Pitch Dictionary by pitch.dog
Treatments, notes & statements · Core

Story treatment

Also called: screen treatment, film treatment, treatment, story treatment

ELI5

A prose version of the story that explains what happens without using full screenplay format.

Used in conversation

“Can you turn the outline into a story treatment before the producer call?”

Definition

A prose rendering of a screen story as the audience would experience it, more detailed than an outline and less formal than a screenplay.

Here “Story treatment” means: A prose rendering of a screen story as the audience would experience it, more detailed than an outline and less formal than a screenplay. Other meanings are stored as separate sense entries and must be chosen explicitly.

Pitch context

You may encounter “Story treatment” in pitch materials & presentation design conversations or materials.

Why it matters: Tells you what document, visual asset or file someone is asking for or reviewing.

Caution

In WGA-covered work, a requested treatment can be a compensable writing step rather than casual free work.

Connected terms

  • OutlineAn outline maps architecture; a story treatment renders the experience in cinematic prose.
  • Pitch deckA treatment explains story or creative approach, often in prose; a pitch deck makes the wider case through structured presentation. A treatment may itself be designed as a deck.
  • SynopsisA synopsis compresses the story; a story treatment tells it more fully in prose and often conveys experience, tone and progression.
  • Director's treatmentThe search label “treatment” can route to both entries.
  • Director's treatment for film or televisionThe search label “treatment” can route to both entries.
  • Editorial treatmentThe search label “treatment” can route to both entries.
  • Visual treatmentThe search label “treatment” can route to both entries.
Sources & evidence · 6

Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.