What Is Coverage?
Coverage consists of three basic sections: a cover sheet, synopsis, and comments. It is a tool used in "the industry" as a way to weed out the myriad of screenplays that pass over an executive's desk on any given day, and is an essential tool in story departments at agencies, studios, and production companies throughout the world. The synopsis is normally 2 - 2.5 pages, single-spaced, and the comments are usually 1- 1.5 pages (no more), double-spaced. Format can vary from company to company, but these are typical studio-style coverage guidelines. You will see many story consultants out there who use different formats, mostly longer, but know that executives simply do not have the time for long, detailed synopsis or voluminous comments, and expect coverage to be short, concise, and hit all the right points (no small task). Stick to the above specs and you won't go wrong.
*Note: Coverage is not really appropriate for individual writers seeking feedback. The only reason to get coverage done on your script is if you intend that coverage to be seen by an agent, producer, or creative executive at a studio. Storygeeks.com does not have a service to submit coverage to these individuals, therefore we discourage you spending your money on script coverage through us. If you want your coverage available for professional review then use thescriptdepartment.com. This company has well established channels to get your coverage viewed by appropriate eyes in the industry. They are a good group of people and do great work.
Our standard coverage duplicates the same best-practices used throughout the television and film industries in content, format, and function.
What you get: [click each bullet for details]
- Cover Sheet
- Synopsis
- Comments
- Recommendations
- 20 Minute Phone Consultation
- 5 Emails Follow-ups (after phone consult)
For Production Companies / Talent-Literary Agencies:
If you are a production company or agency looking to outsource some or all of your development requirements, contract story analysis services and discounted rates are available. For more information please visit our Outsourced Services page. We have a separate Customer Services Agreement (CSA) for production companies or agencies interested in volume orders and/or on-going services. The CSA covers all submission release issues as well as special arrangements for outsourced rectly for details.