Newbies to the film treatment business should become experts at writing film treatments. Nurturing an idea is insufficient to bring it to life on the big screen. Get it down on paper first and, fingers crossed, hope it catches the eye of a producer or agent. A movie is a moving image captured by a camera using live characters, animation, or visual effects provided by the use of computers. Movie making has become a highly specialized art form and a major industry today. Artistic, theoretical or technical aspects are recorded on films that are a series of individual frames, creating an illusion of continuous movement. Writing film treatments requires a fair amount of technical knowledge on the subject.
Creating film treatments is a specialized job. The two main purposes they serve include:
1. Marketing tool: Filmmakers, producers, and agents receive hundreds of scripts to read and review. Going through so much literature just to choose the best is a task that most executives consider a waste of time. On the other hand, if they were given a general summary of each script, their work would be simplified. A treatment is the first written manuscript for the film and has to be crafted to perfection to make a good impression on readers and potential investors. If readers are excited enough, they may buy into the idea (at the treatment stage) or ask for the longer version, the full script. Either way, you can earn financially by writing film treatments.
2. Diagnostic Tool: Once an idea is found acceptable through a pitch presented by the writer, you are asked for a written description of how you plan your film to run. A concise beginning, middle and end, with basic introduction to important characters, give decision makers an idea of the feasibility of the project. They take a close look at different aspects of the intended film, such as the plot, the backgrounds needed, the number of locations, the characterizations, and most importantly, the likely reaction of viewers. Writers can also find out the feasibility of their idea. By writing film treatments, writers can see for potential mistakes or interruptions in the smooth flow of their stories. They can take corrective action before moving on to the next step: writing the em dash.
To keep your treatment fresh, pay attention to a few points as you compile and present it:
– Don’t forget to include all the important story elements that affect your rhythmic flow.
– It is not necessary to include dialogues unless they play a fundamental role in the film.
– The writing of the cinematographic treatments must be done in the present tense, maintaining an active voice.
– Be brief. Readers are racing against time, so avoid boring them to tears with lengthy details.
– There are certain fixed formats that the individual executive wants in the treatment that he presents. Ask them about it before submitting your work for approval.
– To avoid any dispute at a later date, register your treatment with an authorized body such as the Writers Guild of America.
Those who write film treatments may want to consider hiring a film treatment writer. Most of the scripts and treatments are collaborative efforts. Collaboration offers the advantage of having multiple perspectives. It is helpful to get feedback on what works, what doesn’t, and what is unclear or underdeveloped.