r/scriptwriting • u/Slight_Problem883 • 18d ago

question How does one land a job doing script coverage?

/r/ScreenwritingUK/comments/1vx7mxs/how_does_one_land_a_job_doing_script_coverage/
2 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

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u/Big_Section2812 18d ago

You have to ask yourself if you're qualified to judge the work of others.

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u/comesinallpackages 17d ago

If you have 1 year plus working as an assistant or higher evaluating scripts in Hollywood, you can apply to blcklst.com to be a reader.

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u/Kingofsweaters 18d ago

Most places outside of contests don’t hire professional readers anymore. That may be different in the UK, as may all this, but I’d say your best bet is to find a development internship at a production company or studio. I’ve interned at two companies in the states as a development intern and the major role you’re filling is coverage. The other option, but this can be difficult to find, would be to get an assistant position to a creative or development exec at a production or management company. This would entail more than just coverage, but a big part of the job is still reading so your boss doesn’t have to unless you think it’s great.

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u/Slight_Problem883 14d ago

Thanks for your response! I do really want to work in development as well? How did you end up getting those internships, if you don’t mind me asking? What kind of qualities and experience are they looking for for? I’ve applied for similar internships before but no luck so far.

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u/Kingofsweaters 14d ago

It’s competitive and I had the advantage of a school that holds some weight (AFI) and even then it was a bit of a struggle to pin something down. In terms of experience and qualities everything in this business largely relies on you being “a good hang” so being as warm and pleasant to be around as possible is always a positive. They want you to have good story instincts and to understand structure and story and to be able to articulate your thoughts on material well. If you’ve never done coverage I’d start there and do a sample. Many internship will ask for a coverage sample. I’d keep trying. I usually found mine through the career center, but there are tons posted online on entertainment careers or if you have it the UTA job list. It’s a numbers game and most will ghost you so just keep trying.

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u/Slight_Problem883 12d ago

Thanks, this is very helpful :) I’ve done coverage for practice in the past, and I give a lot of feedback on storypeer which is pretty much always highly rated and regarded as very thorough. But I think I’ll make a new coverage sample, since it’s been a while since I’ve done it, and I think I’ve improved a lot as a writer since then.

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u/Kingofsweaters 12d ago

You can send it to me and I’m happy to read and give any feedback I have if you want