Professional Script Coverage Guide

Introduction

Professional script coverage is the systematic evaluation of screenplays used throughout the entertainment industry by studios, production companies, agencies, and literary managers. This guide establishes a comprehensive 16-point rubric that ensures consistent, thorough, and actionable analysis of submitted material.

Purpose of Coverage

• Triage: Filter hundreds of submissions to identify viable projects
• Development: Provide actionable feedback for script improvement
• Packaging: Assess commercial viability and casting potential
• Risk Assessment: Identify legal, production, and financial red flags
• Decision Support: Enable informed pass/consider/recommend determinations

Coverage Users

• Development Executives: Evaluate acquisition potential
• Producers: Assess production feasibility and marketability
• Literary Managers: Guide writer development
• Financiers: Evaluate investment risk and return potential
• Legal Affairs: Identify rights and E&O issues

Coverage Fundamentals

Essential Components

Every professional coverage report must include:

1. Title Page: Script title, writer, genre, page count, date
2. Logline: One-sentence premise distillation
3. Synopsis: 1-2 page objective story summary
4. Analysis: Structured evaluation across all rubric categories
5. Recommendation: Pass / Consider / Recommend decision
6. Scores: Numerical grades for key categories

Coverage Principles

• Objectivity: Separate personal taste from professional assessment
• Constructiveness: Provide actionable insights, not just criticism
• Comprehensiveness: Address all aspects of craft and commerciality
• Consistency: Apply standards uniformly across submissions
• Timeliness: Deliver coverage within industry-standard timeframes

The 16-Point Professional Rubric

1. LOGLINE

Definition: One-sentence premise that captures protagonist, goal, conflict, and stakes.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Clarity: Is the core story immediately understandable?
• Specificity: Does it identify the unique protagonist and situation?
• Conflict: Is the central dramatic tension evident?
• Stakes: Are consequences of failure clear?
• Hook: Does it generate immediate interest?

Scoring Factors:

• Protagonist identification (10 points)
• Goal clarity (10 points)
• Conflict presence (10 points)
• Stakes articulation (10 points)
• Commercial hook (10 points)

Red Flags:

• Generic or vague premise
• No clear protagonist
• Lack of dramatic conflict
• Indistinct from existing properties

Example (Strong):

"A computer hacker discovers reality is a simulation and must lead humanity's rebellion against the machines that enslaved them." (The Matrix)

Conduct CLI:

conduct coverage logline screenplay.fdx --analyze-strength --identify-gaps

2. DETAILED STORY SUMMARY

Definition: Comprehensive 1-2 page synopsis covering full narrative arc with major plot points, character development, and thematic elements.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Completeness: Does it cover beginning, middle, and end?
• Clarity: Is the story logic easy to follow?
• Objectivity: Does it present facts without opinion?
• Structure: Are act breaks and reversals identified?
• Neutrality: Does it avoid spoiling analysis?

Required Elements:

• Opening status quo and inciting incident
• Act 1 setup and first plot point
• Act 2 rising action and midpoint reversal
• Act 2B complications and second plot point
• Act 3 climax and resolution
• Character arcs and transformations
• Subplot integration and thematic coherence

Length Guidelines:

• Feature scripts (90-120 pages): 1.5-2 pages
• TV pilots (30-60 pages): 1 page
• Limited series scripts: 1-1.5 pages

Conduct CLI:

conduct coverage summary screenplay.fdx --length comprehensive --include-acts --spoilers

3. STORY & STRUCTURE ANALYSIS

Definition: Evaluation of narrative architecture, pacing, cause-and-effect logic, and structural integrity.

