How To Write A TV Show Treatment? A Comprehensive Guide
Writing a TV show treatment can be both an exciting and daunting task. It's the first step in moving your story idea from a mere concept to a full-fledged television series. So, where do you begin?
In this blog post, we will delve into the world of TV show treatments, discussing the essential elements you need to include and offering tips on captivating your reader and audience, whether it's a producer, executive producer, writer, or script editor.
1. What is a TV Show Treatment?
A TV show treatment is a document that provides a detailed overview of your proposed television show.
It is often written to pitch your idea to a production company or television network and acts as a roadmap for future development.
A film treatment for a TV show typically includes information about the show's main story line, main characters, story arc(s), and episode outlines.
It is not the same as a script treatment, a summary of an entire script or screenplay.
2. The Importance of a Great Treatment
An excellent treatment can be the difference between your television show being greenlit or gathering dust on a producer's shelf.
It allows you to showcase your writing skills, demonstrate your ability to develop a compelling narrative, and prove that you deeply understand the world you're creating.
A well-written treatment can help you collaborate with other writers and guide the development process as your show evolves.
3. Key Components of a TV Show Treatment
While treatments can vary in format and style, there are several key components that you should always include:
3.1 Working Title
The working title is the first thing a reader will see, so it should be catchy and convey the overall tone of your show. Keep it short and memorable.
3.2 Log Line
A log line is a one- or two-sentence summary of your show's premise, and it should be attention-grabbing and provide just enough information to pique the reader's interest.
3.3 Format Description
The format description outlines the structure of your show. Specify whether it's a drama, comedy, reality series, or something else. Include the show's length (30 minutes, 60 minutes, etc.) and if it's serialized or episodic.
3.4 Main Characters
Introduce your main characters by providing brief character biographies. Describe their personalities, backgrounds, and motivations. Show what makes them unique and how they will evolve throughout the series.
3.5 Overall Concept and Story
Explain your show's overall concept and main storyline in as few words as possible. Include the show's setting, key themes, and any unique elements that set it apart from other shows.
3.6 Main Story Arcs
Outline the main story arcs for the episodes of your show, including the conflicts and resolutions that drive the narrative. Focus on the most significant moments and avoid getting bogged down in fine details.
3.7 Episode Outlines
Provide brief episode outlines for the first season or a selection of episodes. These should highlight the main events and storylines, showing how each episode contributes to the narrative.
3.8 Show Bible
A show bible is an optional but highly recommended component of your treatment. This comprehensive document includes in-depth information about your show's world, characters, and storylines. It can be a valuable resource for writers, producers, and other collaborators as the show develops.
4. Writing Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you're familiar with the key components of a TV show treatment, let's explore the step-by-step process of writing one.
4.1 Develop Your Idea
Before you begin writing, spend some time refining your story idea. Consider the following questions:
What is the premise of your show?
What makes it unique and compelling?
Who are the main characters, and what are their motivations?
What are the main conflicts and story arcs?
4.2 Write an Elevator Pitch
An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive speech that you can use to spark interest in your show. It should be concise and engaging, highlighting the most intriguing aspects of your concept. Practice your elevator pitch to ensure it's polished and effective.
4.3 Create Character Biographies
Develop detailed character biographies for your main characters. Please include information about their backgrounds, personalities, motivations, and relationships with other characters. This will help you create compelling, three-dimensional characters with which audiences can connect.
4.4 Map Out the Main Story Arcs
Outline the main story arcs for your show, identifying the central conflicts and resolutions. Focus on the most significant story moments and avoid getting bogged down in fine details.
4.5 Write Episode Outlines
Craft episode outlines for the first season or a selection of episodes. These should highlight the main events and storylines, showing the audience how each episode contributes to the narrative.
4.6 Edit and Revise
Once you've completed your first draft, please review it carefully and make any necessary revisions. Ensure your treatment is well-organized, engaging, and free of grammatical errors.
4.7 Seek Feedback
Share your treatment with trusted friends, colleagues, or industry professionals to gather valuable feedback. Be open to criticism and use it to improve your treatment.
5. Wrapping Up
Writing a TV show treatment is a crucial step in turning your idea into a successful television series.
By following the steps outlined in this guide and incorporating the essential components of an excellent treatment, you'll be well on your way to crafting a captivating pitch that captures the attention of producers, executive producers, and scripteditors alike.
Remember, persistence and patience are key in the world of TV development. So, keep honing your craft, refining your ideas, and networking with industry professionals.
You can turn your dream of creating a hit television show into a reality with hard work and dedication.
Now that you're equipped with the knowledge and tools to write a compelling TV show treatment, it's time to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and start bringing your vision to life.
Remember that every successful television series began as an idea in a writer's mind, and with persistence, passion, and a well-crafted treatment, your show could be the next big hit.
Good luck, and happy writing!
Frequently Asked Questions About TV Show Treatments
How long should a TV show treatment be?
The length of a TV show treatment can vary, but generally, it should be between 5 to 15 pages. It's essential to balance providing enough story material to intrigue your reader and keeping the treatment concise and engaging.
Make sure to include a tasty description of the setting, core returning cast, and the central message of your series.
What's the difference between a treatment, a script treatment, and a screenplay treatment?
A treatment is a detailed overview of your television show, a script treatment is a summary of a specific episode, and a screenplay treatment is a comprehensive feature film outline.
Treatments are typically used in the pitching process to convey the essence of your show, whereas script treatments and screenplay treatments are used during the actual production of your show or film.
How do I incorporate the series format, episode outline, and main narrative into my treatment?
In your treatment, you should clearly outline the series format, whether a serialized drama, a procedural, or an anthology series.
Include an episode outline that showcases several stories, key moments, and the arcing storyline that will unfold throughout the series.
Your main narrative should be summarized in a pitch or small paragraph that encapsulates the show's core concept in a compelling and easily accessible way.
Is it necessary to include a pilot script with my treatment?
Including a pilot script with your treatment is only sometimes required, but it can be beneficial. A well-written pilot script can provide a more in-depth look at your show's tone, characters, and dialogue, further demonstrating your writing skills and vision for the series.
How do I create engaging character biographies for my treatment?
When crafting character biographies, consider including pertinent information, such as their background, desires, and conflicts.
Use pithy evocative language to describe your characters, and don't forget to mention any recurring or guest characters that will add depth to your story.
How do I protect my TV show treatment from being stolen?
To protect your intellectual property, it's a good idea to register your treatment with the Writers Guild of America (WGA) or a similar organization in your country.
Additionally, when sharing your treatment with industry professionals, you can include a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to ensure confidentiality.
Can I submit my TV show treatment directly to a network or production company?
While submitting your treatment directly to a network or production company is possible, your chances of success may be higher if you have an agent or manager to represent you.
Agents and managers have connections within the industry and can help get your treatment in front of the right people.
What should I do if my TV show treatment is rejected?
Rejection is a normal pitching process, so don't be discouraged. Instead, use your feedback to improve your treatment or explore other ideas.
Keep networking, honing your craft, and submitting your work to different production companies or contests. Persistence is critical in the entertainment industry.
Can I collaborate with other writers when creating a TV show treatment?
Absolutely! Collaborating with other writers can bring fresh perspectives and ideas to your treatment, strengthening your pitch. Just establish clear agreements about ownership and credit before embarking on a collaboration.
Armed with the answers to these frequently asked questions and an understanding of the keywords from the list above, you're one step closer to crafting a captivating TV show treatment that can help turn your idea into the next hit television series.
Good luck, and happy writing!
