What if I receive a "Consider" or "Recommend?"
Should you receive a "Consider" or "Recommend" analysis from ScriptShark, you will be eligible to participate in the following ScriptShark scouting process:
1) With your permission, ScriptShark recommends the material to agents and managers that are a part of our "First Look" network. This allows them first opportunity to represent the material before exposing it in a publicly accessed forum. If they are interested, they contact us, and we will contact you to set up a meeting or call.
2) With your permission, ScriptShark recommends the material to select producers who have shown interest in this type of material. If they are interested, they contact us, and we will contact you to set up a meeting or call.
3) ScriptShark places the log-line and/or coverage (if you choose) in The Spec Market. This is a general posting with the other scripts that have received Consider or Recommend; searchable by genre, title, and author. Interested parties contact you directly.
If my script receives a "Pass," will it harm my future chances?
Absolutely not. "Pass" coverage is never forwarded.
Does ScriptShark commission a sale or option?
ScriptShark does not commission sales or options that originates through our service. Our continued success is directly proportionate to the success of you, the writer. The commissions are left to the representatives who sell your material.
Can I pay by Credit Card and submit electronically?
Yes, simply click the buy button next to the product you are interested in and select the option you would like.
What is a coverage report?
Click here for a sample coverage.
Click here for an in-depth column on coverage reports and readers.
Do you accept international submissions?
Yes, we're happy to say that we've received numerous submissions from international writers.
What type of format should my script or manuscript be in?
This is one of the most neglected yet important steps in the submission process. Courier is the industry standard font style and the font size should be no less than 12 point. If your script exceeds 150 pages, think about paring it down. Cheated margins are very obvious. Brass brads are the binding of choice. Conformity rules when it comes to how your script looks.
Click here for a sample script page
Click here for a sample manuscript page
Miscellaneous items (ie, artwork, tapes, CDs, etc.) that are sometimes included to "accompany" the reader while reading the script are never looked at or listened to. Send only the script or manuscript. Save your money for more copies.
How am I protected from anyone stealing my idea?
Although the film industry offers no guarantees, studios and production companies have much to lose and little to gain by stealing ideas. These companies would much rather buy a screenplay or manuscript rather than risk being sued for millions after making a movie. The purchase price of literary property is merely a spit in the pond for these billion dollar studios. ScriptShark itself is not a content creator, and only deals with established producers, studio executives and agents. Their goal is to find and hire new material and talent, not to steal it. ScriptShark highly recommends that all submissions be registered with the Writers Guild of America and/or copyrighted with the U.S. Copyright Office. Registration information for the WGA is at (323) 782-4540 on the West Coast, (212) 757-4360 on the East Coast.
How long will it take for the analysis?
Depending on the volume of submissions during a given time, it should take between 2 to 3 weeks. Our goal is aim to get it back to you as fast as possible.
Do you accept resubmissions?
Yes, ScriptShark does accept resubmissions. ScriptShark treats resubmissions exactly like first time submissions. All submission requirements remain the same. Please note, many writers have resubmitted their project multiple times for coverage and/or story notes and never received "consider" or "recommend" coverage. ScriptShark does not guarantee that a project will eventually receive "consider" or "recommend" coverage, even after using our coverage or story notes service. One of the biggest mistakes that writers make when resubmitting - they don't take time to do a complete pass on their rewrite. Be sure you really examine the structure and character dynamics in this particular genre. Getting a consider from ScriptShark is very hard. So, take time and study the material you're writing to make sure that you are reading between the lines.
Do you accept adaptations?
As long as you have the appropriate rights/permissions from the original author, we welcome adapted material. Should you receive a consider or recommend and choose to continue through the ScriptShark scouting process, you may be asked to show proof of these rights. To read more about this, visit the the Rights For Artists web site.
What kind of material is Hollywood looking for right now?
Many people get caught up on the buying trends of Hollywood when in reality, it doesn't matter. If your script or manuscript is genuinely good, it will get noticed. Buyers are looking to fill up their entire development slate, and that means they need a wide variety of genres and writers all of the time. Click here to browse our links and find great resources for tracking recently sold material in the market.
What if I don't agree with my coverage?
ScriptShark only guarantees that your project will be read and written up as coverage, story notes, or treatment analysis by an experienced industry reader. We do not guarantee that the writer(s) will agree with the reader. Oftentimes, in coverage, there will be discrepancies between what the writer(s) is trying to convey and what the industry reader picks up on their read and reports in the coverage. This is the reality of the coverage process. A valuable part of being able to see actual coverage on your project is to get a sense of what the typical industry reader is seeing AND not seeing.
What if I do not want my coverage posted on the Spec Market?
Then we will not post it. ScriptShark will do nothing without your permission.
What's the catch?
There is none. The current system is inefficient. ScriptShark is creating an alternative channel for the industry as a whole to find new talent outside of the usual submission pipeline. Since most companies will not allow unsolicited submissions, ScriptShark serves as a functional medium between Hollywood and the outside writer.
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