Evaluation Criteria:

Act Structure (25 points):

• Three-act balance (ideal: 25% / 50% / 25%)
• Clear act breaks with escalation
• Proper plot point placement
• Structural turning points present

Pacing (20 points):

• Scene rhythm and variety
• Forward momentum maintenance
• Tension escalation/release patterns
• No sagging sections

Cause & Effect (20 points):

• Logical story progression
• Character decisions drive plot
• No contrived coincidences
• Setup and payoff coherence

Plot Coherence (15 points):

• Clear A-story spine
• Integrated subplots
• No major plot holes
• Consistent internal logic

Setup & Payoff (20 points):

• Chekhov's gun principle applied
• Satisfying resolution of setups
• No dangling plot threads
• Earned emotional payoffs

Scoring Breakdown:

• 90-100: Exceptional structure, perfect execution
• 80-89: Strong structure with minor issues
• 70-79: Adequate structure with notable problems
• 60-69: Significant structural flaws
• Below 60: Major reconstruction needed

Red Flags:

• Missing or misplaced plot points
• Sagging second act
• Deus ex machina resolutions
• Unearned character decisions
• Major logic holes

Conduct CLI:

conduct coverage structure screenplay.fdx --analyze-acts --identify-beats --pacing-report

4. CHARACTER ANALYSIS

Definition: Assessment of character development, motivation, arc completion, ensemble balance, and dialogue authenticity.

Evaluation Criteria:

Protagonist Strength (25 points):

• Clear want and need
• Active agency in driving plot
• Compelling flaw or wound
• Complete transformation arc
• Audience identification potential

Antagonist Effectiveness (20 points):

• Believable opposition with own goals
• Worthy opponent providing real threat
• Dimensional beyond pure evil
• Thematic counterpoint to protagonist
• Satisfying confrontation payoff

Supporting Character Balance (15 points):

• Distinct personalities and functions
• Service to protagonist's journey
• Own wants and obstacles
• No interchangeable characters
• Appropriate screen time distribution

Character Motivation (20 points):

• Clear, understandable drives
• Consistent with backstory and personality
• Believable decision-making
• Emotional truth in reactions
• No plot-convenient behavior

Dialogue Authenticity (20 points):

• Distinct voice for each character
• Subtext and conflict in exchanges
• Naturalistic without being mundane
• Reveals character through word choice
• Memorable, quotable lines

Scoring Guidelines:

• 90-100: Unforgettable, award-caliber characters
• 80-89: Strong, well-developed ensemble
• 70-79: Functional characters with room for depth
• 60-69: Thin or inconsistent characterization
• Below 60: Major character work required

Red Flags:

• Passive protagonist
• One-dimensional antagonist
• Characters who all sound alike
• Unmotivated behavior changes
• Excessive exposition in dialogue

Conduct CLI:

conduct coverage characters screenplay.fdx --analyze-arcs --dialogue-authenticity --ensemble-balance

5. THEME & TONE

Definition: Identification of thematic content, tonal consistency, organic theme emergence, and genre alignment.

Evaluation Criteria:

Theme Identification (25 points):

• Clear central theme or question
• Universal resonance
• Complexity beyond simplistic message
• Explored through character and plot
• Satisfying thematic resolution

Organic Emergence (25 points):

• Theme emerges from story naturally
• Not preachy or heavy-handed
• Embodied in character choices
• Implicit rather than explicit
• Trusts audience intelligence

Tonal Consistency (25 points):

• Unified tone throughout
• Intentional tonal shifts land properly
• Genre expectations met
• Emotional register appropriate
• No jarring incongruities

Genre Alignment (25 points):

• Delivers on genre promises
• Subverts conventions cleverly, not arbitrarily
• Target audience appeal clear
• Comparable films identifiable
• Marketing angle evident

Scoring Guidelines:

• 90-100: Profound themes, flawless tonal execution
• 80-89: Clear themes, confident tone
• 70-79: Present but could be stronger
• 60-69: Muddled or inconsistent
• Below 60: No clear theme or tonal identity

Red Flags:

• On-the-nose messaging
• Confused genre identity
• Wildly inconsistent tone
• Themes disconnected from story
• Genre bait-and-switch

Conduct CLI:

conduct coverage themes screenplay.fdx --identify-primary --assess-organic-emergence --tone-consistency

6. ORIGINALITY & VOICE

Definition: Assessment of premise differentiation, execution freshness, writer's distinctive voice, and comparative market positioning.

