Director's Treatment: The Ultimate Guide to A Winning Pitch

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How to write a winning director's treatment. Key lessons I learned in 5+ years of directing commercials.
00:00 - intro
00:45 - what is a treatment?
02:19 - approach
02:28 - idea
02:45 - visuals
03:45 - wardrobe
04:21 - high-quality images
05:26 - post-production
06:19 - where to build treatments?
06:46 - my store
07:38 - how long?
08:26 - paid services and ghostwriters
09:37 - practice
09:54 - outro
#nurniazfilms #directing #treatments #pitching

[@bingbang9643]

Yeah, this is a topic I frequently discuss with friends in the industry; it's something that isn't really emphasized in film school. It’s a skill that you develop over the years. In my case, some of the content on the slides, such as 'who we are' and our approach to post-production, remains fairly consistent. The first two slides usually go to, understanding the goal of the video and articulating "how" you plan to achieve it, are crucial. It’s important to reiterate these, even if it means rephrasing what the client has said. You never know who else might be reviewing the pitch, and it's vital that they understand the objectives clearly. Your visuals are impressive, definitely a notch above anything I generally use in my pitches. I've recently started incorporating AI-generated images, though the level of detail depends on what the client is looking for. Often times, due to the fast-paced nature of the industry in my country, clients expect a response within 2 to 6 hours. When pitching for a feature film, the document becomes a work in progress. I make it a point to refine it every time it is sent to a new film funding organization or investor. Of course, it’s also essential to tailor the presentation to the recipient. While I might send similar proposals to different clients, I always customize the initial slides to make it feel as though it was specifically designed for them.

[@nur-niaz]

2 to 6 hours sounds crazy omg. P.S. pinning your comment as a valuable add-on.

[@robertdouble559]

@@nur-niaz Yep. That's nuts. To me that would be a key indictor for couple of things that would make me walk away from the project. 1. The client have extremely poor organizational skills, meaning the whole job will most likely be a nightmare of mismanagement. 2. They've added you in at the last minute because they need 3 competitive quotes and you're the last company to be contacted.

I'm a director at hungry man, and I've been writing treatments for roughly 15 years. (There's even a frame of mine in your video hahaha). This is the first time I see someone explaining what a treatment is. I wish I could have seen this video when I was starting my career.

[@pierremichelestival]

In case it helps (I am a Director shooting commercials with celebrities and huge brands for the past 15 years): Write your own text (except if you don't have time) to ensure it has your voice. Make it clear, concise, and impactful. Make sure to find at least one or two very strong ideas so that the client/agency has no choice but to go with you (you can always say that you are just "offering the idea"). If they have written the script, change at least 20-30% to show you are the Director and have a vision. Have someone else find the images for you so you can focus on the text and to have many great options to choose from (and it will inspire you for the story and your vision). And either do the layout if you love it or have someone else do it for you. If you have questions, shoot it over -- happy to help :-) Cheers

[@nur-niaz]

Thanks man! This is value!

[@yogeshlohan3508]

Hey Man! checked your website.. Impressive work. Just wanted to know how to get started. I have already directed some Digital ads for small companies but how do I approach agencies or producer. By the way, I am working in India.

[@wearetrackclub]

This video is filled with gems! Love how you edited this as well 💎

[@owenjenkinsofficial]

Dude, Nur, Just found your channel and love every bit of it. The detail and concepts you talk about help someone understand where they might go next, to improve on building good treatments. Thanks my man.✊

[@patrickcasella]

love how high quality all of your videos are. I feel like I'm watching a movie and it's so much easier to stay focused with such stunning visuals. Great work!

[@harounsaifi9371]

great tips and I love your filming style ! Great titles design, editing, and color grading. Great work Nur !

[@kromcreative]

love this.. I definitely learned a lot. nice clean design style as well

[@haronaillon3913]

Thanks a ton, man!! Excellent insights, very much appreciated!!!

