{"id":87726,"date":"2017-03-07T07:00:50","date_gmt":"2017-03-07T13:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/?p=87726"},"modified":"2017-03-07T14:57:59","modified_gmt":"2017-03-07T20:57:59","slug":"write-documentary-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/write-documentary-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Write a Documentary Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 id=\"youve-got-an-idea-for-a-documentary-but-you-need-funding-writing-a-treatment-is-an-essential-part-of-fundraising\" class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">You\u2019ve got an idea for a documentary, but you need funding. Writing a treatment is an essential part of fundraising.\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><em>Top image via <a href=\"http:\/\/www.adweek.com\/tvnewser\/morgan-spurlock-cnns-new-inside-man-in-his-element\/185889\" target=\"_blank\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Ad Week \/ Alex Weprin<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Writing <strong>treatments<\/strong> is not the most glamorous part of the <strong>filmmaking process<\/strong>. However, they demonstrate your grasp of the <strong>story<\/strong> and its <strong>production.<\/strong> As such, a quality <a href=\"http:\/\/www.howtomake-a-documentary.com\/documentary-tips\/131-documentary-tip-7-writing-a-strong-treatment\" target=\"_blank\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">treatment<\/a> improves your <strong>fundraising efforts<\/strong> and streamlines the filmmaking process.<\/p>\n<p>In the simplest terms, <strong>a treatment is a detailed report that can inform potential investors or contributors about a project<\/strong>, including its budget, production timeline, and other processes. Often, a treatment is a living document that you alter as necessary \u2014 for example, different grant programs or funding outlets require different information. The following are <strong>the key components of an effective treatment.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/gimbal.jpg\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-87818\" title=\"How to Write a Documentary Treatment \u2014 gimbal\" src=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/gimbal.jpg\" alt=\"How to Write a Documentary Treatment \u2014 gimbal\" width=\"755\" height=\"504\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/gimbal.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/gimbal.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/gimbal.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/gimbal.jpg?resize=277,185 277w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/gimbal.jpg?resize=359,239 359w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/gimbal.jpg?resize=543,362 543w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/gimbal.jpg?resize=865,577 865w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/gimbal.jpg?resize=994,663 994w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/gimbal.jpg?resize=560,374 560w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/gimbal.jpg?resize=150,100 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 755px) 100vw, 755px\" \/><br \/>\n<\/a><em>Image via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/videographer-gimball-video-dslr-520181374\" target=\"_blank\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Shutterstock<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"log-line\">Log Line<\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">A <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Log_line\" target=\"_blank\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">log line<\/a> is a two- to three-sentence summary of the film. Think of it like an <strong>elevator pitch.<\/strong> It needs to be short, powerful, and captivating. Your log line will be the first piece of information people see about your film, so it&#8217;s critical to leave a good impression. I can tell you from personal experience that you will recite this log line continuously during the production and distribution of your film, so make sure you <strong>love<\/strong> it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"summary-of-topic\">Summary of Topic<\/h3>\n<p>The summary is a <strong>longer<\/strong> and <strong>more detailed version<\/strong> of your log line. Usually, you\u2019ll want to summarize your topic in one to two pages. This is when you begin to really make a case for your film and its relevance. Something to keep in mind is that a treatment is <strong>creative.<\/strong> Don\u2019t write it like you would an essay in high school. Write in a <strong>captivating<\/strong> and <strong>entertaining<\/strong> manner. This is the first chance your reader has to see your narrative voice in action.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"narrative-synopsis\">Narrative Synopsis<\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Your <strong>narrative synopsis<\/strong> starts to break down the themes and story arcs of your film \u2014 in depth. It demonstrates the framework of your film, and this is where you\u2019ll detail <strong>the progression of your story<\/strong> and characters. This is also where the reader can see your directorial vision. After reading the synopsis, the reader should understand how the story will play out and how the characters will develop.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/lighting.jpg\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><br \/>\n<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/lighting.jpg\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-87833 size-full\" title=\"How to Write a Documentary Treatment \u2014 Lighting\" src=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/lighting.jpg\" alt=\"How to Write a Documentary Treatment \u2014 Lighting\" width=\"755\" height=\"425\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/lighting.jpg 755w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/lighting.