Hi everyone,
Thanks so much for everyone who helped me through getting my first time script coverage from Stage32. With my First 10 Pages, I got:
Writer: Consider
Project: Pass
As I mentioned previously, it's my first time receiving paid coverage on anything. My question is, if I make the changes based on the notes that were given, should I go back to the same person or choose someone new?
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Writing script coverage is a creative endeavour and therefore is subjective, but most script consultants all work under the guidance of the same basic principles.
You might want to finish your screenplay before seeking more coverage. Ten pages can reveal much but only a finished draft is worth the expense of coverage.
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Hey Andrew! I’m the Director of Script Services at Stage 32. First off, congrats on getting a “Consider” as a writer. That is not an easy feat in a very competitive business.
To answer your question, I think there are pros to going back to the same person but I also think there are benefits to getting yet another opinion. First let’s unpack what the notes said - do you agree with them? Do you feel the reader picked up on problem areas in your project? If so, it might be worth getting a second and even third opinion on the material to see if other readers are hitting upon the same things. If so, then the issue should be addressed. A knee-jerk change is rarely a good idea. Keep the notes in perspective and see if others are feeling the same way.
I also think there is value - if and when you address the notes - revisiting the same executive, especially if you value their guidance and opinion. Development - real long term development - is all about team work and trusting the person who gives you notes. It’s a collaboration and in a lot of ways a partnership that developed over time. You are hard pressed to get that if you constantly bounce around to a lot of executives and “fix” your script based on each person’s notes.
If you would like to discuss more, please email me at j.mirch@stage32.com. I love working with writers to guide their next steps.
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I suggest you move on to another. What you ought to seek is consistency from one reader to another on the same script. Consistency from one reader to another suggests they likely know what they're talking about (raising your confidence level). If they both point out similar 'flaws' - then fix 'em.
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But how did it score on dialogue, premise, characterization, storyline? Usually it's Very Good, Good, Fair, or Poor for each. Assuming you submitted a revised copy and it got a consider vote, the odds are nothing would happen with it anyway. So I wouldn't pay even more money to find out. Not worth it. Hopefully the notes were decent with some good ideas you can use. That's the best you can hope for.
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Agreed with most on here, having different opinions is a wise choice, a new reader might give you notes that you didn't think about and are different from the previous reader, therefore broaden your horizon regarding the material but as Doug Nelson said, you need consistency to not go all over the place in your adjustments.
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A pass is a pass. (meaning the person doesn't want to work with you on that idea. What else you got?).
Good news: the Reader said your first 10 pages is competent.
I wouldn't keep paying for opinions. You have to find your own tribe of trusted Readers/Peers, write more screenplays, find your Writer's voice that makes Industry-Strangers want to help you.