[@thebarberscut1659]

Top notch video! Thanks for this Nur, your content is ace!

[@timkuhn5256]

Thank u so much for this high quality video! Just bought your e-book to say thank you for your work and to learn more how to structure and design pitches like those. Keep going!

[@oh...hi.]

Loving the aspect ratio and color grading on your videos it has such a subtly distinct style. You’ll go far on KZbin

[@AmanSharma-sn8js]

As a fellow commercial director - I can just say a HUGE THANKS for this vid Nur! I always have friends or colleagues asking me how they can effectively communicate or pitch their plan / ideas - not just to companies but even to their own crew. And everytime I have to intensively walk them through this process with a few added turns here and there. Next time, I'll just forward them this video. You've done a fabulous job at really highlighting the intricacies - I simply love it! --- And again, to anyone reading this - yes this is really a good skeleton but know that there is NO right way or perfect way of doing this. Just have faith and reflect who you are on your pitch. The words, the font, the color theme - everything should be what appeals to you! Have fun :)

[@nur-niaz]

This is the type of comment that keeps me going haha :D thank you!

[@consumelessmandrax]

This has been so helpful. Writing treatments is an arduous, labour-intensive task, and I’ll admit, I don’t enjoy the work most of the time. But your insights, advice and beautiful examples have me all inspired and challenged. Thanks Nur. 🙏🏾

[@studiosoul]

This was super helpful and I just love the way to design your treatment. Its super striking and clear what you're presenting.

[@brownliketheearth]

I've been on the look out for video just like this for some time!! So glad I found your channel! :)

[@limenmultimedia]

This video is a goldmine of insights for aspiring directors! Writing a winning director's treatment is a crucial skill, and I appreciate you sharing the key lessons you've learned throughout your 5+ years of directing commercials.

[@littlegiantinc]

Thank you for the knowledge ✌🏼 Your treatments are so appealing and gives me a new perspective on directing and writing for film.

[@cruz.c]

not only was this super informative, but the style of this tutorial really pulled me into your points, and your work examples had me so inspired. its rare for a youtube videos visuals to ignite the same emotions sometimes a film would.

[@lang.story.company]

This was so helpful thank you!

[@UMAR-xu7qi]

Thanks bro, I've been looking for something like this ❤

[@maynard.sabellano]

Such a useful piece, thank you for sharing this 🔥

[@bhapampa]

Always dropping insightful and visually appealing videos. Cheers mate

[@joiapauletta]

Great video! Using your approach and template on my next treatment

[@owenjenkinsofficial]

I love the variety of aspect ratios that you have in your footage, and each one feels at home visually. I can see your experience in the work you've just shown here! Will watch more of your channel for sure!

[@nur-niaz]

I appreciate that!

[@RobbScholarTube]

You killed this, thank you for putting me on to Frame Set, finding quality images is one of the hardest parts of making a treatment for me. Thank You. Subscribed!

[@akashchandrashekhar706]

WOW!!! Thank you for the video brother, this is real helpful, have been making treatments for a while now, there's always something to learn.

[@cultivision]

Awesome video man, been writing a treatment all morning then found this haha. Love it

[@heypetu]

so much helpful bro, thq appreciate it

[@SHOEMAKERFILMS]

Great video man, this is definitely an area I need help in. Thanks!

[@MayurMahapatraFilms]

very informative.. thank you.

[@Cristy1mmortal]

Hey This was very insightfull. I have always been very fasinated with the treatment note making process. you have captured the process beautifully. Bravo!

[@ekopolenk]

amazing...thanks for the knowledge and experiences

[@mythwest]

Insanely helpful and informative, wishing you all the best in KZbin!

[@nur-niaz]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dorianodefeudis]

This was a very valueable video, really like your calm tone and way of giving information as well. Liked & subscribed!

