A film treatment is an essential document in the filmmaking process, acting as a blueprint for a screenplay. It’s a written summary of a film’s story, including the major plot points, characters, and tone. Treatments help filmmakers, screenwriters, and producers refine their ideas before committing to a full script. They are also used to pitch projects to investors and studios.
What is a Film Treatment?
A film treatment is a prose-based summary of a movie, written in present tense. It typically runs between one and ten pages, though some can be much longer depending on the level of detail. Unlike a screenplay, which is formatted with dialogue and scene headings, a treatment reads more like a short story, giving a clear overview of the narrative structure and key events.
Purpose of a Film Treatment
- Pre-visualization: Helps writers organize their ideas before writing a screenplay.
- Collaboration Tool: Assists in communicating the story to directors, producers, and investors.
- Marketing & Pitching: Used to sell the concept of a film before a full script is developed.
- Creative Refinement: Enables the writer to refine characters and plot before investing in a full-length script.
Key Elements of a Film Treatment
Though treatments vary in length and detail, most include these essential components:
- Title: The working title of your film.
- Logline: A one- to two-sentence summary that captures the core premise of the story.
- Synopsis: A concise overview of the entire plot, focusing on major story beats and character arcs.
- Characters: Brief descriptions of the main characters, including their motivations and conflicts.
- Tone & Style: A description of the film’s intended atmosphere, genre, and visual or thematic influences.
- Act Structure: A breakdown of the story into three acts (or more, depending on the structure).
- Ending: How the story concludes, including resolution of the main conflict.
How to Write a Film Treatment
Writing a compelling film treatment requires a structured approach. Follow these steps:
1. Start with a Strong Logline
A logline is the hook of your film. It should succinctly describe the main character, their goal, and the central conflict.
Example: “A washed-up boxer gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot at the world heavyweight title, but must overcome self-doubt and personal demons to succeed.”
2. Develop Your Story Structure
Most films follow a three-act structure:
- Act 1: Setup – Introduce the main characters, setting, and inciting incident.
- Act 2: Confrontation – Develop the conflict, obstacles, and character growth.
- Act 3: Resolution – The climax and conclusion of the story.
Outline these acts in your treatment to ensure a clear, engaging narrative.
3. Describe Characters Clearly
Each main character should have a brief but detailed introduction. Include their backstory, motivations, and how they evolve throughout the film.
Example: Jack Carter – A former detective struggling with PTSD who is reluctantly pulled into one last case to find a missing girl. His journey forces him to confront his past and his moral boundaries.
4. Write in an Engaging, Visual Style
Since treatments are meant to be compelling, write them in a way that captures the mood and energy of the film. Use present tense and active descriptions.
Example: The rain hammers the asphalt as Jack lights a cigarette, his fingers trembling. He watches as a sleek black sedan pulls up to the curb. Inside, a shadowed figure waits.
5. Include Key Scenes but Avoid Dialogue
Rather than writing full screenplay dialogue, summarize important moments in clear, concise language.
Example: Jack corners the suspect in a dimly lit alley. A tense standoff ensues. The suspect smirks and drops a cryptic clue before vanishing into the night.
6. End with a Strong Resolution
Ensure the treatment clearly presents how the story concludes. Avoid open-ended summaries unless ambiguity is key to the film’s theme.
Film Treatment Example (Short Version)
Title: Shadow’s End Logline: A retired detective must face his darkest fears when he’s hired to find a missing teenager, leading him into a web of corruption and deceit.
Synopsis: Jack Carter, a retired detective, is approached by a desperate mother searching for her missing daughter. Reluctantly, he takes the case and uncovers a criminal underworld operating beneath the city’s surface. As he digs deeper, Jack discovers a personal connection to the crime, forcing him to confront his past mistakes. In a climactic showdown, Jack exposes the corruption but pays a heavy price, finding redemption in the process.
Characters:
- Jack Carter: A tortured detective seeking redemption.
- Lisa Monroe: The desperate mother who hires Jack.
- Victor Langley: The charismatic but dangerous crime boss.
Tone & Style: A neo-noir thriller with a moody, atmospheric style akin to Se7en or Chinatown.
Final Tips for Writing a Film Treatment
- Keep it concise: Avoid unnecessary details; focus on the core narrative.
- Use active language: Make it engaging and easy to visualize.
- Stay true to your vision: The treatment should reflect the film’s mood and themes.
- Edit and refine: Revise for clarity, pacing, and impact.
A well-crafted film treatment is a powerful tool in the filmmaking process. Whether you’re developing a screenplay or pitching an idea, a strong treatment sets the foundation for success. By mastering this skill, indie filmmakers can better communicate their vision and increase their chances of bringing their stories to life.
