything? Did it affirm anything for you? It sounds like in your case, the answer is no.
There is always something to say, good or bad and good coverage (in my humble opinion) should always be a few pages, unless specifically requested to be a shotgun one-sheet. Are you getting a log line? Are you getting a fair synopsis? Is your plot, subplots, conflict and character(s) getting adequate and fair attention? Are there psychological elements at work? What about things like the Bechdel Test? Are you getting the opportunity to ask questions?
Coverage is often a one-and-done service. With the right people though, it can be much more consultative. You always get what you pay for.