Coverage and Feedback for the Screenwriter

Providing Constructive Feedback and Coverage

by Terri Zinner

It begins with the very first word… 

Terri Zinner of A FILM WRITER have been providing screenplay coverage for over 13 years. I love nothing more than helping writers bring their story to life. I believe “coverage” is an art form. It is the process of deconstructing a screenplay.  It requires certain skills. 

Providing feedback for other writers also requires definite skills.  I strongly believe in mentoring and helping writers. I champion the idea that any feedback provided should be done to teach, guide, and help. Feedback should be constructive vs. destructive. 

Remember that writers are reading every word you write.  Selecting and picking the correct feedback words are crucial in helping the writer and conveying productive feedback. 

Be clear and precise. Provide examples.  

A rule I have in writing coverage is asking myself if I would want to read this coverage if it were about my writing. The same applies to feedback. Feedback should be objective with the goal of empowering and enhancing skills. 

Here are some answers I provided when interviewed about providing feedback to writers for a contest: 

What is your job when providing feedback to a writer?

I see my job as providing constructive feedback on what works in the story and what can help enhance the storytelling. I focus on empowering the writer. I analyze the various components that make for a great screenplay which includes the overall storyline and plot, the dialogue, and the characters. 

What is your attitude toward a screenplay before you start reading?

I feel like a child walking into a toy store and wondering what new toys there are. I get very excited about entering a new world with the hope that it will take me on an emotional journey where I have never been before. I come with a positive and fresh attitude and approach. 

How do you stay focused when reading a script you don't find interesting? 

I always attempt to find the one or two elements in the storytelling that I see has potential and merit. I focus on the strengths as I attempt to analyze how to assist the writer in enhancing their skills. I also ask myself is this a story that the mainstream audience would find interesting even if I do not. 

What are three common problems that keep coming up when reading?

The story not creating an emotional response. 

A lot of stories are nice stories but they do not provoke true emotions of fear, love, anger, inspiration etc. 

Original characters that standout as extraordinary. Most of the characters tend to be standard, characters we have seen before. 

Refreshing dialogue layered with subtext vs. chit chat or contrived dialogue. 

How do handle being critical without being mean?

I always keep in mind that what I write is going to be read by the writer and I ask myself is this something I would find to be constructive vs. critical if it were written about me. 

Like in writing there are various ways to approach a story and there are various ways to approach providing feedback. I am extremely mindful of this. I am honest but empower and inspire vs. being punitive.  Writing is a personal journey we all take, it is to be valued. 

How do you avoid unwarranted praise? 

In every story there are both strengths and weaknesses. I always find the strengths regardless of how small. This is not considered to me to be unwarranted. You begin with the small strengths and build upon that to create great stories. 

What is the heart of a successful screenplay?

The heart of a successful screenplay for me is the ability to tell a story that creates an emotional response. When reading a screenplay that I know is great, I am taken away from the pages and the story actually comes to life for me visually. I feel as if I am watching the story vs. reading it. 

At the end I want to be moved, I want to be inspired, I love stories that actually send a message. Being successful to me means bringing together rich characters in a gripping story. 

Screenwriting Begins With The Very First Word, 

Terri Zinner www.afilmwriter.com