Which script coverage service is the best? I've tried a few and frankly I've been very disappointed.
Screenwriting : Script Coverage by Jon Markus
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spec scout is crazy good.
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Coverage is very different than Notes. Keep that in mind. If you're looking for straight coverage, Spec Scout, Coverage Ink & Happy Writers are usually great. If you're looking for NOTES, that's a different conversation.
where can you get the best notes?
Great post. I have been looking into coverage here for my first TV pilot script and glad I came across this!
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Never heard or had anyone tell me to have a full first season developed. Even working writers. All I get asked about is if I have a Show Bible. Yet to have an issue or encounter that while pitching.
Very helpful. Thanks!
Danny, I'm considering Coverage Ink. Is the "standard coverage report" adequate/sufficient? Or would you opt for all the bells and whistles (i.e. pro analysis, mark up and editing, etc)?
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I guess it depends what you intend to use it for. If you're looking to improve your script in an in-depth way and really get constructive notes on all elements of your script, then i don't think Coverage is really what you need. I would suggest going with an actual script consultant (like me, perhaps haha). If you just want a quick and dirty litmus test to see where the general issues are and where your script might stand, then sure, coverage is fine. Editing is a whole different thing, separate from both though.
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Spec Scout has three different readers evaluate your script on ten different metrics -- Character, Conflict, Craft, Dialogue, Logic, Originality, Pacing, Premise, Structure, Tone. There coverage contains tons of helpful "notes" (at least one paragraph to half a page of notes on each of the ten metrics from each of the three readers) on how you can improve your script on each of these metrics. They also give you an overall score so you can see where your script sits in relation to industry scripts they evaluate. It's an imperfect system now as they do not evaluate the industry scripts blindly (the readers know they are reading a script that is already in the studio system or not) but there is a lot of value there for the money. I don't work for these guys either. I just know they've done an excellent job for me. I still use "consultants" when I want new ideas from people I know and trust, but Spec Scout is a great resource for the money. New writers will especially find their service helpful since all of the metrics they evaluate are thoroughly and thoughtfully explained, giving the writer insight into what makes a script great.
If you find a good, trustworthy writer who can offer great insight on the basis of a swap-read, you won't need to pay out. For me, analysing the work of others improved my craft exponentially - I learnt how to edit my own work solely with the ojective of getting the very best out of it. I'd honestly recommend that you join a screenwriters forum and make a few contacts.
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Jon - The Stage 32 Happy Writers provides coverage directly from working executives in the industry - you get to chose who you want to do coverage for your script. If you have any questions, you can reach out to joey@stage32.com.