A synopsis is a brief summary of your script. But what do you mean by 'brief'? There are several ways to describe a script.
These descriptions are more than just advertising, especially in the early stages of development. They help the scriptwriter coalesce thoughts, consolidate various elements of a script, and give focus to writing.
When a script is completed, these can be used during the submission process. Some theaters and production companies may only want the synopsis initially, along with set and character descriptions. Others may want a synopsis and sample pages.
A treatment is an extended, almost scene-by-scene description that may last several pages. It tells the whole story in detail, with vivid descriptions of the settings, character movements, and even pieces of dialogue. The treatment can also work as a detailed outline when writing the first draft.
A one-page description may be about 500 words in length, obviously more condensed than a treatment, but still giving details about the protagonist(s) and antagonist(s), and information about the time and place where the story takes place. Either the treatment or the one-page can be used when someone wants a detailed description of your script, but should generally not be used unless requested. A common mistake is sending people information they simply won't read because there is too much of it.
Cover letters, for example, are ideally one page long. When you send information to someone you don't know and interrupt their day with your pitch, you want to be as un-intrusive as possible. If you can capture their attention with a one-page letter, then when they request additional information, it's no longer unsolicited. This makes a huge difference.
Cover letters are where you would create a 100-word synopsis, just the right size to be inserted into the letter, along with your introduction, experience, and contact information. The 100-word synopsis is also about the same length as those used in airline magazines to describe the movies shown during flights.
And finally, there is the one-sentence synopsis. This is sometimes called the "elevator synopsis," because you might use it if you're in an elevator with someone and trying to tell them about the show. You may only get a few seconds of their time. The one-sentence synopsis is also what is generally used in the movie sections of television guides.
Dave Brandl - I began writing my first play in 1988. It was produced in 1989, and published in 1991. At that point I said, "Hey, this is easy." If only ...
