Questions About Our Services
Why do I need coverage or development notes?
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With these written reports from someone in the industry, you'll get an idea of what Hollywood thinks of your script before you make the official submission. This way you'll know if you are submitting it too soon which is a fatal flaw many writers make.
Once you send an agent or producer your material and they don't think it's ready, you don't get a second chance.
What's the difference between coverage and development notes?
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Coverage is sort of like a book report you used to write in grade school.
It is written by "readers" and is designed to help busy movie people decide if your material is worth reading in its entirety. It's basically a summary of your material with a few notes regarding its strengths and weaknesses. Development notes (our "Deluxe Coverage" service) is a more in depth analysis of the material. It is designed to help writers who are in the process of rewriting their script. Before a screenplay is filmed, a creative exec usually provides these notes to the writer so that the script can be refined.
How will I receive my coverage or development notes (Deluxe Coverage)?
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By e-mail.
What happens if my material gets a "consider" or a "recommend?"
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If it receives either a "consider" or a "recommend" it's put into our online database with a special designation that makes it stand out from other material already listed. We have hundreds of producers and agents who look through the database for material so having this designation is a big plus.
We also send your coverage or development notes to the many companies who have requested to see preferred material from us. If they like what they read and want to see your script or book, we will put them in touch with you. We do not take a cut of any deal you might enter into.
If it receives a "recommend," we will make phone calls to a number of agency and/or production company contacts and get the word out about your script. Since we'll call only those companies we feel are a good fit for your material, the number and the names of the companies can't be determined until we look over the coverage or development notes.
If they wish to read your material, we will put them in touch with you. We do not take a cut of any deal you might enter into.
If my script or book gets a "consider" or a "recommend" and I send it out to companies who respond, will you follow up with them?
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Once we put you in touch with a company, we step aside. We're not agents or managers and do not make followup calls. Even though your material was requested, there is no guarantee that you will hear from the company that requested it. Hey, this is a tough business. These companies usually reply only if they're interested. If you don't hear from them after six - eight weeks, you can assume there's no interest.
If a company wants to option or buy your material and you need a rep, we might be able to introduce you to one. At that point though, if it is a legit offer from one of our contacts, you can probably pick up the phone and get a rep by yourself since they will smell money.
What if my script gets a "pass?" Will the coverage be shown to any outside party?
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No. We will only show coverage that gets a "recommend" or "consider." Even then you have the option of not allowing us to show the coverage. Remember, it's yours.
Let's say I get the notes and make the necessary changes. If I submit that same material again, do I get a discount?
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Yes. Our Services/Prices list addresses this subject.
What if I get a "consider" or a "recommend" but I don't agree entirely with the reader's comments and I want changes before it is sent out to the industry?
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As we just stated, we stand behind our readers 100%. Once a report is completed, changes will not be made.
What if I don't agree with the coverage the first time, can I get a second opinion?
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Sure, if you pay the resubmission fee. Before you submit you must realize that you are paying for an informed OPINION and even if we got a studio head to read your script, you might not agree with the assessment.
Do you get a cut if you sell or get my material optioned?
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Unlike other companies, we do not take a percentage of anything we help set up
via this service.
What is the turnaround time?
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Once we receive material and payment (if paying by check, it must clear bank first), the turnaround time is 2-3 weeks for screenplays; 2-4 weeks for books.
How do I get you payment and my material?
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We accept submission & payment via online (here) and by snail mail. Payment must accompany the submission. We accept checks against a US bank only, money orders or credit cards
(Visa, Am Ex, Visa).
Should I register my script or book before sending it to you?
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It's always a good idea to do this before you let anyone see you work. We recommend that you register with Protectrite. They are less expensive than the Writers Guild of America and their registration time is longer.
Out of 100 scripts that pass your way, how many will get at least a "consider?"
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Based on past experience, we figure that at least five will move up the ladder. Writing a great script that is also commercial is a very difficult thing to do.
Hey, isn't it in your best interest to give my script a "pass" so I can
keep resubmitting?
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No. It is in our best interest to find quality material so we can let
Hollywood know about it. That way we both win. We've been serving writers since
1997. If we were in the business of scamming writers, we would never have gotten as far
as we have. To allay any of your concerns, we also have a policy that does
not allow us to accept the submission of the same script more than three times.
Can you help me even if I have an agent or manager?
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Most certainly. Since we aren't agents or managers and don't take a commission, we co-exist very well with writers' reps. Should your coverage or development report get a "consider" or "recommend" and the industry wants to see your material, your representative can then take over and contact the company that requested it. What agent or manager would mind that? You're doing work for them and
they're still making money!
How can I contact someone about this?
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E-mail or toll-free phone number are available; see our Contact page.
Sounds good, where do I begin?
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Begin right here.
Questions On Material That We Accept
Can I still submit a screenplay that is an adaptation based on other material?
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Yes as long as you control the rights to the other material (article, book, life rights, etc.) that the screenplay is based upon and can attest to it in writing on our submission form.
My book is a true story, is that okay?
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Of course. There are many feature and TV films based on true stories. Remember ERIN BROCKOVICH? Remember SCHINDLER'S LIST? We accept all genres, fiction or non-fiction.
I'm out of the country, can I still send you a script?
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Sure, as long as payment is by credit card (Am Ex, MC, Visa) or international money order.
Questions About Our Readers
Who does your reading?
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Professional readers who have worked at least five years in the motion picture industry as a reader. This is VERY important. Many other companies, especially the ones who charge less than us, use film students or recent college grads to read their scripts. This
is how they can afford to charge so little.
Can I decide who does my reading?
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No. Our staff of readers is well established in the industry. It simply would not be cost effective for us to have customers select readers at this time. If you do a rewrite though, and want the same reader, we should be able to accomodate you.
Can I speak with the reader after I receive the notes?
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No. At this time we only offer notes.
Will the readers write notes on the screenplay?
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No. The notes will be on separate pages. We assure you that this will be enough to get across their points.
Questions About A Guarantee
Can you guarantee that I'll get an agent or get my script produced?
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No. It would be impossible to back up a claim of that sort. We can guarantee that if you are able to follow our advice, you will become a better writer. In addition, if it meets our standards, we will help sell your material.
What if I keep rewriting my material and it improves?
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Sorry, we still can't guarantee a sale or representation.
If I don't agree with the reader's notes, can I get my money back?
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No. This isn't like buying a coat where you can return it and another customer can buy it. Our readers put lots of time into reading your material and writing notes. They are very experienced, and we back them 100%. You might not agree with everything they say, but if you are capable of implementing their advice, we are confident that you will have much better material and will become a better writer.
StudioNotes