Script Treatment

What is a 'Script Treatment'?

1. 10 - 15 sentences
2. can be point form
3. 1 line for each major plot point - be specific
4. no dialogue although the purpose of the dialogue must be there if it is key to the story (i.e. Dave tells Mary that he loves her)
5. must have emotion if it's key to the story (i.e. John yells at Dave)
6. always written in present tense

Demo:

1. person is relaxing (shots of texting/TV/xbox/etc.)
2. text or phone call asking if he/she did the project
3. panic as project is begun (audience needs more info about the project - is it a group project? when is it due? how many marks? need to establish to increase pressure)
4. friend asks how he/she writes so creatively
5. answers that they have a guaranteed system - pulls out a paper with "guaranteed creative writing steps"
6. sequence of shots working through list: brew coffee, brainstorm - mind map (crumples papers), wear costumes and walk around (ideas get more crazy), randomly type on keyboard with feet
7. sit still in a dark room
8. Mom comes into room (dark) and turns light on. and, startled, asks if he/she is ok
9. lightbulb come on and furious typing begins - title "when the lights came on"
10. keyboarding shots continue - typing at breakneck pace - signs of sweat on brow
11. text comes through - how's the story? "Great - nearly done!". "don't forget to save". Boom - lights go out.
12. resolution? ( birds tweating - sun coming up - smashed computer on curb with garbage can)
13. credits start to roll. camera still looking at broken computer on the curb. Person walks up and drops the guaranteed writing system into frame