Starts Next Week: Scriptreading Certificate Program 🎬

[Script Magazine]

Brian O'Malley covers the key elements of screenwriting coverage.

Script Online | The Writer's Store | Online Education 📆 April 9 - June 4, 2026 This course will show you, step-by-step, how to write script coverage. We will cover key elements of screenwriting coverage, including writing a synopsis, analyzing a script, writing an evaluation, script formatting, and finding work as a reader. Whether you want to become a script reader, a story analyst, or just want to polish up your own script, a solid understanding of format and script structure will be essential. Writers put on a different hat after a script is written: revising a script is a different skill set than creating one. Gain firsthand insight into what story analysts must look for when reading a script and specifics as to what will prompt them to reject or consider a project for production. You will also learn what movie executives demand in a winning screenplay and how the story analyst’s role fits into this scenario. By the end of this course, you will receive a certification of completion of this course to assist you in getting work as a story analyst.   🎥 Course Outline Each session includes a written lecture and a writing assignment to turn in for personalized feedback from your instructor.  🎬 Session 1: Writing Script Coverage The hierarchy of a film studio Defining script coverage What script readers must look for in a screenplay What happens when a story analyst recommends a script Defining the logline, synopsis, evaluation, and rating box 🎬 Session 2: Writing a Synopsis  Why a synopsis is important What makes a good synopsis Common synopsis mistakes to avoid Examples of a synopsis that works (and one that doesn't) 🎬 Session 3: Analyzing a Script (1) Analyzing concept Analyzing setting Analyzing character Analyzing dialogue 🎬 Session 4: Analyzing a Script (2) Analyzing plot Analyzing structure Questions the first 10 pages should answer Additional questions that need to be asked of every script  🎬 Session 5: Writing the Evaluation (1) Writing a practice evaluation for instructor feedback 🎬 Session 6: Writing the Evaluation (2) Fine tuning your evaluation Know who you're writing for What to focus on (and what to leave out) Staying objective 🎬 Session 7: Script Formatting Spacing and margins Scene headings Character descriptions Dialogue stanzas Action paragraphs Extensions Frequently asked formatting questions Submission tips 🎬 Session 8: Finding Work as a Reader Your resume Your sample coverage Your cover letter Tips for finding work April 9 - June 4, 2026  Secure Your Spot– Enroll Now! Meet the Instructor: Brian O'Malley B. O'Malley started reading scripts in 1994, at the literary agency Media Artists Group. In 1997, he went to work as for legendary B-movie maverick Roger Corman (Little Shop of Horrors, Death Race 2000, Rock and Roll High School), and in 1999 assembled a team of top-notch script readers and filmmakers to launch the script coverage service Screenplay Readers https://screenplayreaders.com Active Interest Media 2143 Grand Ave Des Moines, IA 50312 USA View online You received this email because you are subscribed to emails from Script Magazine Update your email preferences to choose the types of emails you receive.