Jon Croft: Director, producer and screenwriter in Saint Petersburg, Florida.

For specs, I have a rough outline and a 2-3 page synopsis. If your script is feeling a bit emotionally bankrupt and plot driven, I'd go back to the script and read each scene; and ask - what is my character trying to emotionally achieve here. Write one sentence on a notecard what the character wants here and then in the next scene. Keep it short and concise.

I kind of work a bit backwards, Martina. Normally, my treatment comes after I have a few drafts under my belt. I think scenes can be moved around during my rewrites and I want the treatment to represent the final draft instead of the early drafts.

Yeah, as said before, everyone has their own methodology, whatever works best for you. ;) But all these things we do — beat sheets, outlines, synopsis, notes, research, sketches, some writers have developed their own worksheets for character development or story structure, etc — these things are for our eyes only, documents we create for ourselves. When you say "treatment" that has some different connotations. Plus personal interpretations of terms versus actual, factual definitions can be confusing as well. Personally, I prefer factual, or rather how they are defined and/or used professionally. What I liked about the article above is that she explains those meanings and uses. What I also liked is that she acknowledges that these terms are often used interchangeably within the industry too. But then she gives tips on how to ask specific questions to suss out exactly what the person is really talking about and/or asking for... When someone asks for a "treatment" they really may be asking for a story synopsis (summary) or an outline. Many in this thread are saying "treatment" when what they more than likely are writing is a story synopsis. So, again, whatever you are doing to work out your story and the execution of your screenplay is totally up to you—of course!!! But it certainly helps to know exactly what terms mean, how they are defined outside of ourselves, objectively, within the industry, and what is generally expected when you may be working with a rep or if hired by a producer, etc. Anyhoo, just my two cents... :) Happy writing everyone!

1 page per min is the average across an entire script. Worry about length? No. If I have 130 pages I'll see the blot on a read through. Most of mine weigh in at high 90's, 105 is the biggest completed to date. I have gotten more condensed over the scripts I have written.

Some like it long. Some like it short. Some like it thick. Some like thin. As long as it gets it in the right hands and makes them happy. Lots of euphemisms. Sorry, about that. It's the way I flow. Keep it clean guys/gals. Keep it clean. Get er done! Much Love alway RJN

When I first began, I'd just start writing and had no idea how long my scripts would be. Now I diagram each script in advance, listing major turning points (Act 1 to 2, and 2 to 3) and actions/events every 15 pages, so it's easier to keep within the 90-100 page range.

When I first started writing "seriously," I'd do detailed character outlines - the way so many books and people tell you to - and it was terrible. I felt so constrained, and was constantly wondering, "Would my character do/say that?" Now I do what Chad said.

Have you tried writing grocery lists, resumes, and the like as though you were those characters? How about writing scenes/dialogue exchanges outside of your script - like with a doctor, preacher, whatever?

It sounds like you have got yourself into a pickle. I would send it to a professional like Jen Grisanti or another industry pro who is not afraid to get there fingers wet. When all else fails "Kill Your Darlings?" What do you mean they are not sitting right? Warm Regards, RJN "Write on!"

Spend as much time with your characters as possible. They get to tell you more about them that way. And you can learn how to honor and respect their contribution in the story very well. Dont lose a unique characteristic about them that could contribute to story.

LOL Doug! :D

Doug is funny. I like to focus on one story idea. Script quality is key and free time not devoted to revising; now is geared towards mastering loglines, synopsis, pitchee and query letters.

Writing Sucks! But it becomes easier as you practice. As practice makes permanent. I would love to just put my head down and go to work without thinking about writing, and then the ideas overflow like Moses parting the red seas. I'm fed by my creations but it's always something that hurts. You have to do your push ups daily to make them work. I uploaded my Act One up of my script "I Am, Yodel!"A odd-ball, ribald comedy in the adored style of my own but of course Mel Brooks. It's up! If you don't like comedy do not read. SImple! Hope you are all well! Much Love! Writing Rocks! I had to write it out to get to the pleasure of feeling better. :)

Hey all, hope you are all writing! Yes,Doug you are referring to the one page, right!

Raymond, correct.

I'm always writing in one respect or another. Currently on vacation in Scandinavia gathering ideas, then home to finish up a script for a webseries I'm staffed on as well as to start writing my own, then I have a meeting over the weekend to pitch my take on a video game. Then preproduction begins for my series. It's never quiet around these parts!

Hi Jon, this is a post for the JOBS board. You'll get a better response there.