Google Gemini Can Write Screenplay Coverage

Why Use Google Gemini for Screenwriting Coverage 

Every time I write an article about how you need to get a human to read your script, someone emails me and tells me they have no friends or contacts, so the only thing they can do is pay for coverage.

And paid coverage services are all expensive and vary in quality.

They want a quick and cheap solution...

Well, there may not be one!

Still, many people see AI as just that.

I wanted to show you how you can use Google Gemini, not because I think it;s amazing, but because I think it is the cheapest option out there.

You have to have the $20 a month Gemini advanced, but for that, you can generate unlimited script coverage almost instantaneously.

The advanced version can do a lot of different things, including writing, image generation, and analysis of links and PDFs as well.

So, how does the coverage work?

How to Use Google Gemini for Screenplay Coverage

The new Google Gemini update is an AI model that can analyze and summarize large amounts of text, including screenplays.

Basically, you upload your pdf, and it then reacts to a prompt about it. The coverage prompt I used was basically, "Write screenplay coverage on this script, an grade it from one to 10 on its specific elements."

But I actually got a more accurate reading when I used this detailed prompt:

"Gemini, please provide comprehensive screenplay coverage for the following script. I would like the coverage to be as detailed and insightful as possible, utilizing your advanced capabilities. Please adhere to the following structure:

1. Logline: Craft a concise and compelling logline that captures the essence of the story.

2. Synopsis: Provide a detailed synopsis of the plot, highlighting key turning points and character arcs.

3. Strengths: Identify and elaborate on the script's most impressive aspects. This may include elements such as:

• Concept: Originality, marketability, and overall appeal of the story idea
• Characters: Depth, development, believability, and relatability of the characters
• Structure: Pacing, plot construction, act breaks, and overall narrative flow
• Dialogue: Naturalness, wit, subtext, and contribution to character development
• Theme: Clarity, relevance, and impact of the underlying message(s)
• Emotional Impact: Ability to evoke emotions, create tension, and resonate with the audience

4. Weaknesses: Pinpoint areas where the script could be improved, offering constructive solutions. Potential areas of focus could be:

• Plot Holes: Inconsistencies, illogical developments, or unresolved storylines
• Character Motivations: Unclear or unconvincing reasons behind character actions
• Pacing Issues: Scenes or sequences that drag or feel rushed
• Dialogue Problems: Stilted, unnatural, or on-the-nose conversations
• Lack of Clarity: Confusing plot points, underdeveloped themes, or ambiguous character arcs

5. Overall Assessment & Recommendation: Summarize your evaluation of the script's potential. Provide a clear recommendation on whether the script is considered:

• Pass: The script has significant flaws and requires substantial revisions.
• Consider: The script shows promise but needs further development and refinement.
• Recommend: The script is strong and ready to be moved forward in the development process.

Additional Considerations:

• Please provide specific examples from the script to support your analysis in each section.
• Feel free to comment on any other aspects of the screenplay that you deem relevant, such as genre conventions, target audience, or potential casting choices.
• If applicable, suggest potential avenues for further development or marketing of the screenplay.

Thank you for your thorough and detailed evaluation!"

So, how does this all work?

1. Input: The user provides the Gemini model with a screenplay. This can be in the form of a PDF, text file, or even a link to an online script.
2. Analysis: Gemini uses its advanced natural language processing capabilities to analyze the script. It identifies the key plot points, characters, and themes. It also assesses the script's structure, dialogue, and overall effectiveness.
3. Summary: Gemini generates a concise summary of the screenplay, including a logline (a one-sentence summary), a synopsis (a more detailed summary), and a character breakdown.
4. Evaluation: Gemini provides an evaluation of the screenplay's strengths and weaknesses. This may include comments on the script's originality, commercial potential, and suitability for different audiences.

According to them, the Gemini model's screenplay coverage is not intended to replace human analysis.

However, it can be a valuable tool for producers, agents, and other industry professionals who need to quickly assess a large number of scripts.

It can also be helpful for writers who want to get feedback on their work.

Look, I think AI coverage is a scam, but I was really intrigued by the speed and immediacy of the feedback. I stuck in a work in progress and getting feedback in ten second of areas it thought were thin made a lot of sense to me.

A Test of the Gemini Screenplay Coverage 

Of course, this needed to be tested, so I fed Aaron Sorkin's The Social Network screenplay into it and this is the coverage I got back in around 15 seconds...

The Social Network Screenplay Coverage

1. Logline

The story of Mark Zuckerberg, a brilliant but socially awkward Harvard student who creates Facebook, revolutionizing social networking and becoming the world's youngest billionaire, while facing personal and legal challenges along the way.

2. Synopsis

The film opens with Mark Zuckerberg on a date with Erica Albright. Their conversation reveals Mark's obsession with Harvard's exclusive final clubs and his desire to create something substantial to gain their attention. The date ends badly, leaving Mark angry and motivated.

Back in his dorm room, Mark starts blogging about Erica and conceives the idea for Facemash, a website where users can compare the attractiveness of female students. The site goes viral, causing Harvard's network to crash. Mark faces disciplinary action but also attracts the attention of Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, twins who enlist him to help build their social networking site, HarvardConnection.

Mark, however, has his own plans. He teams up with his friend Eduardo Saverin and launches TheFacebook, an exclusive social network for Harvard students. The site's popularity explodes, and they expand to other universities.

