Coverage is a short write-up usually performed by a reader or executive's assistant. It consists of the screenplay's title, log line, a brief synopsis of the script, and an overview (usually no more than a few paragraphs) of what the reader feels were the strong points and weak points of the script. Basic coverage is usually between 3-5 pages long. Sometimes, as little as a single page.
Most coverage will include a "grade" of "pass", "recommend", or "highly recommend". In this case, "passing" means the reader does not recommend the studio or executive buy the script, or even read it. A "recommend" means the script is well-written but needs work and it's up to the exec to take the time to develop it. A "highly recommend" means the script is strong enough to get made, and will be worth the exec's time to develop it.
Basic coverage with a grade is the most common type of coverage there is, as it is the one employed by most agencies and studios. It's a time-saving technique so that an executive doesn't have to read an entire script (they get HUNDREDS a week!) in order to make a decision.
There are many companies and free-lancers that offer coverage as part of their services. This is very beneficial to the writer as he/she is getting professional feedback and insight into their work. Coverage can vary but it usually costs around $100 for basic. A lot of consultants and companies offer other services beyond that, usually with varying levels of feedback. Depending on who you get as a consultant and the depth of the feedback, it can cost anywhere from $200-$2000.
Free feedback can be found on Zoetrope and Done Deal, but be warned that not all of the feedback is from working professionals. Zoetrope has had consistently good feedback from what I've heard.
The trick is, despite the feedback, not many writers are sure HOW to fix the concerns of their readers. That's where an in-depth analysis from a professional consultant is worth looking into.
While I charge for my feedback, my information is free! So if you have any questions at all regarding the biz, I'll do what I can to help. Regardless of who you choose for coverage, make sure you do your homework about the company or person. It's a great way to build your network of associates at the very least!
Good luck with your writing, everyone! I hope this helps!
Best,
Sae Sae
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Services and Prices
While my website is being designed, this blog post will have to suffice for information on the cost of my services.
All of my services come with a money back guarantee. If you think my notes are rubbish and unhelpful then I will give you your money back. I’m a strong believer of “you get what you pay for.”
Turnaround for feedback is typically 3-6 weeks. Rush jobs are negotiable if you have a deadline to meet, with an additional fee of $100.
The Basics
1. Basic Coverage – Basic script coverage including a brief synopsis and an overview of what works and what doesn’t work.
My Basic Coverage differs from studio coverage in the sense that I include the key plot points and their page numbers to give you a quick idea of how your story plays out.
I also leave out the typical “grade” seen on most coverage sheets. This is feedback, designed to help you submit a screenplay with the highest marks.
Basic Coverage: $50
2. Basic Analysis – Includes coverage and a 5-10 page basic analysis. I take the overview from my coverage and get a bit more specific to help work out the major kinks in the script.
Basic Analysis: $150
3. In-Depth Analysis – Includes a coverage sheet and a 15-20 page in-depth analysis of the script with page-by page notes. No word is left unturned. Includes a 30 minute phone consult.
See “The Nitty Gritty” for specifics on what my In-Depth entails.
In-Depth Analysis: $400
The Nitty-Gritty
These are more specific notes that really transform the script! A brutal and beautiful experience. Not for the faint of heart.
1. Character Breakdown – I take each character and break them down, examining their arcs, goals, and contributions to the overall story. I point out the strengths, flaws, similarities, and originalities of each character then help construct positive ways to maximize their potential.
2. The Stakes – My specialty! I help you squeeze out the highest, heart-stopping stakes possible, regardless of genre. I challenge you, the writer, along with your characters to make the hardest choices possible on every single page. The result well may be a disclaimer on your script saying no sissies will be able to read it.
3. Theme – Express it without saying it. I point out the recurrent themes in your script –the ones you may want to be expressing, and the ones you actually are expressing, how they work and don’t work, and suggestions on how to weave them into your script without detracting from the story.
4. Story – Not to be confused with plot, my notes on your Story will examine the rules and details of your world. How they work, don’t work, and ways to better incorporate them to the max. Understanding the ins and outs of your story will tighten and smarten your script in ways like no other.
5. Plot – I will expound on the basic structural breakdown done in the Basic Coverage, explaining the set-ups, pay-offs, and distractions of your script.
Polishes –Add-on services or stand-alone; any of these exercises will help chisel your screenplay into the sculpture you want.
1. Structure Breakdown – A beat outline of the major plot points of the story. Breaks the script down to its barest, disregarding character and dialogue. Helps identify plot holes and strengths, set-ups and pay-offs, as well as helps you establish theme, motif and the overall message of the script.
Hint: This is great prep for a treatment, pitch, or even just a big rewrite! It saves a lot of time! $100
2. Directing – Learn how to utilize camera angles, lighting, and emotional asides without directing the camera or the actors. $50
3. Copy Edit – Focuses on typos, indents, and proper screenplay format only. $150
4. Treatment – A 10-20 page detailed synopsis of your story polished and ready to submit to agents, buyers, producers and directors. $250
5. Log Line/Pitch – I’ll help you write your log line and pitch so you can confidently hook potential readers. $50
Ghost Writing
If you are so inclined, I can rewrite your script for you, turning our one-on-ones on their heads and getting your feedback as the rewrite goes.