[@patrickszot4271]

You're the coolest for putting this together. thanks

[@bandwagonbull]

This is so so useful, thanks so much for sharing! I find it difficult to articulate ideas in my treatments so even sometimes go as far as editing a mood film together to get the pace/vibe across. Not sure if it’s too far, but has worked for me in the past!

[@MouktikJoshi]

Thank you so much for making this video!

[@marcellomantero7317]

Thanks man, very useful indeed !

[@RyanCalavano]

THANK YOU FOR THIS!!!

[@azharabdulkadir]

Such a in depth guide. Thank you for sharing.

[@nur-niaz]

My pleasure!

[@MikeVanRose]

This was very high value information. Thank you so much for the insight, all the best.

[@abdulazizasatullaev3857]

Amazing man 👍🏻👍🏻

[@timokay100]

Thank you for your artistry Nur. "The process is the reward" - a reminder I needed to hear. Fantastic content and beautifully built.

[@nur-niaz]

Glad it was helpful!

[@friendlyfilmz]

Super helpful! Thank you.

[@carlakhaddaj6775]

Thank you Nur, this was really very helpful

[@nur-niaz]

You’re welcome 😊

[@TheAlgomist]

Greatness, thank you!

[@GriffinConway]

Wow this was an amazing video. Thank you for sharing. Just subbed and looking forward to watching all of your other videos.

[@okaplan]

Great video Nur! Super insightful and your treatments looks incredible. I am hoping I never have to pitch against you.

[@andresasindp]

Subscribed! Thank you so much for putting this valuable information out there. Greetings from Spain

[@nur-niaz]

Thanks and welcome

[@nikhileshadiyala]

Been a producer and sucker for good treatment notes, great video!

[@birkenwald1337]

just discovered this as i was procastinating from writing my first ever directors treatment for a big company. didn't even know it was called that way, I always called it just moodboard before. subbed

[@tomroach6275]

Thank you Noranyas! I have a treatment due Yesterday so finding your video may have saved me a job!! Great work. God Bless, Tom

[@Oyetunjititobiloba]

Thank you, this is really helpful and insightful

[@nur-niaz]

Glad it was helpful!

[@OfTwoLands]

Great content and presentation mate!

[@sgrnapalm]

Thank you for sharing this, It's very informative.

[@nur-niaz]

My pleasure!

[@timmishakov]

спасибо большое за полезное видео на такую редкую тему. отличный английский!)

[@charlyduque8521]

Graaaciaaasss por compartir esto! 🤗

[@nur-niaz]

🙏🙏🙏

[@AhadJibon]

Thank you for this!

[@lauritee]

thank you for this epic explanation. I agree, there is not much info out there about treatments and how they are really done or what to look for in one.

[@haiderjr]

Thank you that is very helpful ❤

[@nur-niaz]

You’re welcome 😊

[@gabrielbrito1008]

thank you broo 👏👏👏

[@nile2227]

You are the very best!!!

[@lifeofapotato4595]

Great video man. I used Frameset and Shotdeck a lot too. The skill to create and design a winning treatment is a skill that no one really can teach us about this besides from our experience itself. As an inspiring director myself, for me making a treatment is somewhat "easy" but to use my 100% creativity and all of my brain juice to be standout and to "match" client's initial expectations is super hard. In my country, where the industry doesn't really have fixed ethics about submission contest and sometimes agency will reject us without any respond and then ripoff our treatments lol. Also, there is this problem when the contestant has inside person/aquaintance in the agency and the contest was basically .

[@nur-niaz]

I can relate. It's such pain...

[@iamakkkshay]

Thanks, Subscribed!!

[@martinekwall4671]

Very valuable! You got a sub.

[@GRININMCKINNONFILMS]

Super helpful!

[@user-fi9ll6iy4b]

Thanks man. Watching your video first time from Bangladesh

[@mojacreative]

Great video. I will definitely be buying the e-book.

[@nur-niaz]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@marc.kleinmann]

Great video!

