how to do a spec commercial treatment

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

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. A treatment comes before the first draft of a spec script is written. A spec script is the longer, complete version of that story written in screenplay format.

What is a “a spec commercial”?

A spec commercial is a sample piece of work that shows off a filmmaker’s style, competence, and most importantly, ambition. To “work on spec” basically means you’re working on the speculation that your commercial would be bought. It won’t be, but it looks great in a demo reel.

Do You need A Spec ad to break into commercial directing?

But if you’re trying to break into commercial directing, you’re going to need a great spec ad under your belt and in your reel. With countless other filmmakers putting out spec commercials to get noticed, it’s more important than ever to give your specs some edge. Here are 8 rules the best spec ads follow, but first… WHAT DOES SPEC COMMERCIAL MEAN?

What should be included in a treatment?

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: Title. Give your treatment a title, even if it’s just a working title. Logline. This is a short sentence summarizing the premise.

How do you write a commercial treatment?

A commercial treatment contains the following parts:An Intro: Tell them who you are, sum up your resume, and why they should be excited to work with you.Why You?: What can you bring as an individual to this story that no one else can?Highlight the Product: What does the audience need to know about the product?More items...•

How do you write a TV commercial treatment?

Write in such a way that the reader can visualise it. Don't get technical with descriptions of camera angles or visual effects - just tell the story as it is. If your treatment is a spectacle, then keep the description brief because a MOOD BOARD (see next point) will better describe what you want to say.

Are spec commercials worth it?

YES, IT IS! Spec ads are the best possible way to showcase your potential if you manage to achieve a real commercial look and feel. You have creative control over the project. The lack of financial support tends to make you more creative, as you have to find smart solutions to your problems.

How do you write a script treatment?

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 of the film you're missing.Flesh-out characters and figure out the importance of each role.More items...•

How do you write a 30 second commercial?

Guidelines for Creating Your 30-Second CommercialUse concise and clear language that isn't overly detailed.Sell your professional abilities and experience.Emphasize your strengths and link them to the needs of the employer.Use descriptive statements or specific examples of your acquired skills and abilities.More items...

What is a video treatment template?

What exactly is a video treatment? The main purpose of a treatment is to convey your project's concept and story in a concise way. It's a key building block of video production that could make or break a project. The tricky thing is that there are no hard and fast rules on format and length.

What is a spec in advertising?

Spec Work (aka Speculative Advertising) In a nutshell, spec ads are ads you've written or produced yourself on behalf of a client, but which is not actually requested by that client. Whether it's Nike, Apple, Ford, Stella Artois, or any other big brand, you do work for that company without them asking for it.

How do you break into commercial directing?

9:1915:44HOW TO GET INTO COMMERCIAL DIRECTING | What you need to knowYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo make this work for you so what you're gonna have to do is make what's called a spec reel and fillMoreTo make this work for you so what you're gonna have to do is make what's called a spec reel and fill it with spec commercials now a spec commercial is pretty much a fake commercial.

What is a spec spot?

Spec commercials are a type of commercial that can be bought by production companies to use for their own projects. They're often cheaper than typical television commercials, and they are usually less than 30 seconds long.

What does a spec script look like?

What is a spec script? A “spec” (speculative) script is a film or television script written independently of a production entity. “Writing on spec” refers to when a writer crafts a script on his or her own, with the goal of either selling it or securing representation for further assignments.

What is an example of a treatment?

Treatment is the manner in which something or a disease is cared for or dealt with. An example of treatment is when someone is cared for very well. An example of treatment is when you are given antibiotics for your illness. The act, manner, or method of handling or dealing with someone or something.

What is the difference between a synopsis and a treatment?

Treatments Are Longer Than Synopses Remember, a synopsis is a short but succinct description of your plot, main characters, and fictional world. It tells the whole story from beginning to end but in a breezy, brief, easy-to-read sort of way. Treatments give you more room to write, so they're naturally longer.

What is commercial treatment?

A commercial treatment is a 5-12 page document that outlines your vision within the parameters set up by the advertising agency. Treatments help you establish trust between yourself and a well-known brand. They can read your treatment and see you have a decisive vision for their service or product.

What do commercial cinematographers say?

Commercial cinematographers are like Will Smith in Men in Black; they take everyday items and say, "I make this look good.". They do. They take boring stuff—cellphones, hamburgers, and cars—dress them up, throw some light on them, cast some spells, and end up with an object that looks tantalizing enough to buy.

Is there a shortage of commercial jobs?

There is no shortage of commercial jobs to get, but how can you get them?

Do commercials pay well?

Commercials pay very well. You can sustain a great life working on them and developing your own idea. That's the LA or NYC dream. One of the many jobs directors do is working not in film and television but in the commercial space. Directing commercials is lucrative and steady work.

What is spec commercial?

In summary a spec commercial is simply a “fake” commercial that someone makes to show ad agencies and companies that they do professional quality work.

What is a spec spot?

A “ Spec Commercial ” or a “spec-spot” is a 30 second commercial for a product, or company, that no one paid or asked for.

How to craft a commercial to sell a client's product?

If you want the opportunity to craft a commercial to sell a client's product, first, you need a standout treatment to sell the client on your idea. Creating great treatments isn’t just about selling your ideas; it’s about discovering them and refining them. It’s an act of creativity in itself. Every commercial director I’ve talked to views treatments as an essential part of their process.

What happens when a client passes a project?

If, in the end, the client passes, then you can rest easy knowing the project they wanted from you was not the project you wanted to make. And when you do land a project, you’ll land it your way—with a vision that is unambiguously yours.

Who directed the Duracell commercial?

A few years ago, AG Rojas, a young filmmaker at the time, directed a Super Bowl commercial for Duracell batteries. The short 60-second spot illustrated the struggle that a young hearing-impaired boy experienced growing up while trying to become successful as a football player.

Is a commercial an art form?

Commercials are creative art forms just as movies are. However, both can be vastly different. Take, for example, the latest Taco Bell commercial you may have seen on television, or perhaps that pesky un-skippable ad before the last YouTube video you watched.

Can one art form be used as a tool to gain traction in the other?

Although commercial filmmaking and narrative filmmaking follow different paths, and nothing guarantees those paths will merge, one art form can certainly be used as a tool to gain traction in the other. Again, projects like my spec commercial, or someone’s fan film, are stepping stones to the next major milestone.

Are spec commercials worth it?

Yes and no. A spec ad doesn’t guarantee a job or contract, so you might end up with a fully formed ad and nowhere to take it. That sucks, but at the end of the day, it’s like a job application: you put the time in and hope it pays off, but it’s never 100%.

How do you shoot a spec ad?

There are plenty of ways to shoot a spec ad, but if you’re trying out your first, here are a few rules to stick by.

What is spec writing?

Writing on spec is a common practice in Hollywood. Whether or not they’re “in the industry,” film and TV specs can be a great tool for writers to sell their voice to potential buyers.

How to make a script look professional?

First, make sure your scripts follow industry standards. Don’t try to spice them up with fancy titles, fonts, or images. As far as spec script format, generally just make sure your script looks like any other professional script.

Is the appetite for original spec screenplays what it once was?

It’s true: the number of films that major studios produce every year is on a downward trend. So, naturally, the appetite for original spec screenplays isn’t what it once was.

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.

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 Do You Need a Film Treatment?

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, you reach a deeper understanding of how your story needs to be told on the screen.

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, ...

What is treatment in screenwriting?

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

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 ...

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: