how long should a film treatment be?

Full Answer

What is a film treatment?

Let's learn how to write a treatment! What is a film treatment, and how do you write one? It's a multi-page document written in prose, that tells the story that happens in your screenplay. It is a synopsis, with action, sparse dialogue, and works as a roadmap for the reader, producer, and writer.

How many pages should a film treatment be?

If you’re writing without anyone specific in mind, try to keep a series or film treatment under ten pages, single spaced. If you’re writing for someone more official, like a reader at a production company or studio, then make sure to ask what they’re looking for.

Is there a format for writing a film treatment?

Again, there’s no set format for what you should or shouldn’t include. The free film treatment template that we provide further down the page breaks it down for you. But as a general guide, you can employ the following items while writing a treatment (depending on who you intend to send it to):

How long should a treatment be?

Treatments have no set page length, but you do want to keep them pithy. If you’re writing without anyone specific in mind, try to keep a series or film treatment under ten pages, single spaced. If you’re writing for someone more official, like a reader at a production company or studio, then make sure to ask what they’re looking for.

What should a film treatment include?

What should you include in a film treatment?The title of your movie / show. This one's pretty important.Your name and contact details. So if someone does want to make you a superstar, they know where to find you.Logline. ... Explanation of act one. ... Explanation of act two. ... Explanation of act three. ... Final wrap-up.

How long should a series treatment be?

But generally, rule of thumb, a treatment is no less than 4 pages and now more than 10. The key here is to get all the information down, as interestingly as possible, as economically as possible, with as much clarity as possible and not to over write. You make each word, each sentence, each image, each page, count.

What is a short film treatment?

A treatment is a short document that presents an idea for a film in a clear, concise, dramatic and persuasive way. It's designed to grab the attention and excite the interest of a producer, commissioner, director or other collaborator, and to 'sell' the idea and it's creative and commercial potential.

How long are story treatments?

Some say up to 60 pages, but the point of the treatment is to communicate your story as quickly as possible, so brevity without sacrificing juice is the key here.

Can you sell a movie treatment?

Can You Sell a Screenplay Idea? No, generally producers don't listen and buy movie ideas because of legal reasons and you cannot copywrite an idea. But if your idea has some type of influence such as a famous actor, producer or intellectual property attached with a film treatment then yes.

How many pages should a TV pilot be?

between 55 and 65 pagesMost TV drama pilots are between 55 and 65 pages and are broken down into acts. Traditionally, these acts allow for commercial breaks on network (and some cable) TV channels.

What is a one page treatment?

If you are trying to sell a screenplay, you will often be asked to submit a "one-sheet" or one-page treatment. This is a description of the story that fits on one page, along with the title and contact information. Normally that means 500 words, which will challenge you to condense your ideas accordingly.

How do you write a director's treatment?

A director's treatment consists of the vision for the story, visual style, soundtrack, and characters, while communicating important scenes, story plots, and sequences to evoke a specific tone.

Should there be dialogue in a treatment?

Even without dialogue, you can — and should — put as much emotional content into your scenes. The feelings behind actions and reactions is just as important as the action themselves. Remember, emotions are things actors can “play” even without dialogue.

How many pages are in a treatment?

For a typical movie, film treatments are about five to 10 pages. That's long enough to convey the right information without overwhelming the reader.

How many pages should a treatment plan be?

A film treatment should be fall between five and ten pages, twenty max. There are extreme examples where people argue they can be 60 to 70 pages (James Cameron is notorious for long-winded treatments), but as a rule of thumb, less is more. In fact, some executives and producers ask for a one-pager.

What's the difference between a screenplay and a treatment?

Typically a treatment is a much longer and more detailed description of the screenplay than a synopsis. Treatments are often written before the script is written as a guide for the screenwriter and producer so that the screenwriter doesn't waste time writing a draft that the producer isn't going to like.

What is a film treatment?

Film Treatment: Everything You Need To Know. A film treatment is a written document that describes the story that your screenplay will tell. Most film treatments follow a narrative format and include key information about the characters and the plot while guiding the reader through the story arc and the acts of the film.

