August 4
31 comments
August 4
31 comments
Session expired
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Very insightful.
These are excellent guidelines to follow. Giving constructive criticism and script coverage will help you improve your skill in writing, only if you take it into account. I will definitely be coming back to this presentation!
I find myself writing excessive exposition in my action lines which according to this, is a reason to stop reading. But I’m here to learn, right?
The coverage link is very accurate. The advice I normally give to my students is to give constructive criticism. Nothing is ALL BAD even if you didn’t think the script was well written. You can find the one thing you like before making other suggestions to improve the script. Also if something doesn’t work GIVE THE FIX. It’s not helpful just saying, “This doesn’t work.”
This OBS Guide on how to provide coverage is a quick essential reference. All four tips are crucial, emphasizing the importance of honesty over sugar-coating. Accuracy and having a clear understanding of the tasks required for effective coverage are key. Staying objective, rather than opinionated, helps the writer achieve growth and meet overall goals. This guide is both practical and appreciated—thank you!
I’ve found helpful screenplay coverage in the past! Always remember that feedback can be subjective, and different readers may have different perspectives and preferences. Constructive feedback can often provide valuable insights and help you improve your screenplay.
I try to remain open-minded and objective when receiving feedback. Try to focus on the constructive aspects of the notes and consider how they can enhance your screenplay. It’s also helpful to seek feedback from multiple sources to get a well-rounded perspective.
Remember, the ultimate goal is to create the best possible screenplay, so it’s important to consider and evaluate the feedback you receive, even if it doesn’t align with your initial vision.
I took a professional readers class and the instructor emphasized that feedback should never use language that is discouraging and not constructive/actionable. For example, giving feedback that the “writer obviously has never been in a relationship” or “obviously never had kids” is really mean, speculative, and not helpful. What is the writer supposed to do with that??? Feedback should provide issues that can be improved upon. You should never give feedback that indicates the writer should just throw their script away. Giving mean, nasty feedback will make writers stop using your services. We want to encourage writers – not crush them. Everyone should keep that in mind when giving feedback. I encourage everyone to take a class on being a professional reader (Roadmap Writers provides one) even if you don’t plan to become one. It helps teach you how to give amazing coverages that are constructive. David’s presentation is a good start.
I think you’re pulling those remarks from the private conversations among the volunteers that reviewed the peer review scripts. I shared those remarks, not as coverage for individual writers, but as a collective wake-up call for how tough it can be to break through and how far we all have to go to truly be at our best. In other words, none of those quotes appeared in individual feedback or coverage. Writing coverage is very different than what might be discussed when producers are trying to make decisions. Remember, most of the conversations that will determine whether or not you will win the contest, get your pilot picked up, or get that last seat in the writers’ room happen when you aren’t present. Sharing in confidence the general remarks wern’t meant to be discouraging; however, I did intend to alarm. As a reader for a production company that had two shows on the air at the same time, I can tell you the private conversations about a writer’s drafts can be very harsh, while no one will share those remarks with the writer. Someone often delivers a sanitized version of the notes to the writer or, the producers simply move on to the next option. More often than not, the writer has no clue why. The script is the only ammo you give an executive faced with risking their job to fight for you. Be sure the work doesn’t make rookie mistakes as those that prompted the offensive, but private comments of those that read some of our work. What do we do with it? 1) Get feedback earlier; 2) make sure the spirit of the note is attacked rather than focusing on the emotional residue; 3) continue to understand the needs of everyone in the production chain as doing so will sustain our careers in this collaborative industry. I shared the comments as an example of how tough the industry will be on your work when you’re not in the room. The way we do and write coverage is separate and covered in the guide. I hope that clears things up.
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What Lemar was trying to say was: Tips not just for reviewing other people’s scripts, but great tips to use when reviewing our own material.
David, first of all, how are you? Second, this is a great “boiled down” guide to script analysis. You addressed something I’ve longed pondered; what to do when you can’t read more because the work is too underdeveloped. We all want to be helpful but we must also be realistic and honest in what we tell our fellow writers.
Hey, Ron! I’m doing well. In L.A. for the holidays and to wrap up some financial and immigration loose ends. Let’s connect. Probably heading back to Portugal around the end of January.
Nice. Thanks for the note tips.
Thanks, David!
Splendid.
This was great information on how to give coverage. Thank you.
Thanks for the info.
Very helpful. I took notes on the notes.
Really Useful information! Thanks
This is phenomenal! Thank you so much for sharing and guiding us…
Awesome guidelines!
Appreciate the links, thank you!
Can’t wait to take a look at this!
Good tips!
Tips not just for reviewing other people’s scripts, but great tips to use when reviewing our own material.
This puts everything in perspective on giving detailed and honest feedback.
This is extremely helpful. I will be using these tips going forward so that my feedback can actually help someone. Thank you!
Thank you for providing these guidelines and reference links! Very helpful!
Great read I am ready to give some coverage on screenplays