Treatment writing
Treatment writing is a crucial stage in the development of film, television, video games, commercials, and other media projects. It bridges the gap between the initial idea and the full script, providing a concise yet compelling overview of the project's narrative, characters, and visual style. A well-written treatment can secure funding, attract talent, and serve as a roadmap for the entire production process.
What to look for in a treatment writer
When hiring a freelance treatment writer, look for a strong grasp of storytelling principles, excellent writing skills, and the ability to adapt their style to different genres and formats. A good treatment writer can distil complex ideas into a clear and engaging narrative, capturing the essence of the project while leaving room for creative interpretation during scripting.
Key skills and qualities:
- Strong narrative structure and pacing
- Compelling character development
- Vivid and evocative language
- Understanding of target audience and market trends
- Ability to incorporate client feedback effectively
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
Main expertise areas
Treatment writers can specialise in various areas, including:
- Film & television: Feature films, short films, television series, documentaries
- Video games: Story outlines, character bios, world-building
- Commercials & advertising: Concept development, script outlines
- Corporate videos: Explainer videos, training materials, presentations
When hiring, ensure the freelancer has experience in the specific area relevant to your project.
Relevant interview questions
Here are some questions to ask potential treatment writers:
- Can you share examples of treatments you've written in a similar genre?
- What is your process for developing a treatment?
- How do you approach character development and world-building?
- How do you handle feedback and revisions?
- Tell me about a time you faced a challenging creative brief. How did you overcome it?
Tips for shortlisting candidates
- Review portfolios carefully, paying attention to the quality of writing, clarity of ideas, and the freelancer's ability to tailor their approach to different projects.
- Look for evidence of strong storytelling skills and a deep understanding of the target audience.
- Consider requesting a short sample treatment based on a brief outline of your project. This can provide valuable insight into their writing style and ability to translate your vision into a compelling narrative.
Potential red flags
Be wary of candidates who:
- Lack a diverse portfolio showcasing different genres or formats
- Struggle to articulate their creative process
- Are unwilling to incorporate feedback or revisions
- Have poor communication skills or are unresponsive to inquiries
Typical complementary skills
Treatment writing often goes hand-in-hand with skills such as:
- Screenwriting
- Copywriting
- Storyboarding
- Script editing
Consider whether these complementary skills are relevant to your project needs.
Benefits of hiring a freelance treatment writer
Hiring a freelance treatment writer offers several advantages, including:
- Focused expertise: Benefit from specialised skills and experience in crafting compelling narratives.
- Fresh perspective: Gain a new viewpoint on your project and unlock creative potential.
- Time efficiency: Free up your time to focus on other aspects of the production process.
- Cost-effectiveness: Access a wider pool of talent and find the perfect fit for your budget.
- Flexibility and scalability: Scale your team up or down as needed throughout the project lifecycle.
A strong treatment is the foundation of a successful media project. By hiring a skilled freelance treatment writer, you can ensure your vision is effectively communicated and sets the stage for a captivating final product. Whether you're developing a film, video game, or commercial, a professional treatment writer can help bring your ideas to life.
Examples of treatment writing in action
Imagine you're launching a new mobile game. A treatment writer can create a compelling narrative that outlines the game's core mechanics, characters, and world, helping you secure funding from investors.
Perhaps you're a marketing agency developing a new campaign for a client. A treatment writer can develop a series of short, impactful treatments for different video concepts, allowing the client to choose the best approach.
Or maybe you're an independent filmmaker seeking funding for your next short film. A well-crafted treatment can showcase your vision and attract potential producers and collaborators.
