How do you write a screen treatment for a movie?

[BurtWorm]

Has anyone here had experience with this? Is there a place to view screen treatments on line? (I've Googled and can't find any.)

Is it basically a scene-by-scene description? How detailed should it be? How many pages are they typically for a 90 minute or 2 hour movie?

[Stephanie]

1. Go to J&R and get the Syd Field DVD - it's in the software racks upstairs

It's 20 bucks and it's all you need. He also has a book.

"Syd Field's Screenwriting Workshop"

[BurtWorm]

2. Thank you, Stephanie!

:toast:

PS: Is that the guy Charlie Kaufmann satirized in "Adaptation?"

[Stephanie]

5. In the DVD he gives you assignments and gives you the structure

I think writing the treatment is the first assignment. He's very clear.

xx
S

[BurtWorm]

11. Sounds like just what I need.

[Stephanie]

7. I didn't see Adaptation but it's highly possible

He's well known, and I think there's another guy who does a Screenwriting Boot Camp, but it could be the same guy, not sure.

[BigMcLargehuge]

3. there is scripting software out there

I can't remember the names off hand.

The average 90 minute movie is about 90 pages long as each page represents one minute of screen time,

[boobooday]

4. I teach this

They can be of varying length -- the question is, what are you using it for?

If it is a "Pitch" to show other people, it should be short, 1-5 pages, and in narrative form. It should sound like an interesting short story and hit the main points of your story. You don't have to give away the end if you don't want to!

a very cool resource is www.moviebytes.com

If you want to write the script, I can send you simple instructions for creating the master screenplay format in word. It's a lot cheaper than buying a software package!

I also have some scripts I can send you to read -- I have some interesting early drafts of famous movies, like American Beauty.

http://www.wgoeshome.com

[BurtWorm]

8. Thank you (and thank you Big McLargeHuge)

I want to sell the idea for a nice price. ;)

[Stephanie]

10. You could also check out the site for Final Draft

This is expensive software that everybody uses for scripts. You don't need the software, but the site is good for info. I think it's www.finaldraft.com

[BigMcLargehuge]

12. that's the software!!!

My friend swears by it. I couldn't remember the name.

I am a standard issue manuscript writer so I only use Word.

[BurtWorm]

13. Stephanie, have you written for the screen?

Have you gotten anything looked at, talked about, etc.?

[Stephanie]

15. Not really. I write but I never finish anything.

But I know tons of writers. PM me for info. Another site of interest - www.triggerstreet.com - this is Kevin Spacey's project.

[Metatron]

6. A link that might help

http://www.filmmaking.net/discuss/faqs/aspBoardDetail.asp?Id=190

[BurtWorm]

9. Excellent link! Thanks!

:toast:

[Paragon]

14. Don't bother with a treatment

...unless you want it for yourself as a reference for a pitch to an agent and hopefully, a studio.

Actual treatments are a luxury of writers & directors who already have a resume but don't have a script finished. Work on the script - assuming you get an agent and the script makes it to a studio, your script will be read by a low-level flunkie who writes a summary and recommendation to the higher-ups.

Not trying to discourage you at all - just letting you know what you're up against. :)

[BurtWorm]

16. Thanks. I'm not discouraged. Not overly encouraged either.

It's just that I have this maddeningly good idea. ;)

[boobooday]

17. Start with an outline then

Get the bones down. Just pour out as much as you can, without letting your inner critic get in the way. Dare to be bad!

Then go back, and sculpt it into brilliance. :-)

But don't hold back on that first draft. I write scripts (sometimes I even get paid :-) and teach scriptwriting. Software is fine, but you don't really need it.

Just put your hands on the keys, baby, and let it flow!

boobooday

Oops, AND GOOD LUCK! :hi:

[Paragon]

18. "boobooday"?

"Kill, kill, kill...the white man. Kill him 'til he is dead." :D

[boobooday]

20. mama looka boobooday!

That's right. Along with my bash-bush site, I also maintain
http://www.boobooday.com

:-)

[BurtWorm]

19. You're all making me ferklempt!

:cry: You're such mensches! I'll remember you at the Oscars!