Mastering Film Treatment Writing: Comprehensive Guidelines
A film treatment is a detailed summary of a film's plot that acts as a blueprint for the screenplay. It outlines key narrative elements, character development, and important scenes, providing a clear overview of the project for producers, directors, and potential investors. A film treatment format, unlike a script, reads like a short story, focusing on major plot developments.
Treatments are essential for writers as they help shape the story and refine the structure. They also assist in organizing ideas, identifying weak points in the narrative, and streamlining the writing process. In the industry, many studios, production companies, and funding bodies require a film treatment before considering a screenplay.
A good film treatment should include:
- Title and Logline: A compelling title and logline that succinctly captures the premise and stakes of the story.
- Summary of key story beats, including the opening scene, inciting incident, climax, and resolution.
- Main characters with their goals, development, and relationships with other characters.
To write a film treatment, follow these steps:
- Brainstorm: Develop your story idea by asking key questions like what is the central conflict, who are the main characters, what is the emotional core of the story, and what themes does the film explore.
- Structure: Map out the structure of your treatment using a three-act structure: setup, confrontation, and resolution.
- Write Concisely: Write your treatment in present tense, with active voice and vivid descriptions. Keep sentences concise and avoid unnecessary details.
- Edit and Polish: Edit your treatment for consistency, clarity, and impact. Trim excess details, and seek feedback from peers, mentors, or industry professionals.
Examples of successful film treatments include E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial and The Shining. While the E.T. treatment is short and concise, The Shining's treatment is longer due to its meticulous writer, Stanley Kubrick, collaborating with novelist Diane Johnson.
Common mistakes to avoid in a film treatment are over-explaining vs. keeping it concise, lack of structure, and writing it like a synopsis instead of a treatment.
In conclusion, a well-crafted film treatment is the foundation of a successful screenplay and can help sell your script. Begin your scriptwriting journey by following these steps and writing a compelling and engaging film treatment.
A screenwriter can use the film treatment as a foundation to shape their story and streamline the writing process, providing a clear overview for potential movie-and-tv industry investors. The film treatment, a detailed summary of a film's storyline, should include the main characters, their goals, and the key story beats, presented concisely and with active narrative elements.
