Hello, This is my first post here and i'm so glad to be a part of this community. I'm new here and I read the rules, so i want to make some things clear that i'm not violating any of your rules here. But i have some question i will like to ask from the members.

As i was reading the Screenwriting palette here on the screenwriting class. I came across the Checkpoint 16

"Write a four-page treatment (double-spaced). Summarize the beginning of your story in one page, the middle in two pages, and the end in one page. Focus on two to four main characters, the key events (plot points), and the emotional undercurrent of the story. Although somewhat difficult, this exercise will help tremendously in laying a strong foundation for your story."

My problem is that i have trouble writing summary for my script, which has a huge plot and dense character. I read out the various points, pointed out in the checkpoint 16. But i want to look at some of the samples or sample summaries posted by other members. I would be great help for my writing passion and career. Thank you guys/girls

Welcome...Ars89

You can go to the main page and at the top click on "treatments," and read through some of those examples, if you haven't already.  Good starting point.  You can also search the web for more.  Maybe someone will let you look at one of their examples.

But I have to admit, if you know your story inside and out...it makes things easier.

Good Luck

Ghostie

I nearly did post up the treatment to the film I've been working on...then I thought better of it.

I will say this though, Ars - don't underestimate the importance of this step. It does seem reductive and perhaps unnecessary, but it's anything but. As I always say, there's a difference between a good story and a good narrative. You may have the best ideas in the world, you may have backstory to rival Tolkein and a mastery of language to rival McCarthy - but until you write out that treatment, you may not have a film. I try to write them like I'm writing a plot summary on Wikipedia, the kind of thing someone would put together having watched the finished project.

If you can't do it yet, you're not ready to write that script yet. Believe me. I know the urge to push off down the slope can be very strong, but hold off until you've got a treatment written out. Otherwise you may just find yourself lost in the trees at pg. 35, really wishing you'd finished drawing that map.

thanks, im working on it

Another very solid reason to write this summary is for when you want to market the script. As well-written as your 120 page masterpiece may be, the producer or agent will want the summary first, and they'll make the completely unfair assumption that if you can't summarize your story, they can't market it. Remember that the typical movie audience has a short attention span, and they'll need to hook that audience in as short a fashion as possible. The dense characters will make the final product a classic, but that darn summary will get it sold.

Unfortunately, you know your story better than anyone else, so no one can really help you write it other than suggestions. The treatment part of the site is a good place to go. You also might try starting by summarizing the scenes or events into single sentences. Hard to say what will work best for your story.