Evaluation Criteria:

Premise Differentiation (30 points):

• Fresh take on familiar territory
• Unique "what if" at core
• Not derivative of recent releases
• Hook that stands out in pitch
• Clear POV or angle

Execution Freshness (25 points):

• Unexpected story turns
• Original character types or dynamics
• Innovative structure or storytelling
• Subverted genre expectations
• Memorable set pieces or sequences

Voice Distinctiveness (25 points):

• Identifiable authorial perspective
• Unique dialogue rhythm
• Specific cultural/regional flavor
• Personal thematic obsessions
• Artistic signature evident

Market Comparisons (20 points):

• Fills underserved niche
• Improves on similar properties
• Not redundant with existing IP
• Marketplace differentiation clear
• Competitive advantages identified

Scoring Guidelines:

• 90-100: Wholly original, distinctive voice
• 80-89: Fresh take with clear differentiation
• 70-79: Familiar but competently executed
• 60-69: Derivative with few new ideas
• Below 60: Unoriginal or imitative

Red Flags:

• Beat-for-beat remake of existing film
• No discernible voice or perspective
• Trend-chasing without innovation
• Generic execution of premise
• Copycat of recent hit

Conduct CLI:

conduct coverage originality screenplay.fdx --differentiation-score --voice-analysis --market-comps

7. MARKETABILITY & COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL

Definition: Evaluation of target audience, budget feasibility, casting potential, genre positioning, distribution viability, and franchise/IP extension possibilities.

Evaluation Criteria:

Target Audience Identification (15 points):

• Clear demographic appeal (age, gender, interests)
• Specific psychographic profile
• Identifiable fan communities
• Cross-demographic potential
• International appeal factors

Budget Range Estimation (20 points):

• Realistic budget bracket ($1M / $5M / $20M / $50M+ / $100M+)
• Budget-to-commercial-potential ratio
• Value production opportunities
• Financial risk assessment
• ROI probability analysis

Casting Potential (15 points):

• Attractive roles for A-list talent
• Multiple ages/types for package flexibility
• Star-making role potential
• Ensemble cast viability
• Diversity in casting options

Genre Positioning (15 points):

• Fits proven commercial genres
• Counter-programming opportunities
• Release calendar positioning
• Genre fatigue considerations
• Awards potential (if applicable)

Distribution Viability (20 points):

• Theatrical vs. streaming suitability
• Platform fit analysis
• Four-quadrant vs. niche appeal
• International sales potential
• Marketing hook clarity

Franchise Potential (15 points):

• World-building extensibility
• Sequel/prequel possibilities
• TV series adaptation potential
• Merchandising opportunities
• IP longevity assessment

Scoring Guidelines:

• 90-100: Exceptional commercial prospects
• 80-89: Strong marketplace viability
• 70-79: Moderate commercial appeal
• 60-69: Limited commercial potential
• Below 60: Significant commercial challenges

Red Flags:

• No clear target audience
• Budget far exceeds commercial ceiling
• Too niche for required investment
• Oversaturated genre with no differentiation
• Unmarketable elements or content

Conduct CLI:

conduct coverage market screenplay.fdx --audience-analysis --budget-estimate --casting-potential --distribution-fit

8. WRITING QUALITY & CRAFT

Definition: Technical assessment of prose clarity, scene economy, dialogue rhythm, visual storytelling, format discipline, and professional presentation.

Evaluation Criteria:

Prose Clarity (20 points):

• Concise, evocative action lines
• No overwritten description
• Clear visual communication
• Proper grammar and spelling
• Professional presentation quality

Scene Economy (20 points):

• Scenes start late, leave early
• Every scene advances story or character
• No redundant or unnecessary beats
• Efficient information delivery
• Proper scene transitions

Dialogue Rhythm (20 points):

• Natural conversational flow
• Varied sentence lengths
• Intentional white space on page
• Subtext and conflict present
• Avoids exposition dumps

Visual Storytelling (20 points):

• Shows rather than tells
• Cinematic imagery and composition
• Physical action conveys emotion
• Minimal reliance on dialogue
• Camera-ready visualization

Format Discipline (20 points):

• Industry-standard formatting
• Proper slug lines and elements
• Correct margins and fonts
• Page count appropriate for genre
• Professional presentation throughout

Scoring Guidelines:

