One of my goals for this year was to begin receiving Script Coverages for my Short Scripts and Features. I began by submitting a Short Script and a Feature a couple of weeks ago. Three days later, the Coverage for the Script Script arrived. I received a "Pass" under both Screenwriter and Project along with a long list of Notes on how to improve the Story.
At first, I viewed this as an utter failure. With the goal of receiving two Recommendations, I was off to a great Stop. However, the reader did like the overall Dialogue and the Lead Actress role. However, the plot points did not tie together very well.
Several hours later, I began to understand that this rejection is a good thing. Using the Notes I received, I began brainstorming on how I could implement the Notes into the Story to make it better.
Yesterday evening, I received the Coverage back for the Feature. Needless to say, I was hesitant to Open the Notes this time around. The Coverage for the Short was really jarring and disappointing. Yet, I knew that, eventually, I'd have to face Reality.
For the Feature, I received a "Pass" under the Project and a "Recommend" under Screenwriter. While the Film Exec. does like the Story, he wants to see if I can address a couple of plot points without breaking up the foundation of the Story. Then, he's open to reconsidering the Project.
This is definitely good news. However, making changes to a Screenplay that 'close' to being finished can be tricky. How do these changes impact the rest of the Story? It's like a domino effect. I've been running through various scenarios to figure how I can implement the Notes without messing up the foundation of the Script.
I plan to begin Edits in Final Draft this weekend. For now, I just want to write Summaries of how I can add in the Edits he wants to see. Then, select which Summary works best and write it into the Script. More than a bit nerve-racking, but necessary to get the Project Recommendation, as well.
I suppose I have to re-submit the entire Project once the Edits are added. I'm not sure. I do know that the Logline is shared with the Film Network if you receive two Recommendations on the same Coverage. But how does it work if you only receive one Recommendation under Screenwriter?
Of course, I hope to continue working with the Film Exec. I selected and tweak the Project until it's Recommended. I feel like it's really close. I can't give up, now.
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Hello Eric, Just a suggestion for your re-write. If you have your outline take a look at where the notes apply. It'll make it easier to see where your changes need to go. It can be daunting looking at an entire script and trying to go forward. When I received my coverage notes I could see exactly where I had to go because of my outlines. I actually saw in my initial outline I had the elements but had taken them out when I shifted my story from a Male lead to a Female lead. Keep pressing.
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I've been writing my feature for two years and the feedback I've received from various industry readers recently has been amazing. I have also received passes, but the notes were incredibly correct and my screenplay has taken on a whole new lease of life and become so much better since implementing the notes. I also hope to get two recommends, but I am s glad of the passes and notes, it's made me a better writer.
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man, overall I'd say you did great! Last year I wrote two scripts that I submitted to various competitions without any luck. On top of that, I just got negative feedback from the competitions' readers. However, I didn't let that under my skin; I'm a professional copywriter and I'm more than used to rejection in my daily job, even if my businness is doing more than well! So, I rolled-up my sleeves, wrote a completely new screenplay this year (for a TV mini-series) and it got two placements so far! As well as overall positive feedback. I know, the road ahead of me is still long, but I'd rathe focus on the small victories than on my failures. And so should you!
:)
Thank you for the advice Marshal Gordon I have a Synopsis, but not an Outline.
I hope your Feature turns out well Rosalind Winton and thanks.
Congratulations Louisa Klein I'll keep moving forward. Thank you.
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It’s okay to write writing samples, introduce your storytelling craft to strangers who make movies for a living, meet salespeople (also known as Reps) to help your career.
Just about every career Screenwriter says specs are calling cards. Writers need to output stacks of ideas, stacks of finished spec screenplays.
Dan MaxXx True. I need to make sure the completed Work is actually good, which makes the Coverages helpful. Then, I can pitch my Work with more confidence.
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I agree with Dan M. I am one of those screenwriters who say spec screenplays are a screenwriters calling card because contacts are everything in this business and that is how you make them.
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Eric. Personally, I never get coverage on any of my screenplays. I know a lot of screenwriters do and I can see how it could be beneficial. Screenplays are subjective so I can see how getting coverage from two different people could come up with different results. I worked on several scripts that were in production and making changes to a completed screenplay can be tricky because on change can impact other things. That is just part of being a screenwriter. Since I don’t ever get coverage I don’t know if you would have to resubmit the project and when you say “Film Exec” that covers a lot of different jobs. Is this person just someone who does coverage or are they interested in producing your screenplay?
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Hi Dan Guardino I have never gotten one Screenplay Coveraged by two different people. I have quite a few Short Scripts and Features, picked two of the top Stories and Submitted them to two different people.
For the Feature, I chose the person I wanted to read the Script. He's a Co-Founder of a Studio, so he would Produce it if interested and if I can get the Budget lowered a bit.
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Eric. Good luck and I hope you can get the budget lowered. so it gets produced.