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/lighting.jpg?resize=277,156 277w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/lighting.jpg?resize=359,202 359w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/lighting.jpg?resize=543,306 543w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/lighting.jpg?resize=560,315 560w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/lighting.jpg?resize=150,84 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 755px) 100vw, 755px\" \/><br \/>\n<\/a><em>Image via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/behind-scenes-427347121\" target=\"_blank\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Shutterstock<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"key-characters\">Key Characters<\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Some grant applications ask for summaries of each of the <strong>key characters<\/strong> in the film. These summaries are simple, one-paragraph breakdowns of the key characters and how they contribute to the story. You should highlight the details of each character and why you&#8217;re including them in the film.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"directors-statement\">Director\u2019s Statement<\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Some grant programs or other investors require a <strong>director&#8217;s statement<\/strong> detailing your passion for\u00a0the project and why you want to share the story with the world. This is your opportunity to showcase why you\u2019re the right person to make this film. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"status-of-the-film\">Status of the Film<\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Different grant programs will have different timelines in mind while they consider funding films. Thoroughly describe where your film is in the production process, but also clearly identify <strong>how much work remains\u00a0<\/strong>to complete the film. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"key-crew-members\" class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Key Crew Members <\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If you have a great team attached to the film, this is your <strong>opportunity<\/strong> to sell your crew members and their qualifications for the project.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"line-item-budget\">Line Item Budget<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/budget.jpg\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-87767 size-full\" title=\"How to Write a Documentary Treatment \u2014 Budget\" src=\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/budget.jpg\" alt=\"How to Write a Documentary Treatment \u2014 Budget\" width=\"755\" height=\"504\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/budget.jpg 755w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/budget.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/budget.jpg?resize=277,185 277w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/budget.jpg?resize=359,240 359w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/budget.jpg?resize=543,362 543w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/budget.jpg?resize=560,374 560w, https:\/\/vip-go.premiumbeat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/budget.jpg?resize=150,100 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 755px) 100vw, 755px\" \/><br \/>\n<\/a><em>Image via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/hands-financial-manager-taking-notes-when-363989888\" target=\"_blank\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Shutterstock<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>If a grant committee or investor is going to contribute\u00a0funds, they will want to know how you plan to allocate them. Go into detail, and be prepared to answer why you really need<strong> $50 for gummy bears<\/strong> or why you&#8217;re shooting in a more expensive camera format. Check out a <a href=\"https:\/\/fstoppers.com\/business\/budgets-shotlists-and-more-free-templates-freelance-production-jobs-3163\" target=\"_blank\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">film production budget template<\/a> for ideas about how to craft your own.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"fundraising-strategy\">Fundraising Strategy<\/h3>\n<p>Unless you\u2019re very lucky, most grants or investments won\u2019t fund the entire project. In this section, you will detail how you plan to pursue <strong>additional funding<\/strong> to complete the project.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"distribution-and-marketing-strategy\">Distribution and Marketing Strategy<\/h3>\n<p>From the beginning of your project, you\u2019ve probably envisioned the perfect platform or space for the finished project. In this section of your treatment, you will explain how you plan to <strong>place the finished film<\/strong> with these platforms to reach the largest audience possible.<\/p>\n<p>As you start the <strong>treatment submission process<\/strong>, you will find that each outlet has unique requirements. Be prepared to make changes or additions to your treatment. Take the time to craft a quality treatment beforehand, and this process will go much more smoothly.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p class=\"p1\"><strong>Do you know any tips or tricks about the treatment writing process?<\/strong> Let us know in the comments.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You\u2019ve got an idea for a documentary, but you need funding. Writing a treatment is an essential part of fundraising.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":87,"featured_media":87883,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[3843,715,583],"tags":[2365,536,857,531],"class_list":["post-class-post-87726","post-class-post","post-class-type-post","post-class-status-publish","post-class-format-standard","post-class-has-post-thumbnail","post-class-hentry","post-class-category-filmmaking-2","post-class-category-industry","post-class-category-video-production-2","post-class-tag-documentaries","post-class-tag-filmmaking","post-class-tag-industry-2","post-class-tag-videography"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v18.5 (Yoast SEO v27.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Write a Documentary Treatment<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"You\u2019ve got an idea for a documentary, but you need funding. 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