Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Parenthetical • Rewrite • Exposition

Synopsis

Term from Scriptwriting industry explained for recruiters

A synopsis is a brief summary of a story, screenplay, or script that writers create to pitch their ideas to producers, studios, or production companies. It's like a condensed version of the full story that helps decision-makers quickly understand the main plot, characters, and themes without reading the entire script. In the entertainment industry, writers often need to create different types of synopses: a one-page synopsis for quick pitches, and longer versions (2-5 pages) that provide more detail. Other terms for this might include "treatment," "story summary," or "plot outline," though these may vary slightly in format and purpose.

Examples in Resumes

Created compelling Synopsis documents for over 20 feature film projects

Developed and refined Synopsis materials that led to three successful script sales

Wrote Treatment and Synopsis documents for television series pitch packages

Typical job title: "Screenwriters"

Also try searching for:

Script Writer Story Developer Content Developer Creative Writer Film Writer TV Writer Development Executive

Where to Find Screenwriters

Online Communities

Job Boards

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you adapt your synopsis writing style for different genres and audiences?

Expected Answer: An experienced writer should discuss how they adjust their writing style, length, and focus based on the genre (comedy, drama, etc.) and the intended audience (studio executives, producers, streaming platforms).

Q: How do you handle complex, multi-threaded stories in a synopsis?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate ability to distill complex narratives into clear, engaging summaries while maintaining the essential story elements and character arcs.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What elements do you prioritize when writing a one-page synopsis?

Expected Answer: Should explain how they identify and highlight the most crucial plot points, character developments, and themes while maintaining reader interest.

Q: How do you make your synopsis stand out in a competitive market?

Expected Answer: Should discuss techniques for crafting engaging openings, using active language, and emphasizing unique selling points of the story.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the difference between a synopsis and a treatment?

Expected Answer: Should explain that a synopsis is typically shorter and focuses on plot summary, while a treatment is longer and includes more detail about style, tone, and character development.

Q: How do you structure a basic synopsis?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of basic synopsis structure: hook, main plot points, character introductions, and resolution, all while maintaining brevity.