Spec Market Eligible: |
Yes |
Review Length: |
2-4 pages |
Scouting Eligible: |
No |
Synopsis Length: |
N/A |
Sharkgrid: |
No |
Turnaround: |
2-3 weeks |
What is a Treatment?
Treatments are the building blocks of the development process. A treatment tells the complete story before setting it in script form, adding depth to character and story by filling in missing blanks. The Treatment comes before the script and after the outline. They tend to focus on story construction, conceptual feasibility, and next step suggestions.
Why should I write a Treatment?
Treatments are the best place to hammer out initial story and character problems. Unless a script is sold on spec, most buyers require a treatment (or very detailed outline) from you before commencement of the actual screenplay can take place. If financed independently, the treatment's often a part of the initial fundraising package. In both cases, it's an integral step in the writing process, and our Analysts are ready to help you make it as useful as possible.
How is a treatment analysis different than a Coverage Report?
Because a treatment analysis isn't a fully scripted story, rather a broad illustration of the events and motivations, the analysis focuses more on helping you shape the general story as opposed to solving specific screenplay-execution issues. The service is designed purely for development purposes (treatments are not eligible for the Executive Market. Instead, think of it as an industry analysis on how to proceed (or not to proceed) with the screenplay.
Should I include dialogue in my treatment?
Treatments should keep dialogue to a minimum. Most are written in prose and range from ten to twenty pages. However, treatments come in all shapes and sizes. You can synopsize your story into a narrative structure or you can just plainly outline your three acts, plots, sub-plots, characters, conflicts, etc. Be sure to check out our Sample Treatment.
My Treatment must be at least four (4) pages long?
In order to provide our analysts enough information about your story, we do require a four page minimum on all treatments. It's important that you think about the story as much as possible before submitting - our analysts' job is to review the information provided, not supply story ideas to something that isn't fully "fleshed-out."
Is this a good option if I don't want to write the screenplay?
Treatments are the best way to bring your story to the page if you have no interest in writing the screenplay. They lay out the central themes and the general direction of the story without delving into many of the specific mechanical elements found in the screenplay. But, if you're not going to write the screenplay yourself, be sure and find a creative entity (aspiring or established) you trust to partner with.
Is ScriptShark going to show my treatment to Industry Professionals?
As with any story idea, you are always welcome to post your treatment in the Spec Market. However, if you are planning to write it yourself, you should try to limit the story's exposure to potential buyers – this is the stage many project ideas find their way into other people's stories. Since you are, in essence, doing the same thing a Hollywood development executive does at this point, be sure to carefully protect your material.
Are treatments easy to sell to Hollywood?
Treatments are very difficult for a writer without a track record in Hollywood to sell. First-time screenwriters will find it easier to sell a completed screenplay. The reality is that treatments, ideas and pitches tend to only sell if they come from an established talent (writer, director, actor). Does it mean treatments are impossible to sell? Of course not – there's always an exception to every rule. But be weary of shopping a simple story in this form. In fact, once you've completed your treatment, we recommend you register it at the WGA.
What format should my treatment be in?
Your treatment should be written in standard prose format.
What does a Reality Show Treatment look like?
As this is a relatively new medium there are no specific formatting rules. However, you should generally focus on the show's concept, it's episodic break-up, narrative requirements, and prize/results. Don't get too technical with the document - that element won't come into play until much later. Our analysts will help you dig out the idea and make sure you're thinking about it from all possible angles.
Does using the Treatment service guarantee that I will eventually receive a “Consider” or “Recommend” coverage report on the project?
The Treatment service is designed to help provide you with the building blocks necessary to create a solid screenplay structure. Unfortunately it does not guarantee that you will receive favorable coverage, but it can certainly better your chances.
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