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Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Answers:
 

ScriptXpert: What is coverage?

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Coverage consists of a one-page "grade sheet" evaluating your script on its key components. An additional three to four pages detail the strengths and weaknesses of the script and explain why the reader recommends that the buyer pass or purchase the script. Often the first page of notes is a synopsis of the storyline. In this case, we will use that page for notes about the script since you, the writer, are already familiar with the story. (A synopsis service is available). Buyers (agents, producers, networks and studios) use this coverage to determine whether or not to pursue the material in question. Very often the buyer never sees the script unless the reader says "recommend."
 
 

ScriptXpert: What is the Consultation Service and why is it important?

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The ScriptXpert Consultation Service is a phone consultation with the reader who did the coverage on your script. This one-on-one time with the reader is the perfect opportunity for writers to ask questions about their coverage, get more in-depth feedback on the reader's comments, discuss various solutions to weaknesses in the script, or even discuss how best to make the script more marketable in the industry. Phone consultations offer an excellent opportunity to get professional feedback on every aspect of your screenplay in a unique, personal setting. The Consultation Service must take place with the reader who originally performed the coverage on your screenplay.
 
 

ScriptXpert: How is the Consultation Service scheduled?

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A phone consultation may be added to any order up to one week after previously ordered coverage is returned to the customer. We do not allow Phone Consultations to be added more than a week later as the reader will no longer have the material fresh in his or her mind. Once you order a Consultation Service, ScriptXpert will contact you for a list of times that you are available to meet with the reader. A mutually agreeable time will be determined with the reader and you will be notified of the appointment time. The reader will call you at the agreed-upon time for the Consultation Service. Missed appointments are not refundable as we must still pay the reader for his or her time.
 
 

ScriptXpert: Can I get a refund if I do not use all of my time?

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No, matter how much time of your allotted time you use, we must pay the reader for blocking out his or her time.
 
 

ScriptXpert: Can I add time during my consultation?

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No. You must rebook another consultation within the seven days from the day that you last spoke to the reader. Readers do not have access to your financial information and therefore cannot charge you for additional time.
 
 

ScriptXpert: What if my script isn't ready for submission but I want to know how to get it ready?

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Just tell us. Our readers can change the coverage format to explain how to make your script ready to send out to agents and producers. If this is your level, we can help!
 
 

ScriptXpert: Who will be reading my screenplay?

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Final Draft has carefully selected industry readers with a minimum of three years experience providing coverage for a major producer or agent. All readers are required to provide sample coverage and are chosen based upon their professionalism, promptness, industry references, and ability to provide excellent coverage of a script. We have readers with experience in virtually every genre, and your screenplay will be sent to a reader with knowledge of the market for your genre.
 
 

ScriptXpert: What if I do not agree with coverage?

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ScriptXpert guarantees that you will receive coverage from a professional reader who has at least 5 years of industry experience. However, we cannot guarantee that you will agree with the reader's opinion of your script. One of the benefits of receiving industry-level coverage is to see exactly what a reader will submit to a producer or development executive when your script comes across his/her desk.
 
 

ScriptXpert: What if my script receives a grade of "recommend"?

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If your script comes back from our readers with a grade of "recommend" we'll contact you and ask if you would like us to forward your logline and contact information to a list of agents or producers who have standing orders to see recommended scripts. Once we've forwarded the script and provided you with the appropriate contact information, all further correspondence and proceedings must be conducted between you and the company or individual considering your script. Although we screen the companies to whom we offer scripts, we do not expressly recommend these companies nor are we involved in any subsequent proceedings or business dealings.
 
 

ScriptXpert: What's covered in a formatting check?

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A formatting check is a page-by-page review of your script, covering all aspects of proper script formatting. Notes are made on each page explaining the changes needed to keep your script within proper United States motion picture industry formatting guidelines.
 
 

ScriptXpert: When should I send my screenplay to you for review?

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You will benefit most from this service if you submit scripts which are complete and ready to be marketed or if you tell us that you need help preparing your script to be read. A screenplay needing major work on plot and character will receive low marks on coverage. If we're aware that you wish to have the reader help you fix the script's weaknesses instead of providing regular coverage, we can then focus the report on fixing the script's weaknesses. If you're ready to market your script, this service will pinpoint possible pitfalls in your script or presentation from the reader's POV and help prepare you to make an excellent first impression.
 
 

ScriptXpert: What is Rush Service?

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Typical turnaround for a ScriptXpert coverage is two to three weeks, but when you need your coverage faster, ScriptXpert will be there to meet your needs. For an additional fee (35% of total fee or minimum $100), your script will be returned within 10 to 14 days depending on volume at the time.
 
 

ScriptXpert: Can I receive a discount as a returning customer?

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Yes, you can. ScriptXpert is designed as a tool you can use over and over, for the same script or for different scripts. If you have used our service in the past, you are eligible for a 15% discount off of all future services. (This discount cannot be combined with any other discount offers.)
 
 

ScriptXpert: Can I get a recording of my consultation?

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Yes. One of ScriptXpert's additional services is an e-mailed MP3 file of your consultation. Keep this file along with your written evaluation for future reference. A recorded consultation also eliminates the need to take notes during your valuable time with the reader. The file will be e-mailed to you by the next business day.
 

 
“There’s a world of difference between having friends like your work and having industry professionals give it their validation. The Final Draft, Inc. Big Break contest has exposed my work to high-profile industry people and the whole experience has been quite remarkable. ”

Karen Briner — 2009 Big Break Contest Third-place
Amanzi

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