[@BogdanPredko]

thank you brother for this

[@kanewilsonfilm]

Thanks Nur, this was really helpful. Time to start writing my treatment..

[@nur-niaz]

Best of luck Kane 🙌

[@eugerthum-workcomms6405]

Niaz, where do I begin?! I’m just a 3 week old director in an agency. I done tons of small commercial and short formed social media videos, but as a producer. It doesn’t call for a director’s treatment. So when I had to do one up, you will know how flustered I was. I’m so thankful my senior send me your video here - cause it has answers. Answers to my sleepless searching, answers to the slide I’m stuck on, answers to what to write and what to expand on. I’ll check back in months later and update you how your video has benefitted me! Getting the ebook too

[@Xeanok_official]

you've the most informative channel for directors in the platform i've seen so far keep spreading us your knowledge.

[@nur-niaz]

I appreciate that!

[@nush337]

Fr fr

[@robertsalazar6290]

Incredibly useful! Also very random, but I was editing a video today and pulled the same combo of tracks from artlist as this video. Hahaha

[@loozee]

This will change how I do my job as a creative director. All the love from Slovenia, thank you Nur!

[@nur-niaz]

Best of luck!

[@wazlght5884]

Thanks for this video

[@nur-niaz]

Most welcome

[@emmanuelboateng7186]

I like your video thanks so much, i believe its going to help me in my next production. 🙏

[@nur-niaz]

Great to hear!

[@javbomb]

Hi, thanks for making this video its very interesting, Ive actually been a Directors Assistant since about 2007 doing directors treatments around all the high end production companies in Australia both full time and then freelance for about another decade after that, ive retired from that now, but I've probably done way over 1000 treatments over the years, so I found your video really interesting, I dont think I've ever seen anyone go into this on KZbin before that covered exactly what my job was. I did TVC's and Film Pitches and even edit pitch trailers for some pretty large hollywood films as its a natural progression from text and image treatments. I would just like to just say that I dont think that the fact that my job exists is any kind of Dark Secret, its actually a huge benefit. Some directors may not have a photographic memory of films and TVC's to pull reference from and need someone to help them through that process and that has an 'eye' that can interpret their intent and work with them to present to elevate their ideas into something better and more comprehensive to present something to Agency, who you and I both know are NOT creative in the the visual filmic sense, those in the industry know exactly what I mean. So also my job is very far from just a graphic designer, at least to me, thats the trick ive always had up my sleeve, we are more protege's who need to be able to get inside your head and align with your thinking. I have a library of more than 1 million images I used to use for putting together pitches and used to work with the directors extremely closely during this time and would have the benefit of being able to be another set of eyes on things for them and gave them valuable and blunt feedback through the process, its how you end up with better treatments, that way the final product presented to agency has a much higher chance of winning if you are both sure its 100% what the director envisioned, its also worth noting that some directors use this collab as a process of discovery just like when you collab with a cinematographer and they may enlighten you to some ideas or thinking you didnt already know, this is another reason why people like me are a huge benefit and far from a dark lazy way to do things. When you work with people repeatedly you get to learn their style and it becomes a very collaborative and rewarding thing. Directors who are quite successful dont have time to spend days working on treatments because to be honest they are usually in a grade, an edit, or on set, and that's just the reality of things, especially pulling reference and building decks which can be hugely time consuming, so it makes sense that you can get a brief from them, go off and pull reference which can take days, then show them a concise gallery of content you have pulled in order to waste as little of their time as possible. By the way that Frame Set app is amazing, I wish that was around 10 years ago.... They usually put a lot of effort into the words, but I can also say as of the last few years, the occurrence of writers used by busy directors was nearly 100%. They would then take that and mold it into a more personable treatment. Anyway great video and your work looks excellent!