As Facebook grows, Mark and Eduardo encounter challenges. Eduardo, the CFO, clashes with Mark over monetization strategies and the involvement of Sean Parker, the Napster co-founder. Tensions rise, leading to a power struggle and Eduardo's eventual ousting from the company.

Meanwhile, the Winklevoss twins accuse Mark of stealing their idea and file a lawsuit. Mark also faces legal action from Eduardo.

The film intercuts between the past and the present, where Mark is seen in depositions for both lawsuits. The depositions reveal the complexities of the relationships and the events that led to the legal battles.

Despite the challenges, Facebook's success continues, and Mark becomes the world's youngest billionaire. The film ends with Mark alone in a deposition room, sending a friend request to Erica on Facebook and waiting for her response.

3. Strengths

• Concept: The concept of the film is highly original and marketable. The story of the creation of Facebook, one of the most influential companies in the world, is inherently fascinating. The film's exploration of the complexities of ambition, friendship, and betrayal in the context of the digital age is also highly relevant and appealing.
• Characters: The characters are well-developed and believable. Mark Zuckerberg is a particularly compelling protagonist, portrayed as both brilliant and flawed. His social awkwardness, ambition, and ruthlessness make him a fascinating and complex character. Eduardo Saverin is also a well-rounded character, providing a contrast to Mark's single-mindedness. The Winklevoss twins and Sean Parker are memorable supporting characters who add depth and conflict to the story.
• Structure: The film's structure is dynamic and engaging. The intercutting between the past and the present creates suspense and allows for a deeper exploration of the characters and events. The pacing is well-handled, with the film moving swiftly through the key turning points in the story. The act breaks are well-placed, providing natural pauses in the narrative.
• Dialogue: The dialogue is sharp, witty, and insightful. The conversations between the characters are filled with subtext and reveal their motivations and personalities. The dialogue also contributes to the film's thematic exploration of ambition, friendship, and betrayal.
• Theme: The film's themes are clear, relevant, and impactful. The exploration of the complexities of ambition, friendship, and betrayal in the digital age is particularly resonant. The film also raises questions about the nature of social connection and the impact of technology on our lives.
• Emotional Impact: The film is emotionally impactful, creating tension and suspense throughout. The audience is invested in the characters and their struggles. The film's ending is particularly poignant, leaving the audience with a sense of both triumph and loss.

4. Weaknesses

• Plot Holes: The film has a few minor plot holes, such as the lack of clarity surrounding the Winklevoss twins' initial idea for HarvardConnection and the specifics of their agreement with Mark. However, these plot holes do not significantly detract from the overall story.
• Character Motivations: Some of the character motivations could be further developed. For example, Mark's relentless pursuit of success and his willingness to betray his friends could be explored in more depth. Additionally, Sean Parker's motivations for helping Mark could be clarified.
• Pacing Issues: A few scenes or sequences could be tightened or trimmed. For example, the scene at the AEPi party could be shortened without losing any essential information.
• Dialogue Problems: The dialogue is generally strong, but there are a few instances where it feels slightly on-the-nose or expositional. However, these instances are rare and do not significantly impact the overall quality of the dialogue.

5. Overall Assessment & Recommendation

Recommend. The script for "The Social Network" is exceptionally strong and ready to be moved forward in the development process. It has a compelling concept, well-developed characters, a dynamic structure, sharp dialogue, and impactful themes. The film's potential for both critical and commercial success is high.

Additional Considerations:

• Genre Conventions: The film successfully blends elements of drama, thriller, and coming-of-age story. It adheres to genre conventions while also offering a fresh and unique perspective.
• Target Audience: The film's target audience is likely to be young adults and adults interested in technology, social networking, and stories about ambition and success.
• Potential Casting Choices: The casting of Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg is particularly inspired. He captures the character's intelligence, awkwardness, and ambition perfectly. The rest of the cast is also strong, with Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, and Armie Hammer delivering memorable performances.
• Potential Avenues for Further Development or Marketing: The film's marketing could focus on the story of the creation of Facebook and the complexities of the relationships between the characters. The film's themes of ambition, friendship, and betrayal could also be highlighted in the marketing campaign.

Overall, "The Social Network" is a powerful and thought-provoking film that is sure to resonate with audiences. It is a well-crafted screenplay with strong potential for both critical and commercial success.

Note: This coverage is based solely on the provided screenplay and does not take into account any changes that may have been made during the film's production.

Where do we go from here? 

After I was done playing with The Social Network, I put in a ton of other screenplays. What I found was that I felt Gemini was generous with its ratings of scripts, but mostly accurate with its synopses of those stories.

I even fed in a few of my own screenplays, even some bad ones which still rated highly, but I felt like the program accurately pulled out some of my own issues with them.

I will say, it seemed to have a problem with comedies, often citing set pieces as unrealistic.

I even asked it follow up questions, like "Grade all the elements of this script from 1-10."

It was fun to see how it "liked" certain stories.

But at no point could I get it to give a screenplay lower than a rating of 6, even scripts for movies I think we would all agree are awful.

So, at the end of the day, I don't think the process is perfect, but I do think it's interesting that these kinds of services are becoming accessible to people at home, without having to pay lots of money for them, like we've seen other places charge.

And the more you add to your prompt, the more you can get back.

Right now, it's only available for advanced, but I think uploading PDFs will become standard in the near future, as the computing power behind Gemini gets stronger.

Anyway, this is where we're at.

Use these tools wisely.