Hello. I'm working on a treatment for my screenplay. Curious, how detailed should a treatment be? So far, I am paraphrasing all the events (every scene), describing all the actions that the characters carry out as well as the plot line. Ultimately, what I am trying to succeed at is crafting an effective treatment for my movie idea. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Screenwriting : Movie Treatments by Jeff Kraus
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Yes, a Treatment is essentially a short story and can be from just a few pages to 60 pages or more. The average treatment works out to about 25 - 30 pages in length. The point here is to do whatever it takes to get the story down as best you can. The requirements are that it must be written in straightforward prose, in the present tense, with as much detail as you are capable of imagining. Don’t hold anything back. This is an important time in the process to write it all out. Its purpose is to help you get all of your ideas out of your head and onto paper. It is intended as a focusing tool for your eyes only and need never be shown to anyone else – nor should it be because this document has a value that a simple idea does not and can be registered and copyrighted by you. If someone asks you to send them your treatment - be ware. You will have provided them everything, but the dialogue and actual scene breakdowns. Again, the number of pages will depend upon your imagination and story skills. This is an important preparation for you because it will be the last time you will have the luxury of using so many words. The more complete this document - the easier it will be for you to write your screenplay.
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I don't know that people want to read a thirty page treatment. i've seen four page ones that covered the story nicely. if you're condensing your story it should be under ten pages. I wouldn't go past five to be honest. you don't have to explain every scene. you can condense them too.
Thanks for the feedback folks. This is my second treatment. The first one I wrote, included the log line, synopsis, character notes, and then the actual story outline. All of those elements added up to 7 pages single-spaced. This new one I am working on is 10 pages (2 of which are just personal notes). Curious, can/should the treatment be used as a method to sell a script idea for a production company? I've read articles where people pitch ideas and they become movies. Note: I have written a full-length script too.
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A treatment is part of a step deal, so usually the producer who hired you will tell you what length they want. I've had anything from five pages to thirty five required by my contracts. If you are writing a treatment for yourself, it's whatever you want. No one buys treatments... only finished, rewritten, polished screenplays. (even then, most scripts are "job applications" for assignments... where those step deals come into play).
Thanks for the information Will. Much appreciated.