Film Treatment Basics

Writing a Treatment

Development of your idea from your proposal. It should include;
- An indication of the size and content of your product
    - Duration (10 mins)
    - Number of actors
    - Number of crew members
    - Content - Storyline
- An initial script
- Estimated cost of production
- An idea of the personnel involved in the project
- A contingency plan (Plan B)
- Research carried out for the production

Intro;
A short paragraph that summarises the original proposal  and the approach you will take to develop the idea. Use the opening act to sell the idea.

Outline Script;
In order to understand what actual resources you may need and the timeline of your work, you will need to produce an outline script. This brings together your ideas into a format that clearly demonstrates how the product will progress, what it will look like when it is completed. In general, it just gives you a clear picture.

Budget;
It is essential that you understand the budgetary requirements of your planned project. You will have to produce a realistic budget for the project your producing. You must use real examples of equipment hire and cost when developing a budget.

Target;
A clear list of who is doing what, mention who is doing what in your film such as acting, voiceovers and presenting. This will give a clear understanding of how your film will look and who is getting involved.

Production Staff;
Who is woking on the project - breakdown of the crew.

Contingency;
Things can go wrong so it is vital that you prepare a back-up plan. All reasons need to be covered in this as it will stop time being wasted.
- Client changes their mind about the content of the product after agreement has been reached.
- The price of materials or equipment changes once the production has started.
- An actor is ill or they can't make it due to other commitments.
- Equipment breaks down during the production process.
- Severe weather conditions or just the change in the weather means continuity is difficult to maintain.

Contingency planning is extremely important. It is there as a safety net when things do go wrong. All productions have to have a contingency plan.

Research;
Include any conducted research. This might link to similar products that you have looked at, online research of articles or surveys carried out.