Fees and co-credits are negotiable, pending on the type of rewrite it is.
1. Format Rewrite – We leave the script the way it is with regards to structure and dialogue. I rewrite it so it has the correct screenwriting format –sluglines, proper description, dialogue, indentation, sound effects, etc. $400
2. The Co-Write – I take into consideration my own feedback, and rewrite the script according to the changes I suggest and that you want. This requires more of a team effort. $1000
Continuing Motivation
I offer complimentary follow-up emails to encourage your rewrite.
6. Phone Consultations – from thirty minutes to one hour of one-on-one feedback. $50/hour
7. Email Correspondence –In addition to, or instead of phone consultations. Includes research tips and advice on activities and exercises that will help unlock your inner Muse.
These are free but note that I usually only reply to emails once a day.
8. One-on-one Meetings – 1-3 hours, limited upon physical availability. $100/hour
Sae Sae Says
This is an online forum where you can post questions about the craft. Since many people have the same questions, I post my replies for all to see. If I don’t know the answer to something, I’ll find out who does!
Topics include (but aren’t limited to) screenwriting, format, submitting scripts, competitions, treatments, writer’s resources, and various topics on filmmaking in general.
Note: My website is currently under construction, so feel free to email me any questions you have at sarahmnorris@hotmail.com. You can also friend me on facebook post your questions on my wall.
Payback
At the end of each consultation, I offer you the opportunity to evaluate the experience you had with my feedback. I am always looking to improve myself and am open to your feedback!
Thank You for your consideration! I am truly confident that we can build a good professional rapport whilst helping you gain control over your voice and screenplay. Your stories are my pleasure!
Best,
Sae Sae
All of my services come with a money back guarantee. If you think my notes are rubbish and unhelpful then I will give you your money back. I’m a strong believer of “you get what you pay for.”
Turnaround for feedback is typically 3-6 weeks. Rush jobs are negotiable if you have a deadline to meet, with an additional fee of $100.
The Basics
1. Basic Coverage – Basic script coverage including a brief synopsis and an overview of what works and what doesn’t work.
My Basic Coverage differs from studio coverage in the sense that I include the key plot points and their page numbers to give you a quick idea of how your story plays out.
I also leave out the typical “grade” seen on most coverage sheets. This is feedback, designed to help you submit a screenplay with the highest marks.
Basic Coverage: $50
2. Basic Analysis – Includes coverage and a 5-10 page basic analysis. I take the overview from my coverage and get a bit more specific to help work out the major kinks in the script.
Basic Analysis: $150
3. In-Depth Analysis – Includes a coverage sheet and a 15-20 page in-depth analysis of the script with page-by page notes. No word is left unturned. Includes a 30 minute phone consult.
See “The Nitty Gritty” for specifics on what my In-Depth entails.
In-Depth Analysis: $400
The Nitty-Gritty
These are more specific notes that really transform the script! A brutal and beautiful experience. Not for the faint of heart.
1. Character Breakdown – I take each character and break them down, examining their arcs, goals, and contributions to the overall story. I point out the strengths, flaws, similarities, and originalities of each character then help construct positive ways to maximize their potential.
2. The Stakes – My specialty! I help you squeeze out the highest, heart-stopping stakes possible, regardless of genre. I challenge you, the writer, along with your characters to make the hardest choices possible on every single page. The result well may be a disclaimer on your script saying no sissies will be able to read it.
3. Theme – Express it without saying it. I point out the recurrent themes in your script –the ones you may want to be expressing, and the ones you actually are expressing, how they work and don’t work, and suggestions on how to weave them into your script without detracting from the story.
4. Story – Not to be confused with plot, my notes on your Story will examine the rules and details of your world. How they work, don’t work, and ways to better incorporate them to the max. Understanding the ins and outs of your story will tighten and smarten your script in ways like no other.
5. Plot – I will expound on the basic structural breakdown done in the Basic Coverage, explaining the set-ups, pay-offs, and distractions of your script.
Polishes –Add-on services or stand-alone; any of these exercises will help chisel your screenplay into the sculpture you want.
1. Structure Breakdown – A beat outline of the major plot points of the story. Breaks the script down to its barest, disregarding character and dialogue. Helps identify plot holes and strengths, set-ups and pay-offs, as well as helps you establish theme, motif and the overall message of the script.
Hint: This is great prep for a treatment, pitch, or even just a big rewrite! It saves a lot of time! $100
2. Directing – Learn how to utilize camera angles, lighting, and emotional asides without directing the camera or the actors. $50
3. Copy Edit – Focuses on typos, indents, and proper screenplay format only. $150
4. Treatment – A 10-20 page detailed synopsis of your story polished and ready to submit to agents, buyers, producers and directors. $250
5. Log Line/Pitch – I’ll help you write your log line and pitch so you can confidently hook potential readers. $50
Ghost Writing
If you are so inclined, I can rewrite your script for you, turning our one-on-ones on their heads and getting your feedback as the rewrite goes.