How many pages are in a film treatment?

Some simpler film treatments are just a page long. Others are more complex and span dozens of pages. For a typical movie, film treatments are about five to 10 pages. That’s long enough to convey the right information without overwhelming the reader.

What is a scriptment in a movie?

A scriptment is a combination of a film treatment and a screenplay. It uses the main elements of a film treatment to tell the story, and it also includes select screenplay components like scene headings and dialog. Although a scriptment has more detail than a film treatment, it’s much shorter than a screenplay.

What is the difference between a spec script and a film treatment?

A film treatment summarizes the concept and the main elements of the screenplay. A spec script tends to be much longer and more detailed than a film treatment . A spec script is generally in screenplay format rather ...

How to make a movie a movie?

1. Decide on a Title. Begin your film treatment by stating the title of the screenplay. Your title can refer to the setting or the characters or it can be more abstract. Either way, make sure your screenplay has an original title that doesn’t copy the name of an existing movie. 2.

Why do we need to write a treatment for a movie?

Working out a complex idea: Writing a film treatment allows you to structure the story and find issues with the plot. It can also help with world-building and developing compelling characters. Marketing a screenplay: Before deciding to produce or invest in a movie, studio executives often read film treatments.

What are the elements of a film treatment?

Be sure to include these parts in your treatment: Title: The confirmed or working title. Format and Genre: The film type and category. Logline: A one- or two-sentence summary. Plot Summary: A rundown of your story.

Why do screenwriters use film treatments?

Film treatments are also useful for protecting a screenwriter’s ideas. For instance, it’s tough to argue that someone—accidentally or maliciously—stole your idea if you never wrote it down, but if you have your film treatment as proof, it makes pitching a much safer process.

What is the three act structure?

Three Act Structure. Most screenwriters contend that you should follow a “three-act structure.”. Think of it as: beginning, middle, and end—or set up, conflict, and resolution. Because most stories are organized into a similar structure, treatments and screenplays translate well into one another.

What is a film treatment?

A film treatment (also known as a story treatment) is a prose-based prewriting and marketing document that reads like a short story. It is generally used to pitch a film, television series, or adaptation. While some writers argue that it can/should be a scene-by-scene breakdown, it’s generally a synopsis used to give an overview of a screenplay, ...

Why do treatments matter?

Why Treatments Matter. Everyone, probably you included, has a significant shortage of time. That’s why writing a screenplay isn’t always the best plan of attack. Film treatments save writers, producers, executives’ time. They also help writers gauge the industry and the audience's interest in the story.

What is Act 3?

Act Three: Bring the story to its climax by underscoring the conflict and then transitioning into falling action and resolution. Keep subplots to a minimum. Remember, your film treatment should serve as a roadmap, not a driver’s log of the mile-by-mile journey.

How many pages should a film treatment be?

A film treatment should be fall between five and ten pages, twenty max. There are extreme examples where people argue they can be 60 to 70 pages (James Cameron is notorious for long-winded treatments), but as a rule of thumb, less is more. In fact, some executives and producers ask for a one-pager.

How many words are in a logline?

For example, Game of Thrones might have been Vikings meets House of Cards. *A logline is one to two sentences, under 25 words covering who encounters a trigger that raises a dilemma, and desires a goal.

How many lines are there in the Mask of Zorro?

Film screenplay treatment examples: The Mask of Zorro by Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio. In this eight-line paragraph, you’re launched into the uproarious world of Mexico in the early 1800’s. You’re also clear on whose perspective you see it through.

What is a film treatment?

A film treatment (or story treatment) is a detailed summary of your film, TV show, or project. The screenplay treatment communicates all important scenes, sequences, and story points in a prose style that evokes the tone of your movie.

What is a screenwriter's summary?

A behind-the-scenes reference for the screenwriter (or screenwriters) to guide and give a framework to the full script being written. A detailed summary designed to share the screenwriter's (or screenwriters') plan for the script with others before an actual script is written. An in-depth, deconstructed summary of an already-written script ...

