Coverage
Coverage is a key term in scriptwriting and story development that refers to a detailed written evaluation of a script, book, or story idea. When someone does "coverage," they read and analyze the material, then write a summary that helps producers, executives, and other decision-makers quickly understand if a project is worth pursuing. Think of it like a book report for the entertainment industry that includes a plot summary, analysis of writing quality, and recommendations about whether to move forward with the project. Many entry-level positions in Hollywood start with reading and writing coverage, making it an important skill for aspiring entertainment professionals.
Examples in Resumes
Wrote Coverage for over 200 screenplay submissions at major production company
Provided detailed Script Coverage reports for development team
Managed intern program and supervised Story Coverage assignments
Typical job title: "Script Readers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Script Readers
Professional Organizations
Job Resources
Networking
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you manage a team of readers and maintain consistent coverage quality?
Expected Answer: Should discuss creating standardized coverage templates, training processes, quality control measures, and how to give constructive feedback to junior readers.
Q: What's your process for identifying marketable projects among numerous submissions?
Expected Answer: Should explain how to evaluate commercial potential, target audience, budget considerations, and current market trends in the entertainment industry.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What elements do you look for when evaluating a script?
Expected Answer: Should mention character development, plot structure, dialogue quality, commercial potential, and how these elements align with current market demands.
Q: How do you handle coverage for different genres?
Expected Answer: Should discuss how evaluation criteria change between genres like comedy, drama, or action, and understanding genre-specific conventions and audience expectations.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic components of script coverage?
Expected Answer: Should identify logline, synopsis, comments section, and recommendation as key components, and explain the purpose of each.
Q: How do you write an effective synopsis for coverage?
Expected Answer: Should explain how to concisely summarize a story while highlighting key plot points and character arcs without including unnecessary details.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic script analysis
- Writing clear synopses
- Understanding standard coverage format
- Knowledge of basic story structure
Mid (2-5 years)
- Detailed script evaluation
- Genre-specific analysis
- Project marketability assessment
- Providing constructive feedback
Senior (5+ years)
- Managing reader teams
- Development strategy
- Market trend analysis
- High-level industry relationships
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of standard coverage format
- Unable to write clear, concise summaries
- Lack of understanding about current entertainment market
- Poor writing and communication skills
Related Terms
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