Let
me preface this by saying I hate writing treatments. To
me, treatments are like having to floss after brushing–its
painful, its makes you bleed a little, but you know you
have to do it. I use treatments in two different ways. First,
to lay out a story for a yet-to-be written novel or screenplay;
second, to create a "selling tool" describing
an already written novel or screenplay.
As a guide for a yet-to be-written project, treatments can
be an invaluable road map in outlining the steps that move
the plot and characters from start to finish. The more detailed
the character descriptions, the easier it is to create character
conflicts and flesh out the story later on. Flaws in characters
and storylines are also easier to remedy at this level,
before you become too emotionally attached with either.
Here's the thing to keep in mind about a treatment - once
the writing process begins, you will invariably find different
routes to get from A to Z. AT least that's the way it happens
for me. I start out with my treatment, begin writing, then
imagination takes over and a plot line takes a dark twist
you never anticipated. Sometimes it's inspired, sometimes
they lead to dead-ends. My advice is to run with it, but
keep that treatment close at hand so you don't stray right
off the map.
The
second type of treatment comes in writing a synopsis that
describes an already completed project. Why do you need
to do this? Many reasons, most involving the sale o a project.
Once you finish that great American novel you'll need to
pitch your idea to a literary agent or publisher. They aren't
interest in reading a 500 page manuscript unless you can
hook them in a 2-page query letter. But how do you condense
a 500-page novel into a 2 page synopsis and still create
the excitement and tension to sell the project? Maybe the
secret lies in flossing those teeth–one painful gum line
(action beat) at a time, keeping it short and sweet –as
your wounded ego spits bloodied saliva into the sink.
