A movie treatment is a short version of an actual script. Treatments allow potential buyers to understand the plot elements of a film without actually reading a full-length script. The treatment is typed, usually without any dialogue, and follows the same story order a script would. Treatments are also used when soliciting press and ramping up media awareness of a movie, but these treatments are far shorter than the ones presented to potential buyers of the movie idea.
A treatment can be anywhere from three to five pages long. Treatments are typically divided into the three acts of a screenplay, with one page each for the first and third act and two pages for the longer second act. Like screenplays, treatments should be typed in a 12-point Courier New font; they can be typed out in paragraph format.
Aspiring screenwriters attempt to secure the representation of an agent by sending out a typed treatment. A treatment should be the first attempt in getting the agent's attention, because full screenplays that are sent to agents are usually just thrown out without even being read.
Movie treatments sent to agents needs to be properly formatted and free of grammatical errors. Rereading a treatment is key to gaining representation in the screenwriting field, because the majors do not want to hire someone who cannot edit his own work.
Movie treatments can be typed as an outline for a full script. They help guide screenwriters to their various plot points and follow any payoffs that may need to be set up. Treatments can also be written after the movie has been completed; it is ultimately up to the screenwriter to choose when to write.
A movie treatment should be just as exciting as a screenplay. It can be almost written like a novel, enticing the reader and helping him visualize the movie and its scenes as effectively as possible. You can leave cliffhangers in between acts and build characterization as much as possible, but still keep the treatment concise and fast-paced. A compelling treatment can take just as much time to write as a successful screenplay.
Treatments are also a popular way to write out a music-video outline. The running time of a music video makes the treatment format an easy and quick way to explain ideas.