• 90-100: Master-level craft
• 80-89: Professional, polished writing
• 70-79: Competent with minor issues
• 60-69: Rough craft, needs polish
• Below 60: Amateur presentation

Red Flags:

• Excessive description or over-directing
• On-the-nose dialogue
• Format violations
• Typos and grammatical errors
• Overwritten prose

Conduct CLI:

conduct coverage craft screenplay.fdx --prose-analysis --scene-economy --dialogue-quality --format-check

9. RED FLAGS & PRODUCTION RISKS

Definition: Identification of legal exposure, E&O insurance issues, rights complications, controversial content, production challenges, and career risk factors.

Evaluation Criteria:

Legal Exposure (Critical):

• Defamation risk from real person depictions
• Privacy violations
• Right of publicity infringements
• Likeness rights issues
• Potential litigation triggers

E&O Insurance Concerns (Critical):

• Uncleared intellectual property
• Music rights complications
• Trademark infringements
• Copyright violations
• Clearance impossibilities

Rights Issues (Critical):

• Life rights requirements
• Underlying IP ownership questions
• Option/chain of title concerns
• Public domain verification
• Fair use boundary questions

Controversial Content (High):

• Culturally sensitive material
• Graphic violence or sexual content
• Political/religious hot buttons
• Racial/gender representation issues
• Potential boycott triggers

Production Challenges (Medium):

• Child actor requirements
• Animal work complications
• Extreme weather dependencies
• Dangerous stunt requirements
• Location impossibilities

Career Risk Factors (Medium):

• Material damaging to talent brands
• Director/actor type mismatches
• Studio reputation concerns
• Awards campaign complications
• Press cycle vulnerabilities

Red Flag Classification:

• STOP: Deal-breaker issues requiring immediate pass
• CAUTION: Manageable with expert mitigation
• NOTE: Minor concerns for awareness only

Conduct CLI:

conduct coverage risks screenplay.fdx --legal-scan --eo-analysis --production-flags --controversy-detection

10. BUDGET PRESSURE POINTS

Definition: Identification of cost drivers, VFX demands, location complexity, cast size requirements, technical specifications, and value-production opportunities.

Evaluation Criteria:

Major Cost Drivers (35 points):

• VFX shot count and complexity
• Practical effects requirements
• Stunt/action sequence scope
• Period setting and production design
• Exotic or multiple location needs

VFX Density Analysis (15 points):

• VFX shots per page estimate
• Character vs. environment effects ratio
• Complexity tier classification
• Previz requirements
• Post-production timeline impact

Location Complexity (15 points):

• Number of unique locations
• Practical vs. stage builds
• Distant/difficult location access
• Weather/seasonal dependencies
• Permit and access complications

Cast & Crew Size (10 points):

• Principal cast count
• Background/extras requirements
• Specialized crew needs (stunts, etc.)
• Child actor logistics
• Animal handler requirements

Technical Requirements (15 points):

• Specialized camera equipment
• Underwater/aerial cinematography
• IMAX or specialty format considerations
• Sound stage vs. location mix
• Post-production complexity

Value Production Opportunities (10 points):

• Tax incentive eligibility
• Low-cost location alternatives
• Practical over VFX options
• Limited location shooting
• Contained thriller potential

Conduct CLI:

conduct coverage budget screenplay.fdx --cost-drivers --vfx-analysis --location-complexity --value-opportunities

11. FORMAT & TECHNICAL COMPLIANCE

Definition: Assessment of industry format standards, page count appropriateness, formatting accuracy, readability, and professional presentation.