[@nur-niaz]

Thank you so much for taking time to write about your point of view! I meant no disrespect for your craft and expertise. For someone like you and me this industry is pretty straightforward and using help is a no brainer. It's like working with a DP or an editor. That said for the majority of my audience who are just starting out I think this is definetly something mysterious. I met too many directors who are kind of ashamed of the fact they use help in treatments and I decided to play on that. I guess it's not too obvious. But I still stand by my opinion that these services can get expensive quickly. Especially when you lose a few in a row. P.S. I would absolutely love to chat about treatments with you anytime if you're down.

[@matvte]

Sir, you deserve a cookie.

[@sfisogwamanda2975]

SUBSCRIBED!!!

[@davidsegic6254]

Thx man!❤

[@tiprolmaman6232]

Thank you

[@sumitrawat9698]

Thanks for this amazing video Nur Niaz. It would be very amazing if you can share a treatment note of an ad that have already been done. Very intrigued to see it.

[@nur-niaz]

I see it’s a popular request. I’ll make some of them available soon :)

[@tltegoluv]

I’d like to personally thank you for this video I’m an indi artist writing treatments for my music videos and I use Keynote as well

[@Travis-rm1pu]

I got a job from a well-known brand after watched your video and read the Director's Treatment 101 E-book!! Thank you Nur!! You are amazing!!

[@nur-niaz]

That’s so great! Makes me motivated to be making more content 🙌

[@smepable]

Thanks, subbed

[@lena___]

finally someone who doesn’t gate keep! we appreciate you

[@zaarism]

I direct commercial just like you...I'm glad someone did a video on it...this one sums it up well. Great stuff my friend , keep the good work going. Cheers

[@nur-niaz]

Thanks, will do!

[@24Golden]

love it love from west africa was helpfull ohhh

[@samarkinavarvara2029]

очень круто! Спасибо, что поделился!

[@ahoodchemist]

as a filmmaker it makes sense that you would want to be in control of the look and feel of your treatments… but for me as a designer who is multidisciplinary, i am now definitely going to be looking for directors that need that service. seems like a pretty cool task that really naturally falls into what graphic designers do. you could, have a far more visually complex and nuanced treatment when working with a dedicated designer and this is something that i think can be of value to the directors trying to win these gigs. especially rapidly.

[@nur-niaz]

Love the spirit! There’s definitely a market for such services. Best of luck with it 🙌

[@classiqxivsreactions9849]

your videos are helpful

[@nur-niaz]

Glad you think so!

[@evankaufmann]

Nice breakdown. One thing I see a lot of when looking at music video treatments (especially from younger directors) is overly detailed descriptions of what or how they're going to shoot certain things. This is, of course, important but I would suggest being as clear and concise about this approach rather than filling a page with minute details. The examples you have on this video and your pitches look like perfect length for artist/client to understand the vision. Nice work!

[@nur-niaz]

Good point! Thank you!

[@dreamancyfilms]

Thank you! I started this journey 6 years ago, I only landed one job since then, and I had been finalist a lot of times. The worst part is that the only job I landed, the post-production was supposed to be made by another agency which involved pretty heavy motion graphics and vfxs. Without giving a reason, the client decided to cancel the whole thing, so, the final version doesn't exist.

[@jonnyclay]

frame set is sooo good - it's way more useful than shot deck, which doesnt do commercials or music videos.

[@oleggold]

I have nothing to do with this directly, but this video is very interesting. thanks! This looks a bit like a mock-up in my field. But it is obviously nothing like what you are showing. This is very inspirational. Great job!

[@nur-niaz]

Interesting!

[@iammcqwory]

Asante sana

[@FrancescoBattistella]

Really cool video! As graphic designer i love your visual style. Have u ever think about a video about your past works and how did u start this career? Keep it on!

[@nur-niaz]

Thanks for the idea!

[@ioscaps5978]

Amazing video! 😁I’m wondering what that software was that u used for pre-vis. The family picnic one with the orange juice, they way u could change the time of day, location etc was very cool😁🙏

[@nur-niaz]

Thanks! It’s called “CineTracer”