1 Lecture 5: Industry Tools Professor Daniel Cutrara

Previous Lesson Supporting Elements American Beauty Assignments 2

This Lesson The Treatment Coverage Character Breakdown Assignments 3

4 The Treatment Lesson 5: Part I

Uses for the Treatment For the Story –Writer uses the treatment to develop the story. Marketing –Writer, producer, etc. uses treatment to sell the story. 5

The Writer’s Treatment No set style. Elements vary. –Dialogue –Description –Length Adaptation (2002) 6

Marketing Treatments Selling the narrative Standard conventions Varying lengths –1 or more pages –Five is a comfortable read. The Player (1992) 7

The Elements of the Treatment An opening that hooks the audience A final climax that satisfies their sense of storytelling a relatable protagonist a central conflict around which all the action revolves a central emotional line 8

The Elements of the Treatment (cont’d) all the necessary main and supporting characters the essential content of every scene from beginning to end. 9

The Style It’s a pitch Dramatic, straighforward, visual Present tense, broad strokes The main storyline 10

The Treatment Template The Template –Atchity & Wong p. 52 Maximize key scenes, minimize the story that connects them. 11

The Treatment Template (cont’d) Act 1 –Introduction of Protagonist and Problem How protagonist takes on problem. Act 2 –Protagonist encounters obstacles Reversals and build to the climax of Act 2 Act 3 –Protagonist achieves mission Crisis, climax, resolution 12

13 Coverage Lesson 5: Part II 13

The Top Sheet Pause the lecture and review the sample coverage from American Beauty. The Cover Page/Top Sheet –The Various Elements 14

The Top Sheet (Cont’d) Top Sheet Sections –The Details –The Logline –The Evaluations Commercial The Grid 15

The Details Script Data –Writer, page length, genre, location Business Data –Agent, Executive, Analyst Elements/Attachments –If needed this info would already accompany the spec script. 16

The Logline The Story in a nutshell –Varies in length –1 to 2 line teaser setting up the Act Two tension. –3 to 4 lines encapsulating the whole story. Examples at IMDB.Com 17

Evaluations The Grid –Concept, Character, Plot/Structure, Dialogue Commercial –Marketability Excelle nt Goo d Fai r Poo r Concept X Character XX Plot/ Structure X Dialogue X 18

The Synopsis Pause the lecture and review the coverage synopsis of American Beauty. Note the length and the style. 19

The Synopsis (cont’d) The Length – Variable depending on the company and the material being covered. The Style –Capture the narrative – Present Tense – Format conventions 20

The Approach Read the Script in one sitting Just note the turning points –Avoid taking detailed notes Write first draft from memory and the turning point notes Make sure to capture character arc, tone, and genre. It should be an engaging read. 21

The Approach (Cont’d) Capitalize character names when first introduced. Don’t step outside the story. –For example- p. 156 Garfinkel “From the novel’s very first sentence” –Even though some analysts and companies are fine with this unless it is advised don’t do it. 22

Comments Pause the lecture and read over the comments section for the American Beauty coverage. Note the style, tone, and elements covered. 23

The Four Types Standard Coverage Constructive Coverage Political Coverage Sales Coverage 24

Standard Coverage The Basic Generally an in house document, for the client’s eyes only. You give a solid evaluation, no frills. However, be tactful, you never know who may read your coverage. 25

Standard Variations Writing samples for a particular project in development. Directing samples. Adaptations Twelve Monkeys (1995) directed by Terry Gilliam 26

Constructive Coverage Intended for producers, directors, and writers. You not only note what works and what doesn’t but offer constructive solutions to address major issues. Imagine yourself as a writing partner, be positive about the project. 27

Political Coverage Welcome to the Spin Zone. Discovering your comfort zone. Writing as an advocate for the script. –internal politics Accentuate the positive. Minimize the negative –don’t ignore, give yourself an out if the script tanks. 28

Sales Coverage For potential investors, producers, directors, sales agents, actors. Punchy synopsis that hooks the reader. If you do comments- they would most likely focus on the commercial. –marketability –audience –casting potential –visual possibilities 29

Style Industry vs Academia –don’t use words like diegesis, hegemony. Descriptive –use adjectives and adverbs strategically A hint of informality –contractions are appropriate Professional –avoid first person, appearance objective 30

Comments Template The Opening –begin with a thesis paragraph that sums up your take on the script. –Comparison to other films –Feature, TV, Cable, straight to DVD? 31

Template (2) The Body –Concept –Character and dialogue –Plot and Structure –Pace –Visuals –Writing style Shane Black- Action Screenwriter 32

Template (3) Warning— –Refrain from harsh remarks. The Conclusion –A quick summary of your evaluation. 33

The Recommendation Recommend –top 2-5 percent of scripts you will ever read –you must be convinced this will be both a commercial and critical success. Consider –top 5-10 percent of scripts you will read –there is enough value for your client Pass –not enough here to warrant further time. 34

35 The Character Breakdown Lesson 5: Part III Entourage

The Breakdown Name –full name Age –the range an actor can play Race/Ethnicity –whatever is considered politically correct Type –lead, supporting character, etc. Description –the character in a nutshell 36

The Wrap Up Selling the Story –The Treatment –The Coverage –The Breakdown 37

38Assignments Lesson 5: Part IV Network (1976) written by Paddy Chayefsky 38

39 E-Board Post #1 Approximately 200 words. Pick a favorite film and do a character breakdown for four of the main characters. Comment on two of your peers. 39

End of Lecture 5 End of Lecture 5 Next Lecture: A Different Vision Little Miss Sunshine (2006) written by Michael Arndt 40