User Question: “How much value does coverage really add to the screenwriting process? I’ve heard that studios have given poor coverage to movies that ended up being huge hits… what does the whole coverage process really indicate about a screenplay?”

September 6th, 2008

Coverage can be valuable to a writer if you can keep it in perspective.

The reality is, every script in history has had at least one detractor. It’s simply not possible for everyone’s tastes to align on one project. So if your script is criticized or receives bad coverage, keep in mind that had it gone to another reader, it might have a different fate.

That said, a good script is a good script and will always get made. If you are getting read at the studio level, and your script is truly great, it will be bought. Just because one studio or one reader doesn’t care for it has no bearing on what another studio might think.

So, in short, coverage can be valuable – especially if you get constructive criticism that you can take to heart and use to improve your screenplay. But, remember, just because someone doesn’t like your work doesn’t mean it’s bad – it just means it’s not for them.

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User Question - picking an agency

August 10th, 2008
Good morning,
My name is Dexter and I have been working on a project for about 10 years. I’ve been going back and forth to the drawing board trying to perfect this project. It’s been a long hard road because I’ve never really had any help or knowledge of what steps I needed to take to present this project for consideration. Finally, after searching the web, I came across an article on how to create a Pitch Bible. I then created an extensive Pitch Bible for my animated series. After I completed my Bible, It was accepted by the first talent agency that reviewed it and they sent it out to an animation production company within 4 hours of receiving the Bible.
Should I commit to this agency or should I pursue other options? When I say other options, I mean, should I attempt to send it to production companies myself? Should I send it to other agencies?
Love the site and everything that scripped.com is doing to help us writers try to get into the biz. Have a great day.
Dexter, thanks for taking the time to write in.

It’s an interesting problem to have, but one many others would envy.

Without knowing the specific companies involved, it’s hard to make a completely informed decision, but I’ll do my best. You need to start by asking yourself some questions:

1) Do you trust this company? Do you think their interest is genuine or is there something funny about it? Don’t be afraid to trust your instincts.

2) Who else do they represent? If they rep other animation writers such as yourself, it sounds like you have landed in the right spot. But, this is information that should be available to you. If they don’t tell you, that’s a red flag.

3) Is there another company you’d rather go with? If you think some other agent is a better fit because of who they work for and with, there’s nothing wrong with putting in an inquiry over there. Also, you are free to do this even if you sign with the other place. People changes reps all the time - it’s just a part of the business.

The bottom line is if these people have credits you’re familiar and comfortable with, sometimes good things do happen.

If you decide your rep is legit, make a list of animation companies you would like to look at it before they commit to this other company. Remember that you are the writer and creator. Your say is the only one that matters. Maybe they have a prior relationship with this production company, but their job is get you a sale, and if you’d rather that be at a different company, speak up and say so.

I hope that helps. Feel free to write back and update me. Take care.

Danny

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How do I become a member of the WGA/start my screenwriting carreer?

August 4th, 2008

Those are really two different questions because the day you decided to become a screenwriter will not be the day you receive your WGA card.

If you’re interested in screenwriting, you should do one of the following: 1) Enroll in a screenwriting class or program or 2) Give yourself one. You can do this by buying several different screenwriting books - I recommend one on formatting, and another on character writing. But the most valuable tool you have is one writers often take for granted: movies. Watch and study your favorite films. Why did they work for you? What made them effective? What are the themes that speak to you? How did they structure their story and fill out the three acts? If you want to learn how to write, you need to become a student of film.

As for the Writers Guild, their outlines for membership are laid out pretty plainly at their site (www.wga.org). I can summarize, however. If you have produced credits, you can be a Guild member and receive their benefits. You likely won’t be a WGA member until you make that first sale.

So, immerse yourself in your craft as much as you can. Treat it like an actual job - give yourself hours and deadlines. All of these tools will help you become a better writer.

Danny Munso