What is Script Coverage? A Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about professional screenplay analysis and script coverage
What is Script Coverage?
Script coverage is a professional analysis of a screenplay that provides an objective evaluation of its strengths, weaknesses, and commercial potential. It's an essential tool used by studios, production companies, talent agencies, and screenwriters to assess whether a script is ready for production or needs further development.
Think of script coverage as a comprehensive report card for your screenplay. A professional script reader analyzes every aspect of your script—from structure and character development to dialogue and marketability—and delivers actionable insights to help improve the work.
What Does Script Coverage Include?
Professional script coverage typically includes the following components:
Logline
A one-sentence summary that captures the essence of your story, including the protagonist, their goal, and the central conflict.
Synopsis
A detailed summary of the plot, typically 1-2 pages, covering all major story beats and the ending.
Character Analysis
Evaluation of main characters, their arcs, motivations, and relationships.
Script Analysis
Assessment of structure, pacing, dialogue, tone, and overall craft.
Market Potential
Evaluation of commercial viability, target audience, and comparable titles.
Recommendation
Final verdict: Pass, Consider, or Recommend, with specific notes on improvements.
Why is Script Coverage Important?
- •Objective Feedback: Get an unbiased professional perspective on your screenplay's strengths and weaknesses.
- •Industry Standard: Studios and production companies rely on coverage to filter through thousands of submissions.
- •Development Tool: Identify specific areas for improvement before submitting to agents or producers.
- •Market Insights: Understand your script's commercial potential and target audience.
- •Time Saver: Executives use coverage to quickly assess whether a script is worth their time to read in full.
Traditional vs AI Script Coverage
Traditionally, script coverage was performed by human readers, taking days or weeks and costing hundreds of dollars per script. Modern AI-powered coverage platforms like OnDesk have revolutionized this process:
AI Script Coverage Benefits:
- ✓ Instant results in 3-5 minutes instead of days or weeks
- ✓ Consistent, objective analysis every time
- ✓ Significantly more affordable (starting at $0)
- ✓ Advanced features like semantic search and unlimited chat
- ✓ Team collaboration and enterprise analytics
How to Get Script Coverage
There are several ways to get professional script coverage:
- AI-Powered Platforms (like OnDesk): Upload your script and get instant professional coverage in minutes.
- Traditional Coverage Services: Hire professional readers for human-written coverage (typically 1-2 weeks turnaround).
- Script Consultants: Work one-on-one with experienced consultants for personalized feedback.
- Peer Feedback: Exchange scripts with other writers for informal coverage (free but less professional).
Get Professional Script Coverage Today
OnDesk delivers studio-grade AI script coverage in minutes. Get comprehensive analysis, character breakdowns, market insights, and development notes—all powered by advanced AI technology.