Fees and co-credits are negotiable, pending on the type of rewrite it is.
1. Format Rewrite – We leave the script the way it is with regards to structure and dialogue. I rewrite it so it has the correct screenwriting format –sluglines, proper description, dialogue, indentation, sound effects, etc. $400
2. The Co-Write – I take into consideration my own feedback, and rewrite the script according to the changes I suggest and that you want. This requires more of a team effort. $1000
Continuing Motivation
I offer complimentary follow-up emails to encourage your rewrite.
6. Phone Consultations – from thirty minutes to one hour of one-on-one feedback. $50/hour
7. Email Correspondence –In addition to, or instead of phone consultations. Includes research tips and advice on activities and exercises that will help unlock your inner Muse.
These are free but note that I usually only reply to emails once a day.
8. One-on-one Meetings – 1-3 hours, limited upon physical availability. $100/hour
Sae Sae Says
This is an online forum where you can post questions about the craft. Since many people have the same questions, I post my replies for all to see. If I don’t know the answer to something, I’ll find out who does!
Topics include (but aren’t limited to) screenwriting, format, submitting scripts, competitions, treatments, writer’s resources, and various topics on filmmaking in general.
Note: My website is currently under construction, so feel free to email me any questions you have at sarahmnorris@hotmail.com. You can also friend me on facebook post your questions on my wall.
Payback
At the end of each consultation, I offer you the opportunity to evaluate the experience you had with my feedback. I am always looking to improve myself and am open to your feedback!
Thank You for your consideration! I am truly confident that we can build a good professional rapport whilst helping you gain control over your voice and screenplay. Your stories are my pleasure!
Best,
Sae Sae
Letter From Sae Sae
My gift is helping others recognize the stories they really want to tell and maximize their expression to the fullest. I offer very thorough feedback that goes above and beyond typical coverage and analysis.
I kindly challenge you to shed the unnecessary and focus on the juice of your screenplay. I will draw and quarter your scripts until they bleed from every pore and scream out authenticity and originality with every syllable.
Your individual voice is important to me. My feedback is custom-made to really identify what you want to express and what it is you are actually expressing. You won’t lose your voice in the rewrites! Your DNA will be all over the script.
My experience as a filmmaker offers a fresh perspective. Not only do I look at your screenplay from a writer’s POV, but I see the blueprint from a director and producer’s POV as well. If the producer is the brakes and the director is the gas, then the writer is the car! Practical meets artistic in my feedback and subsequently lends an edge to your rewrites.
To me, working and playing is the same. I am at your beck and call, ready to work your screenplay to the hilt.
The result will be a seamless, glowing, colorful bundle of joy that will allow potential readers the opportunity to really experience your screenplay.
Your voice. Your stories. Your inspiration is my pleasure.
–Sae Sae
I kindly challenge you to shed the unnecessary and focus on the juice of your screenplay. I will draw and quarter your scripts until they bleed from every pore and scream out authenticity and originality with every syllable.
Your individual voice is important to me. My feedback is custom-made to really identify what you want to express and what it is you are actually expressing. You won’t lose your voice in the rewrites! Your DNA will be all over the script.
My experience as a filmmaker offers a fresh perspective. Not only do I look at your screenplay from a writer’s POV, but I see the blueprint from a director and producer’s POV as well. If the producer is the brakes and the director is the gas, then the writer is the car! Practical meets artistic in my feedback and subsequently lends an edge to your rewrites.
To me, working and playing is the same. I am at your beck and call, ready to work your screenplay to the hilt.
The result will be a seamless, glowing, colorful bundle of joy that will allow potential readers the opportunity to really experience your screenplay.
Your voice. Your stories. Your inspiration is my pleasure.
–Sae Sae
Mission Statement
ART = EXPRESSION. GREAT ART = IMPACT. INSIPRED ART = IMMORTALITY.
As a Script Consultant, my aim is to guide Writers, Directors, Actors and Producers to evoke fierce emotional response within their work. I help others utilize their senses of curiosity, courage and instinct to hone their craft to its highest form of expression.
Specific and objective feedback educates artists how to uniquely convey themselves with competence and honesty. I provide a stimulating, challenging, and respectful atmosphere in which artists discover how to confidently break free of their Censors, blocks, and plateaus.
Ultimately, my passion is to inspire and enhance an artist’s ability to find a fresh voice that makes the world stand up and listen.
As a Script Consultant, my aim is to guide Writers, Directors, Actors and Producers to evoke fierce emotional response within their work. I help others utilize their senses of curiosity, courage and instinct to hone their craft to its highest form of expression.
Specific and objective feedback educates artists how to uniquely convey themselves with competence and honesty. I provide a stimulating, challenging, and respectful atmosphere in which artists discover how to confidently break free of their Censors, blocks, and plateaus.
Ultimately, my passion is to inspire and enhance an artist’s ability to find a fresh voice that makes the world stand up and listen.
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