Treatments:11/10/12

The first thing we need to do for our projects is create a 'long treatment' and an 'abstract treatment'. Mel showed us how to write a treatment, which was a new and difficult experience for all of us. In past projects we have been used to writing treatments stating what we want to do and why and how we are going to go about doing it. This year, the treatments are very different. We are required to give just the very basic information of our idea, without giving specifics that could hinder or stunt the creative development and growth of the idea.

We watched a couple of short films and attempted to write a treatment in the correct way:

LONG TREATMENTS:

'Lost in the Woods'

The scene starts with the distinctive sound of birds as a woodland scene appears on screen. A sunny, spring day is the setting for Lost in the Woods. A squirrel looks around, perplexed in his situation. Looking to the map in his hand for answers, the squirrel is confused. Along his journey for the correct path, the squirrel comes across a rabbit, who attempts to show him the correct direction but fails, leaving the squirrel to continue his wander through the trees and lengthy grasses, past a stream. Coming across a field mouse brings him his next hope of finding the way……..

'As Simple as an Artist'

Classical music sets the tone for this film. An artist is frustrated as inspiration is yet to strike him. Angry, he takes his head off and pulls his brains out, brains that take control and create his masterpiece for him.

ABSTRACT TREATMENT:

Chaotic beats. Night and day. Space. TAKE OFF!

The first treatment, for 'Lost in the Woods' was too long and descriptive. Specifics such as the animal characters and what was in the woods is unnecessary. The second treatment for 'As Simple as an Artist' was a great improvement.

Seemingly the abstract treatment is just a few chosen words or phrases and depend on how you interpret the film.

I will be writing both a long and an abstract treatment for my film idea.