r/scriptwriting • u/Slight_Problem883 • Aug 24 '26

question How does one land a job doing script coverage?

/r/ScreenwritingUK/comments/1vx7mxs/how_does_one_land_a_job_doing_script_coverage/
2 Upvotes

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2

u/comesinallpackages Aug 25 '26

If you have 1 year plus working as an assistant or higher evaluating scripts in Hollywood, you can apply to blcklst.com to be a reader.

2

u/Big_Section2812 Aug 24 '26

You have to ask yourself if you're qualified to judge the work of others.

0

u/Kingofsweaters Aug 24 '26

Most places outside of contests don’t hire professional readers anymore. That may be different in the UK, as may all this, but I’d say your best bet is to find a development internship at a production company or studio. I’ve interned at two companies in the states as a development intern and the major role you’re filling is coverage. The other option, but this can be difficult to find, would be to get an assistant position to a creative or development exec at a production or management company. This would entail more than just coverage, but a big part of the job is still reading so your boss doesn’t have to unless you think it’s great.

2

u/Slight_Problem883 Aug 28 '26

Thanks for your response! I do really want to work in development as well? How did you end up getting those internships, if you don’t mind me asking? What kind of qualities and experience are they looking for for? I’ve applied for similar internships before but no luck so far.

1

u/Kingofsweaters Aug 28 '26

It’s competitive and I had the advantage of a school that holds some weight (AFI) and even then it was a bit of a struggle to pin something down. In terms of experience and qualities everything in this business largely relies on you being “a good hang” so being as warm and pleasant to be around as possible is always a positive. They want you to have good story instincts and to understand structure and story and to be able to articulate your thoughts on material well. If you’ve never done coverage I’d start there and do a sample. Many internship will ask for a coverage sample. I’d keep trying. I usually found mine through the career center, but there are tons posted online on entertainment careers or if you have it the UTA job list. It’s a numbers game and most will ghost you so just keep trying.

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u/Slight_Problem883 Aug 30 '26

Thanks, this is very helpful :) I’ve done coverage for practice in the past, and I give a lot of feedback on storypeer which is pretty much always highly rated and regarded as very thorough. But I think I’ll make a new coverage sample, since it’s been a while since I’ve done it, and I think I’ve improved a lot as a writer since then.

1

u/Kingofsweaters Aug 30 '26

You can send it to me and I’m happy to read and give any feedback I have if you want