1. Reggie

    Reggie I Like 'Em hot "N Spicy Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2010
    Messages:
    678
    Likes Received:
    22
    Location:
    USA

    Film Treatment

    Discussion in 'Scripts and screenplays' started by Reggie, Jul 13, 2011.

    Hello. I wonder if anyone have any ideas on how to write a film treatment. I'm in a process of writing a screenplay movie. The movie is called "Robotic Mom." It's about a woman who struggles to search for her long lost mother when a stalking robot instructs her. I have a breif outline of the story and I know what happens. I just want to figure out if there is any way I can expand it from a treatment. Or are there any good websties that give solid and good details on how to write one?

    Any ideas are appreciated.
     
  2. cruciFICTION

    cruciFICTION Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    May 18, 2011
    Messages:
    1,232
    Likes Received:
    50
    Location:
    Brisbane, Australia
    Just Google it. I did and came up with a few alright looking websites. I mean, really it's just a short story about 15 pages long that describes what happens.

    I'd personally write it after I'd done the actual screenplay, though, given that I have a tendency to move away from what I originally planned. :s It's easier to shorten something to 15 pages than it is to expand it to 15 pages.
     
    1 person likes this.
  3. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2006
    Messages:
    19,150
    Likes Received:
    1,034
    Location:
    Coquille, Oregon
    you don't [and actually can't!] write a 'treatment' until you've completed the screenplay... and then would do so only if one is requested by a producer who's interested in the project and needs one for some reason or another...

    a treatment is a complete rundown of everything that happens in the script, written in present tense narrative form, so you can't do that if you haven't got a finished script...

    i mentor many aspiring screenwriters, so if you want tips from the pros and/or help along the way, just drop me a line any time...

    love and hugs, maia
     
  4. Reggie

    Reggie I Like 'Em hot "N Spicy Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2010
    Messages:
    678
    Likes Received:
    22
    Location:
    USA
    I just write one as a personal tool (not to show anyone) to help me to flesh my story out and get to expand the idea. I'm not sure any other ways I can expand the story unless I have an outline of what I will write. This is why I choose to write a 'treatment,' and not as a sellinug tool.

    But can we write one so that we would know what the script is about?

    Thanks for your mentor. It has helped me in the long run, but I'm not sure where to start to flesh out my story. The best way I do it is writing a personal treatment (not used for selling it). But if starting on the script first is a better method, I suppose I can try that then. Are there any other ways (I'm sure there are) that we can write a movie outline?

     
  5. JeffS65

    JeffS65 New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2009
    Messages:
    297
    Likes Received:
    8
    Location:
    Chicagoland
    I might be confused but if you're writing it for yourself, then why do you need to know how to write one? If it's a summary for your own use, it can be anything you want it to be and no reason to find out the rules to a Treatment.
     
  6. the1

    the1 Active Member

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2011
    Messages:
    216
    Likes Received:
    16
    Location:
    Sydney, Australia
    It's always better to at least try and write in the correct format :cool:
     
  7. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2006
    Messages:
    19,150
    Likes Received:
    1,034
    Location:
    Coquille, Oregon
    you seem to be confusing a 'treatment' that only relates to a completed script, with an 'outline' of some kind that can be used to lay out the elements of a story in order to help you write the script...

    and of course it's helpful to do up some sort of outline, or skeleton structure, before starting the actual formatted screenplay... how you arrange and write that is up to you, but it wouldn't be, by any stretch of the imagination/vocabulary, what is considered to be a 'treatment' in the film industry...

    i strongly suggest you get syd field's 'workbook' in which he shows how to do this... it's the best how-to on developing an idea into a completed script that you'll find anywhere... and it's easy to follow, with a full range of examples to help you get from a to z...
     
  8. Reggie

    Reggie I Like 'Em hot "N Spicy Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2010
    Messages:
    678
    Likes Received:
    22
    Location:
    USA
    I bought syd field's workbook. I follow it and uses his structure, the padagrim. It is useful too.
     
  9. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2006
    Messages:
    19,150
    Likes Received:
    1,034
    Location:
    Coquille, Oregon
    yes, his 'paradigm' is very helpful for those new to the craft...
     
  10. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    May 19, 2007
    Messages:
    36,161
    Likes Received:
    2,827
    Location:
    Massachusetts, USA
    I'm glad someone was able to parse that!
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice