FAQ’s
Q1. Do you charge more for scripts over 120 pages?
A. No. We don’t bother with the hassle of charging a tiny amount extra for every page over 120 pages. We do, however, strongly recommend you keep your scripts to 120 or less. This is the industry standard maximum length and anything significantly over immediately says “novice.”
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Q2. I urgently need a report done on my script by Tuesday! Can you help?
A. Yes, for Rush Services please contact us and we’ll be happy to try and accommodate your request for a modest additional fee.
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Q3. Do you accept hard copies of scripts?
A. Emailing is our preferred method, but if you want to send a hard copy and would like it returned, please contact us for details.
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Q4. What format should my script be in when I send it?
A. Final Draft or Movie Magic are the professional screenwriter’s formatting software of choice, but we accept most formats (see our Policy Low Down page) Also, be sure to check out the indispensible “Screenwriter’s Bible” by David Trottier for all your formatting questions and answers.
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Q5. If my script gets a “Recommend,” can you pass it on to agents or producers?
A. Using our contacts in the industry we may pass some scripts on to production companies if we think they’re suitable. We will of course contact you first to discuss whether this is something you are happy with. Also, bear in mind we do not represent writers ourselves and cannot guarantee success once we pass your script on.
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Q6. How do I know you guys or someone else isn’t going to steal my idea?
A. Firstly, for peace of mind, we highly recommend you have your script registered with the US copyright office or the WGA West. It’s cheap, easy, and will protect you against any copyright infringement by law, if it ever came to that.
Honestly, though, ideas are just ideas. They’re a dime a dozen. It’s the execution of those ideas into a well written screenplay that matters. A producer or development exec, upon reading your brilliant screenplay, will be keen to snap you up as a writer, not simply steal the idea and risked being sued for millions.
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Q7. What exactly is meant by the industry term Coverage Report?
A. Studio executives and producers simply don’t have the time to read the dozens of scripts that land at their offices every week. It is their script readers who read, evaluate them, and produce reports called “coverage.”
These 2—3 page reports include a synopsis, comments on the script’s strengths and weaknesses, and a Pass/Recommend/Consider grading, from a producer’s point of view. They help the execs and producers decide which scripts they should read for themselves and therefore, possibly, which projects should be considered for development.
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Q8. And Development Notes?
A. Once a script has been given the go-ahead, “development notes” are produced to aid the writer’s development the script. The report is broken down into Premise, Character, Structure, Dialogue etc. and each are evaluated individually, providing a more comprehensive analysis of the scripts major strengths and weaknesses and suggestions for improvements.
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Q9. Why Would I Need either?
A. Many writers choose to send their scripts to agents, execs and producers without first getting it evaluated by a professional script reader. However, the chances of having a script considered by a company using this approach are slim. In fact, 90% don’t make it past the first read.
That’s why many writers (of all standards) pay companies like us first—in order to gain a fresh, unbiased, criticism of their work so they can make the changes necessary to improve its chances in the marketplace.
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Q10. Can I see a sample report of a script you guys have covered?
A. Sure, drop us a line and we’ll shoot one over.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any query not covered here.