We can certainly understand that an independent filmmaker may not be inclined to spend hundreds of dollars on coverage every time there’s a new draft or cut. For that reason, we recommend using the Script and Screening Analysis services strategically.

It’s important to note that filmmakers who revise and resubmit don't always achieve higher Script or Screening Scores with each submission. This is true whether or not the filmmaker tried to address notes from past analysis. We've found that - both in the context of script coverage and in the film business at large - not every revision is an improvement, even when the motivating notes were sound. Not only that, but the strength of a revision depends much more on the rewrite plan than it does the coverage. For these reasons and others, every once in a while, Script or Screening Scores do stay static or decrease from one revision to the next.

Another reason we encourage strategic use of the Script and Screening Analysis services is that we want filmmakers to have the best shot at increasing their Script or Screening Score with each submission. We’ve found that writers who turn major revisions around with lightning speed have decreased chances of increasing their score with each submission. The very best way to use the analysis is to balance the sum of opinions in coverage notes with another personally trusted third party. That third party may be your agent or manager, a colleague, or the your writers group.

Slated Analytics' Script and Screening Analysis are extensive and can be over 10 pages long. So, before diving into a rewrite, the third party can help you decide which selection of notes would most efficiently serve your vision in a focused rewrite plan, as opposed to beginning a rewrite that simply tries to address every good point in coverage. After a revision, your collaborators might tell you that the draft or cut is a big step forward -- you made big, important changes that needed to be made, however it is still a bit rough. Often, the nature of moving around massive elements in a script is such that it creates additional sequences, scenes, or plotlines that need smoothing out. An agent, writers group, or colleague can help you spot those new areas before re-submitting for more analysis.

Using our Script and Screening Analysis strategically and balancing the notes with another trusted source can help ensure that 1) you’re maximizing your chances of increasing your Script or Screening Score with each new submission and 2) that you’re being as efficient as possible with your development funds.