Ten Tips for Writing an Effective TV or Film Treatment
Being a script consultancy with lots of experience in treatment development, I understand the pivotal role a well-drafted treatment plays in pitching your TV series or show. Here’s a tailored guide addressing common queries such as "how to write a treatment for a TV series" or "how to write a TV or film treatment". Use them to craft a a treatment that captures the essence of your story and hooks your audience from the get-go.
Ten Tips for Writing an Effective TV or Film Treatment (in brief)
Use Present Tense
Embrace Third-Person View
Incorporate Foreshadowing
Insert Essential Backstories
Exclude Opinions/Exposition
Prioritize Action Over Dialogue
Emphasize Visual Storytelling
Maintain Clear Objectives
Develop Distinct Characters
Ensure Story Progression
Ten Tips for Writing an Effective TV or Film Treatment (in full)
Let's explore why each of these tips is crucial and how they contribute to creating a compelling treatment for TV shows.
1. WRITE IN THE PRESENT TENSE
Tell the story as it happens. Present tense gives the treatment energy and immediacy, making it easy for the reader to picture the show unfolding.
2. ESTABLISH TONE EARLY
Set the mood from the opening paragraph. Whether it is sharp comedy, unsettling thriller or sweeping drama, the tone should be clear and consistent so the reader understands the world they are entering.
3. INCORPORATE FORESHADOWING
Use foreshadowing to build intrigue and anticipation. Hint at future events or twists to keep producers and viewers engaged. Tease and play with us.
4. INSERT ONLY ESSENTIAL BACKSTORIES
Include only the backstories needed to understand motivation. Give depth without slowing the read. Save the rest for later.
5. EXCLUDE AUTHOR OPINIONS AND EXPOSITION
Avoid personal opinions and unnecessary explanation. Stick to plot and character actions. Show rather than tell.
6. PRIORITISE ACTION OVER DIALOGUE
Let action drive the treatment. Use dynamic scenes rather than long dialogue. This is not a script. A few sharp lines are fine, nothing more.
7. EMPHASISE VISUAL STORYTELLING
TV AND FILM ARE visual MEDIUMS. Describe key images that carry the story. Think in pictures, not essays.
8. MAINTAIN CLEAR OBJECTIVES
Every section should have a purpose and advance the overall arc. If you do not know why it is there, cut it.
9. DEVELOP DISTINCT CHARACTERS
Create clear, memorable characters. Strong characterisation makes the treatment more appealing. Aim to summarise each character in three words.
10. ENSURE STORY PROGRESSION
Show how the story moves forward. Each beat should build on the last and drive the plot. This is why we watch and why we care.
Finally, have fun. Make it more fun to read. Enjoy yourself.
I’m Doug Crossley, I tell stories and I help people tell theirs. I know that choosing the right script consultant is about finding someone you trust to walk beside you. If you’re ready to work with someone who brings warmth, rigour, and creative partnership to the process, explore my script consulting services. The right collaboration can help your story become what it’s meant to be. Want to discover more? Book in a free call to discuss your project.