Evaluation Criteria:

Page Count Analysis (25 points):

• Within genre standards (Features: 90-120, Thriller: 95-110, Comedy: 90-100)
• Appropriate pacing per page
• Not padded or compressed
• Proper screenplay time ratio (1 page ≈ 1 minute)

Formatting Accuracy (25 points):

• Courier 12pt font
• Proper margins (1.5" left, 1" right)
• Correct slug line format
• Standard character name placement
• Proper dialogue and parenthetical spacing

Industry Standard Adherence (25 points):

• No camera directions (unless writer/director)
• Minimal scene numbering (production draft only)
• Proper transition usage (CUT TO, DISSOLVE TO)
• Title page format correct
• Page breaks appropriate

Readability (15 points):

• White space balance
• Paragraph length variation
• Visual page appeal
• No dense text blocks
• Easy eye flow

Professional Presentation (10 points):

• No spelling or grammar errors
• Consistent style throughout
• Proper title page information
• Clean PDF formatting
• Industry-standard file naming

Scoring Guidelines:

• 90-100: Perfect technical execution
• 80-89: Professional with minor issues
• 70-79: Acceptable with notable errors
• 60-69: Multiple format problems
• Below 60: Amateur presentation

Conduct CLI:

conduct coverage format screenplay.fdx --page-count --format-validation --readability-score --compliance-check

12. PASS / CONSIDER / RECOMMEND

Definition: Final recommendation triage signal for development pipeline routing and decision-making priority.

Recommendation Tiers:

RECOMMEND (Top 5% of submissions):

• Definition: Project warrants immediate attention and aggressive pursuit
• Criteria:
  • Overall score 85+
  • No critical red flags
  • Strong commercial potential
  • Exceptional craft or originality
  • Clear path to production
• Action Items:
  • Fast-track to executive level
  • Initiate immediate contact with reps
  • Begin competitive positioning strategy
  • Assess rights availability and pricing
  • Identify packaging elements

CONSIDER (Next 15% of submissions):

• Definition: Project has merit but requires further evaluation or development
• Criteria:
  • Overall score 70-84
  • Fixable issues identified
  • Commercial potential with work
  • Strong concept, execution needs polish
  • Notable elements worth developing
• Action Items:
  • Request revision or rewrite
  • Writer meeting to assess rewrite ability
  • Competitive landscape research
  • Budget/packaging feasibility study
  • Development cost/benefit analysis

PASS (Bottom 80% of submissions):

• Definition: Project not suitable for current slate or resources
• Criteria:
  • Overall score below 70
  • Critical red flags present
  • Insufficient commercial potential
  • Irreparable structural/story issues
  • Better alternatives available
• Pass Types:
  • Hard Pass: Never reconsider
  • Soft Pass: Reconsider with major revision
  • Track Writer: Pass project, monitor writer
  • Wrong For Us: Good but doesn't fit our mandate

Conduct CLI:

conduct coverage recommend screenplay.fdx --calculate-tier --generate-rationale --action-items

13. SCORING SYSTEM

Definition: Numerical evaluation across core screenplay elements to enable quantitative comparison and objective assessment.

Scoring Categories (0-100 each):

Premise (20% of overall):

• Concept originality and hook strength
• High-concept vs. character-driven assessment
• Logline effectiveness
• "What if" core evaluation

Characters (20% of overall):

• Protagonist strength and agency
• Antagonist effectiveness
• Supporting character depth
• Arc completion and transformation
• Ensemble balance

Structure (20% of overall):

• Three-act balance
• Plot point effectiveness
• Pacing and momentum
• Cause-and-effect logic
• Setup and payoff execution

Dialogue (15% of overall):

• Character voice distinction
• Subtext presence
• Naturalism and quotability
• Exposition integration
• Rhythm and pacing

Originality (10% of overall):

• Premise differentiation
• Fresh execution
• Voice distinctiveness
• Genre innovation

Commercial Value (15% of overall):

• Target audience clarity
• Budget-to-potential ratio
• Casting attractiveness
• Marketing hook strength
• Distribution viability

Overall Score Calculation:

Overall = (Premise × 0.20) + (Characters × 0.20) + (Structure × 0.20) +
          (Dialogue × 0.15) + (Originality × 0.10) + (Commercial × 0.15)

Grade Equivalents:

• A (90-100): Excellent - Recommend
• B (80-89): Good - Strong Consider
• C (70-79): Fair - Consider with reservations
• D (60-69): Poor - Pass but track writer
• F (0-59): Not Ready - Hard Pass

Conduct CLI:

conduct coverage score screenplay.fdx --detailed-breakdown --weighted-calculation --grade-assignment

14. RIGHTS & ATTACHMENTS

Definition: Documentation of intellectual property source, rights status, life-rights needs, existing attachments, and chain of title considerations.