Why are film treatments important?

This is why film treatments are so useful: they boil your idea down to your characters and the story events that drive them to change. So let’s examine how to write a treatment that both snags your readers and organizes your vision.

How to write a movie script?

Generally you want to keep your film treatment economic and reader-friendly. Don’t go into too much exposition on anything — be it characters, locations, or actions. Avoid also: 1 Any dialogue (save it for the script) 2 Images, clip art (and anything else that’s not text) 3 Paragraphs that are too long 4 Distracting fonts

Who wrote the screenplay for Identity Thief?

When screenwriter Craig Mazin wrote the screenplay for Identity Thief, he wound up doing a full page-one rewrite. As Mazin says in the Scriptnotes podcast, "I wrote this [treatment] up to help get everybody on the same page.".

Who wrote the treatment for Mask of Zorro?

On their site Wordplayer, working screenwriters Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio posted a few of their own film treatment examples. Their 1994 treatment of Mask of Zorro is a glimpse into an effective script treatment.

What is treatment in filmmaking?

A treatment is a narrative screenwriting tool that helps you explore ideas, flesh out various story possibilities, and develop your characters. Jodie Foster Teaches Filmmaking. Jodie Foster Teaches Filmmaking. In her first-ever online class, Jodie Foster teaches you how to bring stories from page to screen with emotion and confidence.

How can treatment help you find your film?

Treatments can help you find your film’s story, while simultaneously helping to raise money. The research for both treatment and film involves gathering the same facts, talking to the same individuals, and shaping the same story. By figuring out how to communicate your passion, knowledge, and vision on the page, ...

How to write a treatment for a movie?

A script treatment comes earlier in the writing process, before any actual scriptwriting, which allows you to sort out the necessary story elements you need. The point of writing a film treatment is to: 1 Set up the world you want the reader to envision. 2 Lay out the structure o

Why are treatment scripts and spec scripts confused?

A treatment and a spec script are sometimes confused because both serve to help writers hash out screenplay ideas and potentially sell a film or TV show. A treatment comes earlier on in the development process and provides a detailed summarization of the characters and events that will unfold throughout the film.

What is a treatment in a story?

Treatments contain detailed descriptions of the setting, theme, character roles, and plot in order to show how the story will play out for the audience. There are four main things a treatment should contain:

What is a script treatment?

A script treatment comes earlier in the writing process, before any actual scriptwriting, which allows you to sort out the necessary story elements you need. The point of writing a film treatment is to: Set up the world you want the reader to envision. Lay out the structure of your whole story. Help you identify plot holes, or parts ...

Who is the best actress to have a masterclass on filmmaking?

No one knows this better than Jodie Foster . In Jodie Foster ’s MasterClass on filmmaking, the two-time Oscar-winner talks about her experience on both sides of the camera and reveals insights into every step of the filmmaking process, from storyboarding to casting and camera coverage.

Why is script treatment important?

They’re a vital part of the development process, helping you to stress-test your story idea before writing a draft screenplay. Another benefit of writing a script treatment is that it helps you to pin down the tone of your movie or TV show.

What is a film treatment?

A film treatment (or film script treatment) is a multi-page, detailed synopsis of your film or visual project. It contains all the key elements of your film, like important scenes, main characters, and crucial plot points. And it’s written in prose, not as a script.

Someone just got kicked out of my Master's program for stealing scripts from this subreddit

Not gonna say the school or name names, but we just had a classmates get shit-canned for stealing work from this subreddit.

Stop putting it off

Stop putting it off, and just write. Write that first draft. Write those first notes. Whatever it is, stop putting it off and just DO IT. If it’s a first draft, it doesn’t matter how bad it is. IT’S ONLY YOUR FIRST DRAFT. There isn’t a limit to how many drafts you can have, so please. Do yourself a favor and just write.

I am Brent Forrester, TV writer ("The Office," "The Simpsons," "Love"). Ask Me Anything!

