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How to Write a Treatment for a Movie Script

So you want to write a movie script but don’t know where to start. Don’t start until you write a treatment. Treatments are read first by agents and producers before they ask to read the movie script or screenplay. Follow these steps to write a treatment for a movie script.

Instructions

    • 1

      Figure out the basics of your story before you start writing your treatment. Know how your story will begin and end.

    • 2

      Write out your story from beginning to end, giving all of the highlights, but skipping the detail. Do it like you’re describing a good movie to a friend. Make sure events follow in logical sequence.

    • 3

      Use a conversational tone with as little dialog as possible. Be concise. Remember, you’re not telling the whole story, you just want to tell enough that they ask for more.

    • 4

      Be creative as you like as you write a treatment. It’s where you really get to tell your story without worrying about the structure and formatting required of a screenplay.

    • 5

      Make a treatment 5 to 10 pages long. Write in present tense with character names in capital letters. Double space and leave four to six spaces when there’s a location change or time lapse.

    • 6

      Register your treatment with the Writers Guild of America to protect it from theft. If that’s not possible, have it forwarded by an agent or attorney in order to leave a paper trail.

    • 7

      Number your pages at the bottom center or top right-hand side of the page, 1/2 inch from the top and side. Center the title on a cover sheet and place your name, address, email address, phone number and Writers Guild of America registration number underneath it. Fasten it with a staple in the upper-left corner.

Screen Writing

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