Cover Letters (in film and television)
A cover letter is a business document that accompanies something else you are sending, like a script, résumé, reel, docuemnt or some other submission. In the old days, such a letter would be physically attached to the submission, right on the cover, hence the name. These days, it is often in the form of an email or pdf file submitted via a job portal. The purpose of a cover letter is to explain, amplify or remind the recipient of the purpose of the submission. Because of these variety of purposes, there is no one version of a cover letter. Many cover letters might simply be a follow up to a previous conversation and the content of the letter might only be, “As discussed.” Or, the letter might be needed to remind the recipient of a conversation, especially if the recipient won’t actually look at the submission for several weeks. If so, it might be helpful to remind them who you are, why they are looking at what you sent and any important details. Or, perhaps you’re sending someone your résumé and you want to fill in some of the “gaps” or explain something about yourself that’s harder to convey in your résumé, like your personality, the existence of mutual friends or remind the recipient who recommended you in the first place.
Here are the important things to remember when crafting a cover letter:
1) In general, a cover letter shares many of the same formalities as any business letter.
2) Limit the content to only what the recipient will need to understand what they are getting. In general, the shorter the better.
3) Do not hide your cover letter. If you are physically sending something, the letter should be the very first thing the recipient will see.
4) Similarly, if you are sending something via email, the text of your email should resemble the formalities of a business letter. Make sure the subject line of the email states the purpose of your submission. (“Employment inquiry,” for example.) If the email was the end result of a long chain of correspondences, change the subject like to reflect the reason on the submission when you finally make it. This might help the recipient search for your submission at some later date. Or, just create a new email when the submission is made. Try to anticipate that your email (cover letter) might be forwarded to third parties.
What follows is the outline for the most complete version of a cover letter. Keep in mind that very few cover letters will require this level of detail, so subtract from what I advise below to arrive at the minimum you need to accomplish your purpose, perhaps just a paragraph or two.
START with a salutation, based on the formality of the circumstances: “Dear Ms. Smith,” or “Dear Sir or Madam,” for formal circumstances if you’re not sure who you’re writing to. Or, “Hello Claire” or “Hi John,” if you’ve already met or spoken to the person. When in doubt, go more formal.
INTRODUCE yourself in a couple of sentences and the reason you’re writing. “My name is Ken Aguado and I am applying for the position of production coordinator. I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity.” Or, for the second sentence, if you were making a script submission (or other kind of submission), “Thank you for agreeing to consider (or review) my work. (Or script or reel or link to my film, assuming they did agree to let you send any of these things.) Attached is my original screenplay called Film School Nightmare. It’s been a passion project of mine for a long time.” If you were referred to the recipient by someone they know, you can mention that before your first sentence such as, “I am writing you at the request (or suggestion) of Ken Aguado.”
NEXT PARAGRAPH, write two or three sentences about yourself such as where you heard about the job (if it’s not obvious), your location, your education, experience and skills. (Whatever is most relevant to the reason for the letter.) If your letter accompanies your résumé, your goal is to let the reader know why you’re a great candidate who meets their requirements. (Focus on their requirements.) For example, “I’m originally from China, but now based in southern California. I’m a recent graduate of the Art Center film program where I studied line producing and also produced a dozen student productions. I know I’d be an excellent fit at your company and for the position you’re trying to fill.” If instead you’re submitting a script, the last two sentences might alternately read, “I’ve seen every film you’ve produced and feel my script is a perfect fit for you. Here’s the log line…” Then include a compelling log line. If you don’t know how to write a great log line, God help you. (Or I guess, try to learn.) If there’s any additional information that might help, such as significant elements/attachments, or your script won an award, but sure to briefly mention it.
NEXT PARAGRAPH, in another two or three sentences, you can give additional reasons to hire you, based on the job listing, but also trying to capture the “x-factor” about you. Read through the job description and make sure to touch upon any job requirements. The goal here is to amplify something about yourself or your talent. If you come from an interesting or diverse background, you can mention it, but try to make it seem relevant to the job. “What you may not get from my résumé is that I’ve lived all over the world and speak four languages including Mandarin, but also some Cantonese and Japanese.” And so on, but again, try to mention something that might be relevant. If you own your own camera or the job requires a car, these things might also be relevant to mention. Often this section of the cover letter, you might address your good character, reliability, positive attitude and so on. It just depends on the job.
LAST PARAGRAPH, wrap it up in a sentence or two. Your goal is to encourage the reader to get in touch. “Thank you for your time. If you want to talk more about the project (or job) this week, I am happy to meet with you, or we can organize a zoom chat.”
Now go make it happen.
Ken Aguado is an Emmy-winning producer and screenwriter.