I'm also teaching a free online class this Sunday, March 21st. For more info on that, visit my website: https://www.brentforrester.com/webinar

Why do unknown writers get criticized so bad if our sitcom scripts have on-the-nose dialogue and 'isn't funny', but then you turn on most current sitcoms and all the dialogue is on the nose and not funny?

Same with feature scripts. "Your first ten pages aren't good enough". Then you go on a streamer and pick a movie and the first 10 minutes are so bad you stop watching. Is it really that easy to get your stuff made once you become an established writer?

Why your pilot isn't working -- Premise vs Regular Episode

I've been reading a lot of amateur pilots for a mentorship program and the most common problem I see is "The Premise Pilot" problem.

Why "KEEP WRITING" and "STOP PUTTING IT OFF" threads are counter-productive..

Maybe I'm the last person to be giving advice, maybe some would consider this an opinion, but here goes. I'm not a pro or skilled like many here, I just learn day to day.

What is a film treatment?

A film treatment, put simply, is a “novelized form” of your story or script. Treatments communicate what the screenplay is about.

How long should your treatment be?

Okay, this one is a bit tricky to answer since treatments are used differently by different people. If you’re unsure, you can always ask the video production company or outfit how long they need the treatment to be or if they have specifications. In general, treatments can be as short as 1 page or as long as 20 to 60 pages.

When do you need a treatment?

Most beginner screenwriters, believe they have to have a treatment when presenting or writing a screenplay. This isn’t necessarily true. In fact, unless someone asks for a treatment, you might not even need it at all.

Film Treatment Vs Spec Script

A film treatment and spec script often make confusion for writers as they both serve the same purpose of getting a clear view of the screenplay. A treatment is written before you start writing your screenplay and it is a detailed summary of the characters and the events in your film.

How Long Should a Treatment Be?

The length of the treatment depends on you as the writer. Because there are no set rules for the length of a film treatment. You can choose to write a film treatment as short as one page and as long as 20 pages or even more.

Elements of a Treatment

Well, there are no set rules for what you should or you should not include in a film treatment. So, it is totally up to the writer that what they consider as important to include in their film treatment. Generally, a film treatment has:

Finally, Write a Treatment

Now that you know what is a film treatment, why you need a film treatment, its length, and what you should include inside a film treatment, you are ready to start writing your film treatment. So, follow the easy steps below and let us know in the comments if you have any doubts.

Step 1: Start with Your Title

The first thing you need to do is to give your film treatment a title. The title should be something that summarizes the story within a few words. It can be associated with the name of the main character “The Man in the Hospital” or the setting “The Maze by the Sea”. The title can also be metaphoric. For instance, Voes of the hunted city.

Step 2: Make Your Logline

A logline of treatment is a single sentence or sometimes two that is able to capture the essence of the movie. For instance, in your logline, you can say who the protagonist is and how they are against the world in your movie. It should be powerful enough to capture the attention of the reader and make them read your whole film treatment.

Step 3: Summarize the Story Idea

After composing your logline, you can summarize the concept of your film. In this section, you have a chance to expand your logline and give a brief overview of your story and its background. However, you should not tell the entire story yet. So, just keep it brief and minimal.

Understand The Script Film Treatment

The 6 Elements of A Film Treatment

• The most effective film treatments include six essential components. Be sure to include these parts in your treatment: 1. Title:The confirmed or working title 2. Format and Genre:The film type and category 3. Logline:A one- or two-sentence summary 4. Plot Summary:A rundown of your story 5. Main Characters:An introduction to the protagonists and the...

See more on nfi.edu

How to Write A Film Treatment

Film Treatment Examples

How Long Should A Film Treatment be?

• A film treatment should be fall between five and ten pages, twenty max. There are extreme examples where people argue they can be 60 to 70 pages (James Cameron is notorious for long-winded treatments), but as a rule of thumb, less is more. In fact, some executives and producers ask for a one-pager. It can be useful to think of the comparables/logli...

See more on grantlarsonproductions.com

in What Tense Should It Be written?

What Elements Compose A Film Treatment?