I use the index card method, which is pretty much like the way you all mention. I use Movie Magic which has that feature in it, though I prefer to write them out on actual cards and pin them on a peg board along with some mini story boards for action scenes. Then when I'm happy with the overall layout, I do the scriptment, like George mentioned. After all is said and done I flesh it out and it really helps me put together a coherent story.

I just signed with a Screenplay Agent. And I need to rewrite my Synopsis but I forgot how to execute one correctly. I know that sounds stupid. My film is a Horror/Action/Fantasy feature. If anyone can help me out I'd appriciate it.

I think you mean a "Treatment", Chad -- a short breakdown of your story that does not include dialogue -- or at least, very little -- and there is no consensus as to exactly how long they should be.

But many are about six pages or so.

You can find a ton of them by clicking Here

How long does your agent want it to be?  Sometimes, they want it one page.  Sometimes three.  You can always ask your agent for an example.


Phil

Isn't it the Job of my Agent to aid me in Editing and the other formalities???

Seems to me if you had a reputable agent you would know this stuff.

I say beware, Chad.  Are you completely confident of who you are dealing with?

Quoted from chad Isn't it the Job of my Agent to aid me in Editing and the other formalities???

Yes, but you still have to send him something.  He'll make changes in it.

I've always found writing a two page synopsis to be harder than writing an actual script.  It takes a lot to figure out what goes in and what stays out.


Phil

A synopsis is a brief summary or overview of your story which should be useful to know what your script is about without reading the whole thing.

Here's an example: http://www.scriptsecrets.net/screenplays/bakerone.htm

Note: This example doesn't include the ending/resolution of the story. If your agent wants to know the end (very likely), make sure to include it in the synopsis.

I'm trying to write a synopsis and a treatment for a script I wrote. The story tells two stories one in present and the other in the past. How do I convey that in a treatment?

As far as I know, a treatment is a long summary of your script.  In mine, I try to write it out scene by scene, at about a paragraph each.  If there is a flashback in one of your scenes, you should be ok to just say "Such and Such character has a flashback" or "there is a flashback to...".

A treatment does not need to include every scene.  It usually runs about two pages.  Figure out what your story is really and write it down.


Phil

Anyone know the difference between a treatments, a synposes, and an outlines? What is each supposed to be? How long? Who is each written for? How should they be packaged and such?

IkE

Hey Ike, try this page...

http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-screenwrite/m-1073084912/s-new/

Lovely. Thanks

No worries mate.