How To Create A Treatment For A Music Video

     There are many astounding inventions in our world today, none of which would have been achieved without proper planning. Let's use automobiles as a case study. These vehicles have revolutionized and enhanced our way of transportation. Their technological advancements have been achieved by factoring and analyzing the smallest details that make them function. It's safe to say, none of these innovative machines could have been conceived without meticulous planning and preparation. This is essentially what music video treatments are.

     A treatment is the anatomy of a music video in conjunction with the song. It is a process whereby every lyric, rhythm, and message can be broken down into visual segments. A treatment is the embodiment of a director’s vision. It helps him/her understand and analyze possible storylines and subtexts in a song. Also, it helps the director create visual patterns that potentially serve as the backbone for the entire video.

     A music video can be abstract, narrative, performance driven, or all three combined. The only rule to keep in mind when writing a music video treatment is knowing that there is no rule. Over the years I have been fortunate enough to learn that creativity only reaches its full potential when it isn't restricted before conception. Do not try to force it either.

     Another thing to keep in mind when creating a music video treatment is that there simply is no right or wrong way. There are several techniques, some more effective than others, but the most important thing is making sure that your vision is conveyed properly.  In an interview with multi-award winning director Nigel Dick, he discusses some techniques and formal aspects for creating music video treatments.

  

     Contrary to my previous statement (“there is no right or wrong way”), professionalism and structure remain key factors in creating an effective treatment. As Nigel stated in his interview, occasionally various directors might have to compete for the opportunity to direct a music video. Regardless of their talent level or “otherworldly concept”, the filmmaker with the best executed treatment has a higher chance of winning. It could be the less exciting idea of the bunch, but the most effectively conveyed. It is highly important to master the art of effective communication. It is a essential tool for every filmmaker and a disadvantage when  blessing when found wanting.

     Here are some examples of music video treatments.

         Incorporating reference photos alongside text description is a technique most filmmakers find effective. Any type of visual representation of one’s creative vision is essential. In my experience, many clients fall in love with references photos even before digesting the text (first impressions matter). Now hold on… Before you proceed with bombarding your treatments with a plethora of colorful images, make sure those images portray the idea you are trying to convey. Carefully select your images and make sure they paint a clear picture and/or tell a story in your reader's mind. 

     The purpose of sharing these tips isn’t to tell you how to write music video treatments per se, but rather to open your mind to a numerous possibilities. If these methods work for you, great! You have learned something. And if they don’t, just keep creating and in time, perhaps you'll discover your own unique formula.