Learn from a top story analyst who has worked for CAA, UTA, Imagine Entertainment, and Relativity Media

"One of the most comprehensive 1-hour screenwriting tutorial I've ever participated in. Helpful insight into how your script's coverage acts as a reflection of the strength of your script's elements." -Sebastian

Walk away with a downloadable sample coverage report!

Getting positive and comprehensive coverage on your screenplay or pilot is often the first and most crucial step in getting your work in front of producers, managers, agents, and studio executives. In today’s industry, where as many as 50,000 scripts are competing for attention every year, you need more than just a good story. You need a recommendation from someone decision-makers trust. In this interactive webinar, we will go over the core elements that your screenplay or pilot needs to have in order to give it the best chance of coverage resulting in a STRONG CONSIDER or RECOMMEND—and the subsequent positive notes that will flag it for review by producers, studio executives, managers, and agents. This exclusive Stage 32 webinar will equip you with the tools to rise above the stacks and position your project for top destinations like Netflix, Amazon, Universal, and beyond.

Too many great scripts get passed over because the coverage report doesn’t spark excitement. Weak protagonists, lack of compelling subplots, too much exposition in dialogue, ineffective antagonists, and a sagging third act are all reasons readers downgrade coverage scores. Without knowing what professional readers are really looking for or how they evaluate your work, you risk having your script buried instead of elevated. In this interactive webinar, you will learn exactly how to avoid those pitfalls so your project has its best chance of making it into the hands of the people who can greenlight it.

For over a decade, your Stage 32 educator David Rothley has been on the front lines of the entertainment industry as a story analyst for powerhouse companies like CAA, Paradigm, Imagine Entertainment, and UTA. He ran the story department at Relativity Media before serving as a Creative Executive and in-house staff writer for film, TV, and digital media at Digital Domain. David’s original screenplay The Dryline is set up at Sony/Columbia Pictures with Joel Silver (Die Hard, Sherlock Holmes) producing, and his screenplay Sure-Fire was recently picked up by producers at Wild State (Chris Hemsworth) and The Imaginarium (Andy Serkis). A member of the WGA-West, David knows what it takes to impress readers and move scripts up the chain.

In this exclusive Stage 32 interactive webinar, you will learn the key elements your screenplay or pilot must have to earn a STRONG CONSIDER or RECOMMEND—insights that can completely change the trajectory of your project. From writing unforgettable characters to structuring a killer third act, David will walk you through what readers want, how to give it to them, and how to leverage positive coverage to get your script noticed. You will leave with a clear checklist and strategies you can immediately apply to your work.

PLUS! You will receive the following handout to help you:

• Sample Coverage Report

PRAISE FOR DAVID'S WEBINAR:

"One of the most comprehensive 1-hour screenwriting tutorial I've ever participated in. Helpful insight into how your script's coverage acts as a reflection of the strength of your script's elements." -Sebastian

"I loved the information with relatable scripts/movie references as it gave me the ability to see how each aspect related to another, allowing me to see the buildable final product." -Cynna A

You’ll Learn What Readers Are Really Looking For — And How You Can Set and Approach These Story Goals In Your Screenplay!

Understanding Coverage

• What coverage is and why it matters

• Who uses coverage and how it is used internally

• How coverage impacts your opportunities in the business

The 6 Key Components Of Good Coverage

Writing Engaging Characters

• The importance of strong introductions and exits

• Setting up a clear goal for your protagonist

• Creating memorable and engaging supporting characters

• Developing subplots that expand the protagonist's journey

Plot

• The role of tension and conflict — even in comedies

• Using dialogue to create conflict between characters

• Fueling conflict through character choices and decisions

• Crafting protagonists who actively drive the action

A Well-Defined Antagonist

• Writing an antagonist who stands out with a unique style or point of view

• Giving your antagonist clear goals that directly impact your protagonist

Riveting Dialogue

• Writing dialogue that creates conflict within scenes

• Enhancing the visual structure of your story through dialogue

• Keeping the narrative moving forward with powerful, purposeful dialogue

Structure

• Secrets to a strong first act that can help you earn a RECOMMEND

• How your protagonist’s journey shapes your structure

• Keeping energy and flow in the second half of Act Two — the place where many scripts lose momentum

• Crafting a third act that delivers and sets your script apart

Writing Different Kinds Of Scenes

• Scene types that grab attention from readers, producers, and talent

• Using action, dialogue, props, atmosphere, and conflict to make scenes unforgettable

Moving Forward

• How to leverage good coverage to open doors

• How to learn and improve from coverage notes

• How to recover and regroup from a less-than-positive review

Q&A With David

• Screenwriters and TV writers at any stage who want to strengthen their scripts before submitting to contests, coverage services, or industry executives

• Filmmakers and producers at any stage looking to make their projects stand out and get recommended by professional readers

PRAISE FOR DAVID'S WEBINAR:

"One of the most comprehensive 1-hour screenwriting tutorial I've ever participated in. Helpful insight into how your script's coverage acts as a reflection of the strength of your script's elements." -Sebastian

"I loved the information with relatable scripts/movie references as it gave me the ability to see how each aspect related to another, allowing me to see the buildable final product." -Cynna A