Writing Treatments That Sell, Second Edition

As Hollywood insiders know, the first step in selling your story idea for film or television isn't writing a script—it's writing a treatment, the brief pitch that sells the concept to a busy producer or agent. In this accessible, entertaining guide, writers-producers Kenneth Atchity and Chi-Li Wong tell readers everything they need to know to create an effective and salable treatment, one that incorporates such key elements as conflict, likeable characters, plot twists, a climax, and visual drama.

Using dozens of the latest examples from actual productions, Writing Treatments That Sell distinguishes between scripts designed for feature films, episodic television, and made-for-TV movies, and shows step-by-step how to prepare a treatment for each. Also included is essential information on copyrighting original ideas, as well as acquiring rights to adaptable books and true-life stories. This revised edition includes numerous sample treatments, comments from producers, directors, agents, and successful screenwriters, and updated information on the growing cable television market. With a comprehensive glossary of industry terms and an overview of the various entertainment markets, this book remains an absolute must for anyone hoping to get a foot in the door of the scriptwriting business.

Kenneth Atchity is a screenwriter and the author of ten books, including A Writer’s Time. As the head of his own film management company, he has produced more than twenty films.

Chi-Li Wong is a vice president at Atchity Entertainment.