—Jan
Response: A story analyst or script reader reads and analyzes film scripts, writes summaries and makes recommendations. When a screenplay is submitted to a producer or studio, it is usually given to a script analyst/reader for coverage.
The script analyst/reader "covers" the script by writing a synopsis and commenting on the story itself and the writer's skills. Basic coverage entails a detailed critique of the script. Particular attention is paid to the overall concept, the main characters, cinematic structure, dialogue, and story line. The project's commercial potential, casting prospects, and marketing possibilities may also be assessed.
As is the custom, the coverage notes the script's strengths and weaknesses and what will be necessary to make it a "go" project. Basic coverage consists of 2 to 3 pages of in depth specific comments. If the coverage is favorable, the producer or executive will read the script. Script analysts/readers are the first way station along the road to a film studio's acceptance or rejection of a literary property. Producers count on the script analyst to judge whether the screenplay is professionally crafted and has an appealing story.
Story analysts who are employed by a studio read an average of 7 to 10 scripts a week. The story analyst's report consists of the facts about the script on the cover page (author, name of property, length, type of material, a 2-sentence summary and recommendation), two-page story synopses, and the analyst's comments.
Employment Outlook:
To get work readers must have some samples or examples of coverage work they have written. Story analysts may also work full-time or part-time as independent contractors on a project-by-project basis and be hired, for example, by literary agents, independent producers, or story editors.
The Story Analyst Union maintains a roster of readers for employers usually consisting of major film studios like Paramount Pictures. According to an Editor's Guild representative, part-time work is dictated by the scope of the project. Further noted, many 30-minute sitcoms are looking for part-time story analysts.
The guild's field representatives are predicting an increase in film development. Currently, 190 story analysts are members of the Editors Guild and 14 roster members are waiting for story analyst work.
Salary Range:
Many story analysts work as non-union, independent contractors and may earn less than union wages. They are sometimes paid on a per script basis, earning from $40 to $60 per script and often work on a part-time basis. Story analysts can also work as independent freelance script analysts. The basic fee for the analysis of a 130-page submission can range from $125 to $300, depending on how detailed the critique and analysis. For submissions beyond 130 pages, there is an additional fee ranging from $1 to $2 per page. The usual turnaround time can range form 1 to 4 weeks.
Story analysts who are members of the Editors Guild earn from $23.73 to $27.82 per hour minimum depending on number of months as a union member. For members with 55 months or more of guild membership, their hourly pay begins at $28.75. For a more detailed treatment synopsis of a story, the hourly pay ranges from $31.96 to $36.69, depending on length of membership.
Training Options & Costs
- University of California, Los Angeles
- Extension Department
- Los Angeles, CA
- www.unex.ucla.edu
- Los Angeles, CA
Topics include the various types of coverage, how to compose story notes, comparative coverage, and character breakdowns. Guest speakers provide insights into the current job market and talk about the various requirements of studios and independent producers.
Participants practice reading and writing to deadline with weekly assignments which are done in workshop format. Sample coverage is produced that can be used as part of a professional portfolio. This 10-week class costs $480.
- Script City
- www.black-coral.com/scriptcity
Resources
- Hollywood Creative Directory
- www.hcdonline.com
- Entertainmentcareers.Net
- 10622 Kinnard Avenue - A
- Los Angeles, CA 90024
- (310) 441-9963
- Fax (310) 475-8985
- www.entertainmentcareers.net
- Los Angeles, CA 90024
- Script Viking
- 13547 Ventura Blvd.
- Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
- www.scriptviking.com
- Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
- Screenwriter's Online
- 1226 Tellem Drive
- Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
- www.screenwriter.com
- Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Professional Association
- Editors Guild Local 700
( formerly the Story Analyst Union, Local 854, 790, 847) - 7715 Sunset Blvd., Suite 200
- Hollywood, CA 90046
- www.editorsguild.com
- Contact: Adriana Iglesias-Dietl, Membership Administrator x224
- E-mail: aiglesias@editorsguild.com
- Hollywood, CA 90046
There are 2 ways of attaining 30 days of work for a union signatory production. One way is to be working for a non-union production that applies for union signatory status. The 30 days of union work are retroactive to the day you start working even if the project was non-union when you started. The second way to join the union is to get a job on a union project. This can be done only if the union list of analysts available to work is exhausted. Union signatory companies can then hire non-union analysts.
After working 30 days, the story analyst is required to join the Guild at an initial fee of $1500 plus quarterly dues.
You may e-mail questions to swmcareer@aol.com.
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