Treating Your Video Right: How to Create and Use a Video Treatment

One of the most neglected tools in the videographer's tool kit is usually the video treatment, a document that defines the concept, summarizes the story and determines the creative approach of your video. A well-written video treatment takes the lightbulb glowing over your head and makes it visible to others. It's an important tool that can help you plan, generate interest and obtain funding for your video.

Treatments aren't just for the pros. A great video treatment can make the difference between having a Matterhorn of unfinished projects and unwatchable tapes or having a library of high-quality, compelling videos. If you care about the end result--tapes that people actually want to watch--you could use a treatment.

Whether videography is your profession, avocation or hobby, you can ignite your creativity, enjoy production more than ever and experience real satisfaction when you screen the final, sensational results. Read on to learn how video treatments work for you in every stage of production, and how to develop them effectively and professio…