Evaluation Criteria:

IP Source Disclosure (Critical):

• Original work vs. adaptation
• If adapted: novel, article, true story, etc.
• Publication date and copyright status
• Rights holder identification
• Fair use vs. licensed material

Rights Availability (Critical):

• Available for option/purchase
• Currently under option (with whom, until when)
• Previously developed (by whom, when, why passed)
• Competitive bidding situation
• Rights reversion timeline

Life-Rights Needs (Critical):

• Based on real people or events
• Living subjects requiring consent
• Estate/heir permissions needed
• Public figure vs. private citizen
• Invasion of privacy considerations

Existing Attachments (High):

• Writer/director package status
• Producer attachments
• Talent offers or interest
• Financing commitments
• Distribution presales

Chain of Title (High):

• Clear rights ownership verification
• No encumbrances or liens
• Previous development history
• Turnaround provisions if applicable
• Copyright registration status

Prior Development History (Medium):

• Previous submissions/passes
• Development notes from other entities
• Revision history and versions
• Reasons for prior passes
• Market perception/fatigue

Conduct CLI:

conduct coverage rights screenplay.fdx --source-verification --availability-check --attachment-tracking

15. REWRITE POTENTIAL

Definition: Assessment of core concept salvageability, structural fixability, required rewrite scope, writer capability, and development resource requirements.

Evaluation Criteria:

Core Concept Assessment (30 points):

• Premise strength independent of execution
• Inherent story potential
• "Diamond in the rough" evaluation
• IP viability regardless of current draft
• Worth significant development investment

Structural Fixability (25 points):

• Can structure be repaired with existing elements?
• Do fundamental building blocks exist?
• Is reconception required vs. refinement?
• Are characters/plot salvageable?
• Timeline for structural overhaul

Rewrite Scope Estimation (20 points):

• Polish/revision (2-4 weeks)
• Page-one rewrite (2-3 months)
• Reconception (4-6 months)
• Cost of development process
• Risk vs. starting fresh

Writer Capability Evaluation (15 points):

• Evidence of craft fundamentals
• Receptiveness to notes (if known)
• Previous work quality
• Genre experience and fit
• Hire same writer vs. reassign

Development Resources Required (10 points):

• Executive/producer time investment
• Development funding needed
• External resources (script doctor, consultants)
• Timeline to production-ready draft
• Opportunity cost vs. other projects

Rewrite Recommendation Types:

• Minor Polish: Fix dialogue, trim scenes, strengthen Act 3 (2-4 weeks)
• Significant Revision: Restructure Act 2, deepen characters, add subplot (6-8 weeks)
• Major Rewrite: Reconceive structure, rewrite from Page 1 with same concept (3-4 months)
• Start Fresh: Concept has merit, but new writer needed (6+ months)
• Not Worth It: Development costs exceed likely return

Conduct CLI:

conduct coverage rewrite screenplay.fdx --concept-vs-execution --fixability-analysis --scope-estimate --resource-requirements

16. PRODUCER ACTION SUMMARY

Definition: Concrete next steps and decision-making guidance for development executives, producers, and literary managers.

Action Categories:

PURSUE AGGRESSIVELY:

• Recommendation: RECOMMEND tier screenplay
• Immediate Actions:
  1. Contact writer's representatives within 24 hours
  2. Request exclusive submission window if possible
  3. Assess competitive landscape (who else has it?)
  4. Begin packaging conversations (director, talent)
  5. Preliminary budget and financing discussions
  6. Rights/legal review initiated
  7. Schedule creative meeting with writer
• Decision Timeline: 5-7 days maximum
• Resources Allocated: Senior executive attention, development funds earmarked

OPTION/DEVELOP:

• Recommendation: Strong CONSIDER tier
• Immediate Actions:
  1. Request writer meeting to discuss vision and rewrite willingness
  2. Generate detailed development notes
  3. Assess writer's ability to execute revisions
  4. Option terms negotiation if concept is strong
  5. Determine if writer stays or needs replacement
  6. Budget feasibility analysis
  7. Comparable film performance research
• Decision Timeline: 2-3 weeks
• Resources Allocated: Development executive oversight, modest option fee budget

