Treatment and Synopsis

Dear Scriptologist.com,

Can you please describe the difference between a script treatment and a synopsis?

—Lorraine
   Normandy, France

Glenn Bossik, Scriptologist.com Editor-in-Chief:
A synopsis is a one- or two-page summary of the plot of your screenplay. It’s different from a logline, which is a one- or two-line plot summary. When writing a logline, it’s best to focus on the main line of action. To do so, describe the struggle that the protagonist (hero) must undergo to achieve his goal. The struggle usually involves a battle he must wage against the antagonist (villain).

Write several drafts of your logline. With each successive draft, you will be able to shorten the description, eventually creating a short, exciting plot summary. The important thing to remember is that the first draft doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s a starting point and should be treated as such.

A script treatment is a long-form summary of your screenplay. It’s very similar to a short story, but it doesn’t always require quite as much detail. When preparing a treatment, create a one-line summary of each scene in your screenplay. Then choose the most important action sequences and use them to summarize your script. Intersperse a few lines of dialogue from important scenes for dramatic emphasis. Make sure your treatment describes the main line of action, the protagonist, his love interest, and the antagonist. These are the primary elements of every successful film.

Spanish-Language Screenplay

Dear Scriptologist.com,

Is it possible to sell a screenplay written in Spanish? If so, how can I get an agent to read it?

—Jose Z. Flores Leyva
   Mexico

 Glenn Bossik, Scriptologist.com Editor-in-Chief:
To begin pursuing the film industry in Mexico, visit the Web site for the
Mexican Academy of Arts and Cinematographic Sciences. The site lists Mexican film organizations that can advise you about pitching a Spanish-language screenplay.

To submit your screenplay to American literary agents, you must translate your script into English. You can find a translator on TranslatorsBase.com. Once you’ve obtained an English-language version of your script, register the script with the Writers Guild of America (WGA) to protect your work. Afterwards, contact literary agents listed in Scriptologist.com’s directory.

Louisiana Screenwriters

Dear Scriptologist.com,

I am trying to locate other inspired screenwriters in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I have been to libraries and other resource centers, but I’ve had no success. Can you recommend a Web site where I can find local screenwriters?

—Sandra James
   Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Glenn Bossik, Scriptologist.com Editor-in-Chief:
Louisiana Produces, a film organization with over 1,100 members, meets in Baton Rouge on the second Tuesday of each month. This organization even has a screenwriting group.

Another option is to seek writing collaborators at Louisiana State University’s Department of Theatre, which is located in Baton Rouge. Perhaps you could post a notice on a bulletin board at the college.

Please feel free to invite everyone you meet to Scriptologist.com’s Yahoo Group and blog network.

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