How to Write a Script Treatment
Know the length., Create the log line., Be aware that there are two ways to proceed from here: Some writers expand the story like an outline, letting each bullet point represent a story beat or a scene, so that the final product approximates a rough...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Know the length.
Treatments can be as long as 30-40 pages, but 1-10 pages is probably most common.
There is no correct "length" for a treatment the way there is for screenplays because treatments are for a certain audience.
Generally as a rule of thumb you want one page for every 2 minutes. -
Step 2: Create the log line.
Most screenwriters begin with a one-to-two sentences description of their story.
Ideally it includes the main character, the main antagonist, the nature of their conflict, genre elements (if it's a comedy, it should be humorous; if it's a thriller, it should thrill; if horror, it should horrify, etc.), and hints of the plot through, without revealing the end.
Usually screenwriters flesh out this log line further into a paragraph or more.
At this point they are leaving behind the straitjacket of the log line and entering the more free-wheeling realm of the treatment.
You can follow the format, , Some may keep gradually fleshing out these bullet points, the way a painter colors in trace lines, until they've filled the whole thing out into a full rough draft.
Other writers prefer a more categorical approach, where they explore different aspects separately, not necessarily in chronological order.
For example, they may have a list of major characters whom they describe with a paragraph or two.
They may have entire back histories of the main characters that run a page or two long.
They may describe key locations with a paragraph each.
They may also describe the plot but have it deconstructed, perhaps with the main plot in one group of paragraphs and various subplots described separately, not interwoven the way they would be in the script. , Screenwriting is a fairly rigid craft with countless rules.
Treatments are one of the few areas with no rules.
It's just a summary of the plot, perhaps with a little character study, usually 1-10 pages long. , if it's a development tool for your own purposes, then follow your own instincts.
If it's for a producer's benefit, ask what sort of format he or she prefers.
Or again, follow your instinct.
You can always think of it as a written pitch you're telling someone as simply as possible, while making sure to convey the elements that make it stand out. -
Step 3: Be aware that there are two ways to proceed from here: Some writers expand the story like an outline
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Step 4: letting each bullet point represent a story beat or a scene
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Step 5: so that the final product approximates a rough scene outline of the entire story.
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Step 6: Don't be hung up on rules.
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Step 7: Understand that the form should suit the reason for which you are creating the treatment.
Detailed Guide
Treatments can be as long as 30-40 pages, but 1-10 pages is probably most common.
There is no correct "length" for a treatment the way there is for screenplays because treatments are for a certain audience.
Generally as a rule of thumb you want one page for every 2 minutes.
Most screenwriters begin with a one-to-two sentences description of their story.
Ideally it includes the main character, the main antagonist, the nature of their conflict, genre elements (if it's a comedy, it should be humorous; if it's a thriller, it should thrill; if horror, it should horrify, etc.), and hints of the plot through, without revealing the end.
Usually screenwriters flesh out this log line further into a paragraph or more.
At this point they are leaving behind the straitjacket of the log line and entering the more free-wheeling realm of the treatment.
You can follow the format, , Some may keep gradually fleshing out these bullet points, the way a painter colors in trace lines, until they've filled the whole thing out into a full rough draft.
Other writers prefer a more categorical approach, where they explore different aspects separately, not necessarily in chronological order.
For example, they may have a list of major characters whom they describe with a paragraph or two.
They may have entire back histories of the main characters that run a page or two long.
They may describe key locations with a paragraph each.
They may also describe the plot but have it deconstructed, perhaps with the main plot in one group of paragraphs and various subplots described separately, not interwoven the way they would be in the script. , Screenwriting is a fairly rigid craft with countless rules.
Treatments are one of the few areas with no rules.
It's just a summary of the plot, perhaps with a little character study, usually 1-10 pages long. , if it's a development tool for your own purposes, then follow your own instincts.
If it's for a producer's benefit, ask what sort of format he or she prefers.
Or again, follow your instinct.
You can always think of it as a written pitch you're telling someone as simply as possible, while making sure to convey the elements that make it stand out.
About the Author
Doris Sanchez
Enthusiastic about teaching cooking techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.
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