What is a Treatment?

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Many of us imagine our books belong on a big screen of some sort. For the true believers, a treatment is where you begin the journey. In the context of the writing and film industries, a treatment is a document that outlines the key elements of a story or concept. It serves as a concise summary of the plot, characters, and major story beats.

Treatments are used as a preliminary step in adapting a book or novel into a screenplay or script for a film or television show. The industry considers a treatment a form of sales pitch. It aims to generate interest and persuade potential buyers, producers, or collaborators to invest in or pursue the adaptation of a book.

A well-crafted treatment presents the story engagingly, highlighting its unique and marketable aspects. It engages the reader by providing a glimpse into the narrative, characters, and thematic elements and by demonstrating the story's potential for success. In this manner, treatments are used as a tool to pitch a book adaptation to producers, studios, or decision-makers. They serve as a way to capture their attention, generate excitement, and secure interest in developing the project further.

When writing a treatment based on your book, here are some steps to consider:

Identify the main elements: Determine the essential elements of the story that need to be included in your treatment. Focus on the central plotline, main characters, and significant turning points or climactic moments.

Summarize the story: Begin your treatment with a concise summary of the overall story. Highlight the main narrative arc, including the beginning, middle, and end. Provide an overview of the major events and how the story unfolds.

Introduce the characters: Introduce the key characters from the book in your treatment. Briefly describe their roles, motivations, and relationships to one another. Focus on the main characters that have a significant impact on the story.

Highlight the themes and tone: Discuss the underlying themes, messages, or emotions conveyed in the book. Mention the tone and atmosphere of the story, as these elements greatly influence the adaptation process.

Adaptation approach: If necessary, include a section where you explain your approach to adapting the book into a visual medium. Discuss any changes, omissions, or alterations you plan to make in order to enhance the story's cinematic or episodic qualities.

Length and format: Treatments can vary in length and format, but they are typically concise and structured. Aim for a document that is clear and easy to read, providing a compelling overview of the story while being mindful of length restrictions (usually a few pages).

Remember that treatments are intended to be informative and engaging while capturing the essence of the book. They serve as a tool for pitching and communicating the potential of the story as a visual adaptation. So, it is important to craft a treatment that effectively communicates the story's strengths, marketability, and visual potential, while also reflecting the unique qualities that made the original book successful.

Here's a short example of a treatment for a fictional book-to-film adaptation:

Title: "The Secret of Evergreen Manor"

Genre: Mystery, Thriller

Logline:

When a young detective inherits a historic mansion, she becomes entangled in a web of family secrets and dark mysteries. As she unravels the truth behind the mansion's haunted past, she must confront her own demons and solve a decades-old murder before history repeats itself.

Treatment:

"The Secret of Evergreen Manor" is a gripping mystery thriller that explores the dark secrets hidden within the walls of an ancient mansion. Set in the picturesque town of Ravenwood, the story follows Jane Thompson, a talented yet haunted detective in her late twenties.

Act 1:

Jane unexpectedly inherits Evergreen Manor, a sprawling mansion that has been in her family for generations. Eager to start anew, she moves into the eerie estate and soon discovers that it holds a haunting past. As she delves into the mansion's history, Jane uncovers a forgotten murder that took place within its walls decades ago. Determined to find the truth, she investigates the cold case, despite resistance from the townspeople who want the secrets of Evergreen Manor to remain buried.

Act 2:

Jane's investigation uncovers a network of family secrets and hidden motives. She encounters a range of suspicious characters, including the enigmatic groundskeeper, a reclusive family friend, and a long-lost relative who has recently resurfaced. As Jane delves deeper, she becomes convinced that the current events are connected to the past, and the murderer may still be lurking in Ravenwood. Haunted by her own demons, she struggles to maintain her sanity as the line between reality and the supernatural blurs.

Act 3:

The stakes intensify as Jane unravels the truth behind the murder and the dark history of Evergreen Manor. Time is running out as she uncovers a shocking family secret that hits close to home. With the help of an unlikely ally, she pieces together the final clues and confronts the killer in a heart-pounding climax. The secrets of Evergreen Manor are exposed, and Jane finds closure not only for the victims of the past but also for her own troubled past.

"The Secret of Evergreen Manor" is a thrilling and atmospheric mystery that explores themes of family, redemption, and the power of confronting one's fears. With its haunting setting, complex characters, and a blend of psychological suspense and supernatural elements, this adaptation offers a captivating and chilling cinematic experience.

Note: The above example is a very brief treatment outline for demonstration purposes. In practice, treatments can vary in length, depth, and structure, depending on the specific project and target audience.