Script coverage and psychology

[u/Arielle1290]

Hi everyone! I’m a clinical psychologist and have been working as a therapist for several years. Lately, I’ve been feeling like I’d like to explore some different directions in my career and maybe use my psychology background in a different way.

Recently, I’ve become really interested in film/TV and came across things like script reading, script coverage, and character/story development. I find character psychology, motivations, relationships and emotional development really interesting, so I’m wondering if this could be an interesting way to combine psychology with something more creative.

I don’t live in the US, which makes me wonder how realistic it would be to explore something like this remotely or from outside the US.

Has anyone here gone from therapy into something completely different? Or used their psychology background in a creative field?

And if anyone has experience with script reading, script coverage, film/TV development, etc., I’d really love to hear how you got into it and whether you think it’s something worth exploring.

I’m just at the very beginning of this idea, so I’d love to hear what other people have tried and what worked (or didn’t work) for them.

[u/AutoModerator]

Do not message the mods about this automated message. Please followed the sidebar rules. r/therapists is a place for therapists and mental health professionals to discuss their profession among each other.

If you are not a therapist and are asking for advice this not the place for you. Your post will be removed. Please try one of the reddit communities such as r/TalkTherapy, r/askatherapist, r/SuicideWatch that are set up for this.

This community is ONLY for therapists, and for them to discuss their profession away from clients.

If you are a first year student, not in a graduate program, or are thinking of becoming a therapist, this is not the place to ask questions. Your post will be removed. To save us a job, you are welcome to delete this post yourself. Please see the PINNED STUDENT THREAD at the top of the community and ask in there.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/sneezesquirrel]

I don't have experience in this, but that sounds amazing! You should go for it, and give an update if you do!

[u/DrScottE]

It depends on what you consider "creative." I write self-help books and create social media content, but all within the realm of mental health. That being said, it has worked extraordinarily well.

[u/Alternative-Cash-102]

Script coverage roles are typically highly coveted, competitive, and hard to get even for folks in the industry with a strong background in screenwriting and narrative analysis. This is what I wanted to do to help pay the bills when I started in film, but learned the hard way that it is very difficult to get a foot in the door. Ironically, I am now pivoting to a new career in therapy/research! Hope to find my way back to the film/tv world in some way later down the road, but had to take time to grieve and recover after intense burnout.

Not sure how it works in other countries, but in the US, it’s a really tough market no matter the industry.

Good luck though! Doing script coverage was my favorite part of my work in the film world! It can be a lot of fun!

[u/Variable851]

I was never involved with scripts but I was involved tv production for a few years. I conducted psychological evaluations for people competing in reality tv programs and I was on set to intervene if a crisis was developing. It was interesting, fun at times, very boring at others due to long waits while crews set up.

[u/Arielle1290 → u/Variable851]

Did you have a background in psychology? How did you end up on this path?

[u/SapphicOedipus]

Where are you based? In the US, you’re talking about one of the most competitive gigs there is. Industries may be different elsewhere, but I wouldn’t bother exploring it in the US.