PLOT BREAKDOWN???

[Damci Helcunn]

Hey all,

I have a request from a small producer asking me for a plot breakdown.
How would this vary say from a query?
Thanks in advance....damci

[Tom De]

Just my guess, but it sounds like he's looking for a treatment. Perhaps, a treament showing act structure, turning points, and defining sub-plots. I've never heard of this.

Anyone know? I'm curious now, too.

Tom

[wcmartell]

I have also never heard of this. Maybe they mean a treatment, but how many pages? Your best bet is to ask them what they want.

Meanwhile: What have they produced? Did you rent it and watch it? Know as much about who you're getting into business with as you can.

- Bill

[GirlinGray]

Well people get pretty vague with terms and maybe he just means a treatment, but a query is a simple letter asking someone to read your script with a brief description of what the story is about. A breakdown as I understand (and someone correct me if I am wrong) is breaking down the script, scene by scene, describing what happens in each scene. It's not something you should do. He should read the script. Because a breakdown basically is the script minus the characterization, descriptions, and dialogue which is not what you want someone basing their opinion of your work on. You want them to read the script. You could call and ask him, though, just say, How specific do you want this, do you want the whole script broken down or just a plot outline here? He will probably say he just wants a plot outline, which you have to decide if you want to do, but if he wants the whole script broken down you just have to tell him that is too much work and maybe he should read the script.

[Tom De]

Whatcha doing up this late, GiG?

Yikes, I'm scared now. Professionals are up at 2am? Does it mean that this writing stuff means hard work? Long hours? EEGAD!

Tom

[GirlinGray]

Um, working?

[Tom De]

Oh. I see we share similarities.

Is this a "moment"?

Tom

[GirlinGray]

No way. Fresh!

[Tom De]

(actual no joke innocent look)

Tom

Ok. Now I see how it came across. Sorry.

[Damci Helcunn]

Hey all...Just a short note to thank you for your replies.
I've decided to send a shorter version of my synopsis.
It should cover enough about the plot.
Thanks I'll let you know how it turns out. damci