REQUEST REWRITE:

• Recommendation: CONSIDER with significant issues
• Immediate Actions:
  1. Provide comprehensive development notes
  2. Writer meeting to gauge receptiveness and ability
  3. Set revision timeline and parameters
  4. Determine compensation for rewrite (if any)
  5. Reassess after revision delivered
  6. Decision: proceed or pass post-rewrite
• Decision Timeline: 1 week for notes, 6-8 weeks for rewrite, 1 week reassessment
• Resources Allocated: Development notes, rewrite oversight, possible rewrite fee

TRACK WRITER:

• Recommendation: PASS on project, but writer shows promise
• Immediate Actions:
  1. Add writer to tracking database
  2. Request notification of next project
  3. Send encouraging pass letter
  4. Identify writer's strengths and ideal genres
  5. Consider for writing assignments on owned IP
  6. Monitor writer's career progression
• Decision Timeline: Ongoing monitoring
• Resources Allocated: Minimal, tracking database entry

PASS:

• Recommendation: PASS tier
• Immediate Actions:
  1. Send professional pass letter
  2. Document submission in coverage database
  3. No further action required
  4. Archive coverage for future reference
• Decision Timeline: Within 1 week of coverage completion
• Resources Allocated: None

Conduct CLI:

conduct coverage action screenplay.fdx --generate-steps --timeline-estimate --resource-allocation --decision-framework

Scoring System

Overall Score Calculation

Overall Score = (Premise × 0.20) + (Characters × 0.20) + (Structure × 0.20) +
                (Dialogue × 0.15) + (Originality × 0.10) + (Commercial × 0.15)

Grade Equivalents

Category Weight Justification

• Premise (20%): Foundation determines project ceiling
• Characters (20%): Drives audience engagement and talent attachment
• Structure (20%): Determines script functionality and pacing
• Dialogue (15%): Critical for performance and quotability
• Originality (10%): Differentiator but less important than execution
• Commercial (15%): Viability assessment for investment return

Industry Standards

Turnaround Time

• Weekend Read: Within 72 hours (short coverage, brief notes)
• Standard Coverage: Within 5-7 business days
• Comprehensive Analysis: Within 10 business days
• Rush Coverage: Within 24-48 hours (premium fee)

Coverage Length

• Feature Screenplay: 3-5 pages
• TV Pilot: 2-3 pages
• Treatment/Outline: 1-2 pages
• Book-to-Film Assessment: 4-6 pages

Professional Ethics

• Confidentiality: Never discuss submissions outside work context
• Objectivity: Separate personal taste from professional assessment
• Fairness: Give every script full attention regardless of source
• Constructiveness: Provide actionable feedback, not just criticism
• Honesty: Deliver candid assessment within professional bounds

Conduct CLI Integration

The Conduct CLI implements this 16-point rubric through specialized subcommands that map directly to each evaluation category:

Complete Command Set

# 1. Logline Analysis
conduct coverage logline <screenplay-id> [--analyze-strength] [--identify-gaps]

# 2. Story Summary Generation
conduct coverage summary <screenplay-id> [--length brief|standard|comprehensive] [--include-acts]

# 3. Structure Analysis
conduct coverage structure <screenplay-id> [--analyze-acts] [--pacing-report] [--identify-beats]

# 4. Character Analysis
conduct coverage characters <screenplay-id> [--analyze-arcs] [--dialogue-authenticity] [--ensemble-balance]

# 5. Theme & Tone Assessment
conduct coverage themes <screenplay-id> [--identify-primary] [--assess-organic-emergence] [--tone-consistency]

# 6. Originality Evaluation
conduct coverage originality <screenplay-id> [--differentiation-score] [--voice-analysis] [--market-comps]

# 7. Market Assessment
conduct coverage market <screenplay-id> [--audience-analysis] [--budget-estimate] [--distribution-fit]

