WHAT DOES A SCRIPT READER DO? (In the Entertainment industry. What does a Script Reader Do?)

Script Readers / Photo Credit: ScreenCraft

WHAT DOES A SCRIPT READER DO? (In the Entertainment industry. What does a Script Reader Do?)         

Bruce Bisbey…please follow me at: https://dumbdogproductionsllc.blogspot.com or   https://www.facebook.com/DumbDogProductionsLLC/ thank you.

What does a Script Reader do? 

Script Reader

A script reader (or “Reader”) is the person who reads scripts for agents, producers, managers, assistants, and…pretty much everyone.

Script readers range from interns to full-time paid readers. They read for contests, production companies, agencies, etc.… The job generally entails reading a script from fade in to fade out and then doing coverage. That coverage goes to higher-ups so they can pretend that they’ve read your script during a notes call, find a new writer, or buy it.

Full coverage includes writing a summary, synopsis, comments, and sometimes a breakdown. Not every reading job requires full coverage, but it does require an understanding of story elements. A reader has to be able to dissect your writing in terms of what is working and what isn’t in order to give a proper evaluation and opinion.

That evaluation is going to be different depending on who is reading it and who they are hired to read for. Take for instance a production company. A reader for that company is going to be looking for a very specific type of script that falls in line with what that company produces. But, if you look at fellowship, they won’t necessarily be reading for the most “sellable” script but for the best writing or writing potential.

Script readers assess whether screenplays are professionally crafted, and write a reader's report (or 'coverage' report). Script readers mainly work for public funded bodies, such as the regional screen agencies, but can also be commissioned by screenwriters themselves. The typical reader's report is 4-8 pages long, including a breakdown of the story and an assessment of its suitability. This typically contains a logline, premise, synopsis, tone and genre analysis, at least two pages of comments on strengths and weakness, and the summary and verdict.

An agent gets sent a script from a client, manager, friend of a friend, or sometimes even from an unknown writer who wrote a good query letter. Yes, it happens. Since most agents are too busy to read scripts, the agent hands the script to an assistant or Reader (or both) and asks for notes, thoughts, or something called “coverage.” The agent reads the Reader’s coverage and decides if the script is worth reading.

Coverage: A one or two page write-up of a script, including logline, synopsis of plot, comments, and a judgment, usually RECOMMEND, CONSIDER, or PASS.

Sources, References & Credits: Google, Wikipedia, Wikihow, WikiBooks, Pinterest, IMDB, Linked In, Indie Wire, Film Making Stuff, Hiive, Film Daily, New York Film Academy, The Balance, Careers Hub, The Numbers, Film Maker, TV Guide Magazine, Blurb, Media Match, Quora, Creative Skill Set, Chron, Investopedia, Variety, No Film School, WGA, BBC, Daily Variety, The Film Agency, Best Sample Resume, How Stuff Works, Career Trend, Producer's Code of Credits, Truity, Production Hub, Producers Guild of America, Film Connection, Variety, Wolf Crow, Get In Media, Production Beast, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros, UCAS, Frankenbite, Realty 101, Careers Hub, Screen Play Scripts, Script Doctor, Any Possibility,

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Script Readers / Photo Credit: ScreenCraft