Writing Script Coverage: 10 Things to Consider

Seeing a script on your desk can be overwhelming, but if you read that script with these ten points in mind, script analysis will come much easier to you. Not only can these tips be beneficial for the readers, but screenwriters can benefit from knowing what exactly their readers will be analyzing.

1. Structure

Did the writer use the typical 3-act structure to write their piece? Do they show the plot in several stages, beginning to end? The 3-act structure isn't necessary for every screenplay that you read, but the majority of successful scripts have plots that can fit the structure somewhat. One thing is for sure. The script should be laid out in a fashion that makes sense.

A script should also show an emotional change in the main character, and the structure of the screenplay should provide for this. The subplots are also important factors to consider when looking at the overall structure. Each subplot should fit in with the premise.

2. Concept

Not to say that every single film has to contribute something new to the world, but it should at least have an interesting and unique hook. It should compel the audience to keep on reading or watching. Nobody wants to sit down to watch the same movie five times in a row. The writer's concept should be able to be summarized. If an idea is so complex that it isn't describable in just a few sentences, it may be too complex. Another important point to remember when analyzing the concept of the script is that the conflict needs to be universal. A wide range of people need to be able to relate to it for the script to be a success. If only one group can relate to the characters, it's just not going to be enjoyable to the rest of the world. It's important to consider whether or not this premise can be sold.

3. Character Development

Character development is one of the most important aspects of a script. If the audience can't empathize or identify with the protagonist, the message isn't getting through and people aren't being entertained. There needs to be at least one moment where the audience "gets" the protagonist. One way to achieve this is to give the protagonist a goal or emotional need they need to have fulfilled. A protagonist needs to learn a lesson to develop. The main character also needs to take charge, make decisions, and be active in the story. If the protagonist is merely reacting to things that others do, they aren't developing.

The other characters in the script should serve a purpose for the protagonist. It's also important they do not overshadow your protagonist. You want to make sure that the protagonist is really the top dog in the story.

4. Dialogue

The character's dialogue should be realistic. The characters need to be using speech patterns consistent with the era and location they are from. It also helps if there are memorable pieces of dialogue as well. If the idea for a film is one that will have people repeating lines for years to come, it's generally going to be successful.

One major factor in a script is that the dialogue should be "show not tell". This means that the characters should not be telling each other how they are feeling. They should be showing their emotions. Even the action paragraphs should leave emotions out of it. Anything in the script should be a description of visuals that the audience would be able to see. For example, it's okay to say that Julie frowns when she reads a note, but it's not okay to say that she feels sad and hurt when she reads it.

5. Entertainment Value

Entertainment value is basically the selling point of any potential film. Is it interesting? Is it compelling? Is it exciting? Will somebody anticipate this movie weeks before it is due out? Does the script have a twist that makes it unique in comparison to others like it? Is it unpredictable enough that an audience will continue watching?

6. Logic

While it's important for a script to be unpredictable to some extent, it's also important that there is a logical flow to the order of events. A script with holes and leaps needs some revision before it's ready for the big screen, though many go unnoticed.

7. Format

This one is a no-brainer. The script needs to be in the accepted format for it to be considered. Even if the story is great, it will most likely need to be revised.

8. Action

This is an important one. The action paragraphs need to be concise enough that they don't read like a novel or short story, but also give enough information so that the reader gets what's going on. It's okay for action paragraphs to be in sentence fragments, so long as it's readable and makes sense.

9. First Impression

Yes, your first impression does matter! The first impression that a film has on a potential audience sure does matter! Your gut reaction should play a role in the coverage, but at the same time, you don't want to be too harsh if you are passing on the script.

10. Spelling and Grammar

Finally, spelling and grammar are the two elements that should be considered last. The exception is when the errors are so blatant and numerous that they compel you to put the script down.