# 8. Craft Evaluation
conduct coverage craft <screenplay-id> [--prose-analysis] [--scene-economy] [--dialogue-quality]

# 9. Risk Assessment
conduct coverage risks <screenplay-id> [--legal-scan] [--eo-analysis] [--production-flags]

# 10. Budget Analysis
conduct coverage budget <screenplay-id> [--cost-drivers] [--vfx-analysis] [--value-opportunities]

# 11. Format Compliance
conduct coverage format <screenplay-id> [--page-count] [--format-validation] [--compliance-check]

# 12. Recommendation Generation
conduct coverage recommend <screenplay-id> [--calculate-tier] [--generate-rationale] [--action-items]

# 13. Scoring System
conduct coverage score <screenplay-id> [--detailed-breakdown] [--weighted-calculation] [--grade-assignment]

# 14. Rights Assessment
conduct coverage rights <screenplay-id> [--source-verification] [--availability-check]

# 15. Rewrite Potential
conduct coverage rewrite <screenplay-id> [--concept-vs-execution] [--fixability-analysis] [--scope-estimate]

# 16. Action Summary
conduct coverage action <screenplay-id> [--generate-steps] [--timeline-estimate] [--resource-allocation]

# Complete Coverage Report
conduct coverage full <screenplay-id> [--output-format html|pdf|json|markdown] [--output coverage-report.pdf]

Batch Processing

# Analyze multiple screenplays
conduct coverage batch <directory> [--parallel-jobs 4] [--output-dir reports/]

# Compare screenplays
conduct coverage compare <screenplay-id-1> <screenplay-id-2> [--output comparison.html]

Integration with Existing Commands

# Use with screenplays module
conduct screenplays list --analyzed
conduct screenplays analyze <id>  # Triggers coverage analysis
conduct coverage full <id>  # Generate complete coverage report

# Export for stakeholders
conduct coverage export <id> --format pdf --template professional --output coverage.pdf

Best Practices

For Coverage Readers

1. Read Without Bias: Approach each script fresh, regardless of writer/source
2. Take Notes While Reading: Document reactions and observations in real-time
3. Read in One Sitting: Maintain narrative flow and momentum assessment
4. Separate Taste from Quality: Acknowledge what works even if not personally appealing
5. Provide Actionable Feedback: Identify specific issues with potential solutions
6. Be Fair But Honest: Deliver candid assessment with professional respect
7. Understand the Market: Keep current on industry trends and comparable films
8. Contextualize Recommendations: Consider company slate, mandate, and resources
9. Write for the Executive: Assume reader hasn't read script, provide full context
10. Proofread Coverage: Ensure professional presentation of your analysis

For Development Executives

1. Trust But Verify: Use coverage as informed starting point, not final word
2. Know Your Reader: Understand each reader's tastes, biases, and track record
3. Read Recommends: Always read RECOMMEND tier scripts personally
4. Sample Coverage Quality: Periodically spot-check coverage accuracy
5. Provide Reader Feedback: Help readers improve through constructive notes
6. Maintain Coverage Database: Track submissions, decisions, and outcomes
7. Analyze Reader Performance: Monitor hit rate, false positives, false negatives
8. Calibrate Standards: Ensure consistency across readers and over time
9. Respect the Process: Don't circumvent coverage for personal relationships
10. Act Decisively: Use coverage to enable swift, confident decision-making

Appendices

A. Sample Coverage Reports

See /examples/coverage-samples/ for:

• Excellent screenplay (RECOMMEND tier)
• Good screenplay with fixable issues (CONSIDER tier)
• Flawed premise (PASS tier)
• Comparison coverage (multiple drafts)

B. Coverage Templates

See /templates/coverage-templates/ for:

• Standard feature coverage template
• TV pilot coverage template
• Book-to-film assessment template
• Rewrite notes template

C. Evaluation Worksheets

See /worksheets/ for:

• Beat sheet identification worksheet
• Character arc tracking sheet
• Budget estimation calculator
• Rights clearance checklist

D. Industry Resources

• Writers Guild of America (WGA) format guidelines
• Academy Nicholl Fellowship evaluation criteria
• Black List evaluation methodology
• Major studio coverage standards (anonymized examples)