Results of Script Shark coverage

[mge457]

Originally Posted by iggy

Any podcasts/interviews you'd recommend? Thanks.

On The Page - Pilar Alessandra
Creative Screenwriting - Jeff Goldsmith
Scriptnotes - John August & Craig Mazin
USC School of Cinematic Arts Conversations

While I'm dumping a lot on you, there is some really valuable stuff in there.

PM me if you want more info.

[yesac]

Originally Posted by DontStealMyScript

Hi:

I've been following the boards for a few months now, and have worked up the courage to ask a question out of necessity.

I got my coverage report back from Script Shark yesterday for an action/drama script. The bottom line was a pass, but all the grid ratings - except for four - came in as solid.

The report pointed out 4 or 5 things that needed to be fixed. Some of them are things I've heard mentioned before, so now I'm finally ready to address them.

But, after I revise, I'm unsure if I should send it back to Script Shark for the follow-up coverage. What they are asking for seems like minor character development for one of the leads and a few of the supporting characters. Was a problem like that big enough to earn the pass recommendation I got in spite of what seems like good ratings? I would like to qualify for their scouting service, but want to keep the $99 in my pocket if they are just being good marketers and my 2nd coverage is likely to also come back as a pass.

Any advice or insights would be appreciated.

I used to deal with ScriptShark. Not going to say bad things about them, but I was like you. I wanted that consider and I wanted their scouting services. I eventually got a 'Strong Consider' on my low budget thriller. It then took a year to be scouted (maternity leave of manager). When it did get scouted I was told over 12 companies had requested it. And the result... nothing. I'm still unrepped and unproduced.

My point is, don't rest all your hopes on their scouting services. As others have suggested, if you do want to get notes, go to various people for different points of view (such as Script Gal and Screenplay Mechanic on this forum).

[cvolante]

Bottom line-- someone said something about not knowing enough if you haven't read more than 30 scripts... The truth is once you've read several hundred scripts-- good ones, bad ones, Black Listers, Oscar nominated, and written and re-written a bunch off your own then you really do know where you stand compared to a pro script.