Frequently Asked Questions
About the Site
Information about the services ScriptBird offers, and a little about what it doesn't.
- What is Coverage?
- Coverage reports are industry shorthand for the script itself. When your script is submitted to a studio, major production company or major agency, it's read by a reader and written up as coverage. Coverage consists of a logline; overall ranking of elements such as concept, plot, character and dialogue; a plot synopsis; and general comments. The reader also gives a personal recommendation to Pass on the script and its writer, or to Consider one or the other.
- Don't let fearmongers scare you: negative coverage from a reader will not damn you forever to the bottom of the slush pile. Many scripts are initially passed on, then go on to become successful produced pictures. But positive coverage is a rare brass ring, and can do much to strengthen your credibility as a writer or to sell your writing skills.
- View a sample of script coverage.
- Are You a Producer? Will You Help Me Move my Script Forward?
- The purpose of this site is to help writers improve and learn about their scripts for their own use, not somebody else's. It also exists to give writers and film fans a place to gather resources and discuss aspects of screenwriting with other people. In other words, ScriptBird won't get your script produced for you, but it can help you in the process.
- Can You Help Me Get an Agent?
- This site does not specifically refer material to agencies, although you may find that having coverage to submit to an agency along with your script gets it read more quickly. The site is meant to offer good resources to writers and give them a place to discuss ideas and issues, so you may find help in this area indirectly by spending time here.
- How Do I Know My Script/Idea Won't Be Stolen?
- All submissions require a signed confidentiality agreement to be signed to ensure the privacy of your work.
- Conventional industry wisdom says that it's your idea you have to worry about being stolen, not the script itself-because an idea can't be copyrighted. To minimize risk of copycatting, register your script immediately once you've completed your first draft, either with the WGA or the Library of Congress.
Submitting
- How Do I Submit Material?
- Scripts may be emailed in Microsoft Word, Final Draft, Movie Magic Screenwriter or .pdf format.
- Hard copies of scripts will also be accepted. Contact info@scriptbird.com for mailing information. All scripts must be page numbered and formatted to industry standards using Courier 12pt. font with 1" margins at top and bottom. Scripts without numbered pages cannot be accepted.
- What are My Payment Options?
- Payments can be made via PayPal, money order, cashier's check or by personal check.
- If you pay by personal check, allow time for the check to clear before work can begin on your script.
- What is the Turnaround Time for a Submission?
- Average turnaround is two weeks.
- Expedited service can arranged for an added fee. A satisfactory timetable will be worked out at the time you submit your script.
Miscellaneous
Commonly asked questions that don't necessarily have to do with script analysis.
- I Have a Good Idea for a Script; What Should I Do Now?
- Read books on screenwriting, take classes, attend a weekend seminar, explore websites and learn, learn, learn. Screenwriting is a deceptively difficult process that only seems easy at first blush. The better you know the craft, the more complex it becomes.
- I'm Having Trouble Writing My Script; Can You Help?
- ScriptBird only evaluates completed drafts of scripts. Up until that point, you're on your own. But you can find some great resources here that will point you towards books, programs and websites that can help you in the process of taking your million-dollar concept from good idea to completed draft.
- I'm Looking for a Particular Script; How Can I Find it?
- Check our links section for some good online script databases, where you can usually find what you're looking for.
- Are You Looking to Hire Other Readers?
- If you are currently employed as a reader at a studio, or at a company with a studio production deal, and are interested in reading for ScriptBird, please send an email to info@scriptbird.com.