A Documentary Treatment As One Of The Script Formats

A movie of any genre has a script, and a documentary is not an exception. However, the range of film plays for documentaries is broad, and grantmakers may specify the type of script they want to see. Documentary treatment is a narrative document that represents the plot of the film. This article observes this script format of the documentary film and offers handy instructions to craft it.

Documentary Treatments: Definition and Purpose

Documentary treatments are documents that describe in detail the sciences, characters, story structure, and unfolding. Due to precise attention to specifics, it reminds a script. Yet, the length of the documentary treatment is between two and ten pages. 

Documentary treatments possess the following specific features:

• expose the plot via narrative and visual description;
• emphasize the personality features in the story;
• persuades in the incredibility of the scenario, motivating to spring it to life.

It must explain the project entirely, making it attractive to the potential investors, contributors, or supporters and transmitting the impression from the film. The documentary treatment should include all necessary information, such as income and expense pro forma, the theme, involved people, location, and many more. So the potential investors, copartners, and other target audiences could estimate the complete perspective of the project. 

Writing a documentary treatment is a daunting task due to its unfolding nature. However, it is a very efficient tool for a cineaste to spread brainstorming ideas to the potential copartners, upraising the actual themes and observing them from different angles. A correctly crafted and engaging documentary treatment has more chances to win the attention of investors and the grant subsequently, moving the idea to reality.

Structure of a Documentary Treatment

A documentary treatment includes five primary parts:

1. Logline. These are one-two sentences that represent the film. They should contain the core information about the project with a brief yet comprehensive review of the problem, conveying its emotional side. The logline is a hook that should grab the attention of the target audience immediately. 
2. Tagline. A catchy phrase for marketers, distributors, advertisements, and other platforms to sell and promote the film. Later it may appear on the disk covers, posters, catalogs, or TV guide. It is usually shorter than a logline.
3. Proposal. It includes the details of the project, such as budget, distribution perspective, staffing, filming schedule, etc.
4. Synopsis. A concise overview of the plot you are representing. Its length may reach up to three pages and include one-three chapters.
5. Treatment body. It includes the list of participants and an explanation of their role, e.g., interviews and their place.

Combining all these chapters provides a comprehensive and well-refined movie introduction and its developmental path. Professionally written documentary treatments grab the attention of investors and involve these people reasonably. Further, you may update it according to the project progress. 

Writing Recommendations for a Documentary Treatment

When writing a documentary treatment, follow the basic recommendations:

• speak confidently: instead of «Perhaps, this movie will be interesting to…», say «This movie will gather a large audience»…;
• Sound firm, ensuring the success of your project;
• express your sensations about your product avoiding generic phrases;
• Be concrete: a brief overview is not enough for a grantmaker. Give attention to essential details, characters. Provide a vivid picture of the story, making it as live as possible.

The uniqueness of your characters and the potential scenes are the keys to your success. All these integral elements will puzzle the entire picture that must be worth the time and finances. Do your best to transmit the energy, create the feelings that viewers will get after seeing your product. Visual and emotional quotients are of extra importance.

Statistical data are possible as an addition to a human story. It should be maximally realistic and well-founded. Implement the perspectives, showing where this documentary will lead and what kind of effect it will make.

The manner of speaking should be convincing and self-reliant. Leave no space for doubting or vizard it thoroughly (even if you feel it). 

The Significant Role of Transcription in the Documentary Treatment

A transcription acts similarly to a virtual notepad. It helps while crafting a documentary treatment from scratch or updating it. The records of conversations, interviews are easy to track and transcribe without missing any detail. Finding a specific quote or comment promptly via transcription is not a problem as well. 

The process of designing a documentary treatment consists of three main stages where transcription plays a crucial role:

1. Preparation. It involves planning the development, focusing on the production and its steps. Use the records of conversations of a project author with a production manager. That will help to settle the production schedule, to-do list and include the details for the treatment body part.
2. Middle stage. Dedicate this part of work to choosing the direction of the project. The transcription of the audience response will guide your working style, indicating the most impressive points. 
3. Final stage. It supposes reviewing the entire project or inputting the necessary updates.

Transcription is an integral part of a documentary treatment creation. It helps to manage the process more effectively and save time.

Professional Services for Documentary Treatments Crafting

Some project authors find writing documentary treatments difficult, other ones impossible. It is reasonable due to the unfolding essence of documentaries. This task is no more a headache with the help of professionals. 

Either you want a documentary treatment, a split script, a paper edit, or a transcription, be sure to entrust this work to experts. Transcriberry transcription service has a network of professionals who provide complete support to documentary cineastes. Provide the background material and be sure of an individual approach for your project with concrete deadlines. 

Our team will insert the necessary additions, editing, and changes to your outline. You will get the material for revision and approval with further polishing until your project is ideal. We will implement all your recommendations and write about your product in the best possible way to impress your grantmakers. 

Let us make your documentary sound polished and breathtaking on paper!