Spencer Lanoue
Writing a treatment might sound a bit mysterious if you're not familiar with the world of screenwriting or media production. But it’s a handy tool that helps you sketch out your story idea in a structured yet flexible way. Whether you're developing a film, TV show, or even a book, a treatment can be your blueprint. Let's break down how to create a treatment that captures your vision and communicates it effectively to others.
What Is a Treatment?
Think of a treatment as a detailed summary of your story. It’s longer than a logline but shorter than a full script. Treatments typically range from a few pages to around 20, depending on the complexity of the project and the specifics of what you're writing. It outlines your story’s plot, characters, and key scenes in a narrative form. The goal is to present your idea clearly and convincingly. Often to producers or directors who need to decide whether to develop the project further.
Common Uses for Treatments
- Film and TV: Screenwriters often use treatments to pitch their stories to studios or production companies.
- Books: Authors might create a treatment to map out their novel’s structure or to pitch to publishers.
- Documentaries: Treatments are used to outline the narrative arc of the documentary. Providing a roadmap for production.
Treatment vs. Synopsis vs. Script
It’s easy to confuse a treatment with a synopsis or a script. So let’s clear that up:
- Synopsis: A brief summary of your story, usually no more than a page long.
- Treatment: A more detailed narrative description of your story, covering major plot points and character arcs.
- Script: The full screenplay, complete with dialogue and detailed scene descriptions.
Understanding Your Audience
Before you start writing, it’s crucial to consider who will be reading your treatment. Are you pitching to a producer, a director, or perhaps an agent? Understanding your audience will help you tailor the tone, style, and content of your treatment. For instance, a producer might be looking for strong commercial potential. A director might be more interested in the unique visual elements of your story.
Tailoring Your Treatment
Here are a few tips on how to adjust your treatment based on your audience:
- Producers: Highlight the commercial aspects and target audience.
- Directors: Focus on the visual storytelling and unique stylistic elements.
- Agents: Emphasize the compelling characters and plot twists.
Crafting a Compelling Logline
Your treatment should start with a logline. A one-sentence summary that captures the essence of your story. It’s the hook that piques interest and sets the stage for the detailed treatment. A strong logline includes the protagonist, their goal, and the central conflict.
Logline Examples
"A young farm boy discovers he's the last hope for saving the galaxy from an evil empire."
"A divorced mother struggles to rebuild her life while fighting for custody of her children."
Notice how these examples give a clear sense of the story without diving into details. A well-crafted logline can make all the difference in grabbing attention right from the start.
Structuring Your Treatment
Once you have your logline, it’s time to outline the structure of your treatment. While there’s no one-size-fits-all template, most treatments include the following sections:
1. Title
Begin with your project's title, which should be engaging and reflective of the story. A good title can set the tone and intrigue your reader.
2. Logline
As mentioned earlier, your logline follows the title, providing a quick overview of your story.
3. Introduction
Provide a brief introduction to the world of your story. This is where you set the stage, introduce the main characters, and establish the setting or unique aspects that define your story’s universe.
4. Act Structure
Break your story down into acts, typically three, to provide a clear narrative arc:
- Act 1: Introduce your protagonist and their world. Set up the main conflict and the inciting incident that propels the story forward.
- Act 2: Develop the story by escalating the conflict. This is the meat of your narrative, where characters face challenges and experience growth.
- Act 3: Resolve the conflict and bring the story to a satisfying conclusion. Tie up loose ends and illustrate the character’s transformation.
5. Character Descriptions
Introduce your main characters, outlining their motivations, relationships, and development throughout the story. This section helps readers connect with your characters and understand their journeys.
Writing the Narrative
With your structure in place, it’s time to write the narrative portion of your treatment. This should read like a story, using present tense and engaging language to convey the arc and flow of your plot. Aim for clarity and vivid description. Avoid getting bogged down in unnecessary details.
Example of a Narrative Description
"In a small, rural town, 17-year-old Sarah dreams of escaping her mundane life. Her world turns upside down when she discovers an ancient artifact in her backyard, leading her on an unexpected adventure. As she delves deeper, she uncovers hidden truths about her family and must confront her greatest fears to save everything she loves."
This example gives a sense of the protagonist’s journey and the story's stakes without going into every plot detail.
Developing Strong Characters
Your characters are the heart of your story. So it’s essential to develop them fully in your treatment. Readers should understand their goals, conflicts, and transformations.
Character Development Tips
- Background: Briefly outline the character's history and what drives them.
- Motivation: Clearly define what each character wants and why it matters.
- Conflict: Illustrate the internal and external conflicts they face.
- Arc: Show how the character changes from the beginning to the end of the story.
Example Character Description
"Sarah, a curious and imaginative teenager, feels trapped in her small town. Her longing for adventure is fueled by stories from her grandmother, who vanished under mysterious circumstances. Sarah's journey begins when she stumbles upon a hidden artifact, forcing her to confront her fears and embrace her family legacy."
Notice how this description provides a glimpse into Sarah’s personality and sets up her journey and challenges.
Incorporating Themes and Tone
Beyond plot and characters, your treatment should convey the themes and tone of your story. Themes are the underlying messages or concepts you explore. Tone refers to the mood or atmosphere.
Expressing Themes
Include a section in your treatment that succinctly outlines the themes of your story. These might include love, betrayal, redemption, or the struggle between good and evil. Themes add depth and can make your story resonate with audiences.
Setting the Tone
The tone should be evident in your writing style and word choice. Whether your story is a lighthearted comedy or a gripping thriller. The tone helps set expectations for the reader. Consider using descriptive language that mirrors the emotional journey you want to convey.
For example, if your story is a suspenseful thriller, you might use concise, tension-filled language. A whimsical fantasy might feature more colorful, playful descriptions.
Edit and Refine Your Treatment
Once you’ve completed your draft, it’s time to polish your treatment. Editing is crucial to ensure clarity, coherence, and impact. Look for ways to tighten the narrative, remove redundancies, and enhance the flow.
Editing Tips
- Read Aloud: Hearing your words can help identify awkward phrasing or inconsistencies.
- Get Feedback: Share your treatment with trusted peers or mentors for constructive criticism.
- Use Tools: Consider using Spell for AI-powered editing that can offer suggestions and help refine your writing.
Remember, editing isn’t just about fixing errors. It’s about elevating your treatment to its best possible form.
Formatting Your Treatment
While there’s no strict format for treatments, maintaining a clean, professional appearance is crucial. Here are some general formatting tips:
- Font and Size: Use a standard, readable font like Times New Roman or Arial, in 12-point size.
- Spacing: Double-space your text to make it easier to read and annotate.
- Margins: Use standard one-inch margins on all sides.
- Headers: Include a header with the title of your project and your contact information.
While content is king, a well-formatted treatment demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail.
Pitching Your Treatment
Once your treatment is polished and ready, it’s time to pitch it. Crafting a compelling pitch is an art in itself. You want to convey your passion and the unique aspects of your story that make it worth telling.
Pitching Tips
- Know Your Audience: Tailor your pitch to the interests and priorities of the person you’re pitching to.
- Be Concise: Time is usually limited, so focus on the most compelling aspects of your story.
- Practice: Rehearse your pitch until you can deliver it confidently and naturally.
Remember, your treatment is a powerful tool. Your passion and confidence can be just as persuasive in a pitch meeting.
Final Thoughts
Writing a treatment is a valuable skill for anyone looking to bring a story idea to life. It helps you organize your thoughts, communicate your vision, and lay the groundwork for your project. With Spell, you can streamline the writing process, from drafting to final edits, all in one place. So go ahead and start crafting your treatment. Your story deserves to be told!
