A film treatment is your screenplay’s most vital sales tool. It’s a concise, compelling narrative summary designed to hook producers, executives, and potential investors. It should include a captivating story overview, engaging character descriptions, and a clear sense of your film’s unique tone and genre. Conversely, it should not include lengthy dialogue excerpts, overly detailed technical specifications, or personal opinions about the film’s potential success.
Understanding the Purpose of a Film Treatment
A treatment isn’t a script. It’s not a novelization. It’s a persuasive document, a detailed pitch designed to sell your story. Think of it as a roadmap that guides the reader through the heart of your film, hitting all the key plot points and leaving them wanting more. Mastering the art of the treatment is crucial for getting your screenplay read, and ultimately, your movie made.
Why a Treatment Matters
In the film industry, time is money. Executives often receive hundreds of scripts a month. They rely on treatments to quickly assess the potential of a project. A well-crafted treatment can cut through the noise and get your script noticed. It demonstrates your ability to clearly and concisely communicate your vision. It also serves as a valuable tool for you as a writer, forcing you to solidify your story and identify any potential weaknesses before investing time in a full screenplay.
The Essential Ingredients: What Should Be Included
A successful treatment hits specific notes to resonate with readers. Here are the crucial elements you need to incorporate.
A Compelling Logline
The logline is your story distilled down to its essence, usually one or two sentences. It should clearly convey the protagonist, the antagonist (or central conflict), and the stakes. Think of it as the hook that reels readers in.
Engaging Synopsis
This is the meat of your treatment, a detailed summary of your story’s plot from beginning to end. Focus on the main narrative thread, highlighting key scenes and character arcs. Write in present tense and keep the tone engaging and cinematic. Avoid unnecessary jargon or technical terms. Show, don’t tell.
Memorable Character Descriptions
Introduce your main characters and provide brief, but insightful, descriptions of their personalities, motivations, and backstories. Focus on what makes them unique and relatable. Use evocative language and paint a vivid picture in the reader’s mind.
Genre and Tone
Clearly establish the genre of your film and the overall tone you intend to convey. Is it a dark and gritty thriller? A lighthearted romantic comedy? Make sure your writing style reflects the intended feel of the movie. This allows the reader to envision the finished product more easily. Consistency is key.
Visual Potential
While you’re not writing a script, remember that film is a visual medium. Hint at the visually striking elements of your story. Suggest key locations, set pieces, and special effects that will enhance the cinematic experience.
Forbidden Territory: What Should Not Be Included
While including key elements is crucial, omitting unnecessary clutter is equally vital. Keep these pitfalls in mind to avoid overwhelming and potentially turning off your reader.
Excessive Dialogue
Avoid including long stretches of dialogue. The treatment is a summary, not a transcription. Instead of writing out entire conversations, paraphrase and focus on the essential information being conveyed.
Unnecessary Detail
Resist the urge to include every single detail from your story. Focus on the major plot points and character arcs. Leave room for the reader to use their imagination.
Technical Jargon
Unless absolutely necessary, avoid using technical filmmaking terms or jargon. The treatment should be accessible to a wide audience, including those who are not familiar with the intricacies of filmmaking.
Personal Opinions
The treatment is not the place to express your personal opinions about the story or its potential success. Focus on presenting the facts in a clear and objective manner. Let the strength of the story speak for itself.
Formatting Inconsistencies
Maintain a consistent and professional format throughout your treatment. Use clear headings, subheadings, and paragraph breaks to make it easy to read. Avoid using overly stylized fonts or graphics.
Vague Endings
While you want to leave the reader wanting more, avoid ambiguous or unsatisfying endings. The treatment should clearly resolve the main conflict and provide a sense of closure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: How long should a film treatment be?
A good treatment typically ranges from 5 to 15 pages, single-spaced, in a standard 12-point font. The length will depend on the complexity of your story, but aim for conciseness. Remember, it’s a summary, not the entire script.
FAQ 2: What font and margins should I use?
Use a standard, easily readable font such as Times New Roman or Courier New, size 12. Use standard margins of 1 inch on all sides. This ensures readability and professionalism.
FAQ 3: Should I include scene headings in my treatment?
While not mandatory, including scene headings can help organize your treatment and provide a sense of pacing. Use a simple format like: INT. COFFEE SHOP – DAY or EXT. PARK – NIGHT.
FAQ 4: Should I trademark my treatment?
While you can copyright your treatment, trademarking is usually not necessary unless you are using a specific title or character that you want to protect. Copyright protection is generally sufficient.
FAQ 5: How do I protect my treatment from being stolen?
Always register your screenplay and treatment with the Writers Guild of America (WGA) or the U.S. Copyright Office. This provides legal protection for your work and serves as proof of ownership.
FAQ 6: Should I include a title page?
Yes, include a title page with the title of your film, your name, and your contact information. This makes it easy for potential buyers to contact you.
FAQ 7: How much detail should I include about the characters’ backstories?
Focus on the most relevant aspects of their backstories that directly impact the plot. Avoid unnecessary details that don’t contribute to the story’s central conflict.
FAQ 8: What’s the best way to show, not tell, in a treatment?
Instead of stating a character is brave, describe a specific action they take that demonstrates their bravery. Use vivid language to create a sense of atmosphere and emotion.
FAQ 9: Should I include a budget estimate in my treatment?
Generally, no. Budget estimations are typically handled at a later stage of development. Focus on selling the story, not the financial details.
FAQ 10: Should I include visuals or illustrations in my treatment?
While not required, including a few carefully chosen visuals, such as mood boards or concept art, can help convey the tone and visual style of your film. Use them sparingly and ensure they are high quality.
FAQ 11: How many times should I revise my treatment before sending it out?
Revise your treatment as many times as necessary until you are confident that it is the best possible representation of your story. Get feedback from trusted friends or colleagues and incorporate their suggestions.
FAQ 12: What if I have multiple genres in my film? How do I represent that in the treatment?
Clearly identify the primary genre and then mention the secondary genre(s) and how they blend together. This helps the reader understand the overall feel of the film and its target audience. For example, “A Sci-Fi Thriller with elements of Horror.”