Advice on how to create the visual reference for your film pitch.
Matt Aitia goes step-by-step through his process of creating a director’s treatment:
When commercial director Nur Niaz couldn’t find much in the way of online resources about how to create a director’s treatment, he created his own – a series, in fact. He begins with an explainer on the director’s treatment…
… then offers some design tips for your treatment…
… before showing, side-by-side, director’s treatment vs the end result:
Director Robert Eggers on how creating a look book helps in a variety of ways, from communicating with collaborators to convincing financiers:
One of the rare times Robert Eggers extensively talks about his creative process. It’s pretty endearing to see his enduring theater roots in his filmmaking process specifically the LOOK BOOK. Which speaks to his diverse background of costume and set design before directing films. pic.twitter.com/g3qyYM0jZD
— 𝔚𝔢𝔯𝔴𝔲𝔩𝔣 • FC (@EggersGrimoire) September 21, 2026
Film Riot offers their approach for How to Develop Your Story Idea Into a Treatment:
Further Viewing
Similarly, independent documentarians and Hollywood directors alike talk through Pitch Decks and other ways to communicate your vision as a director:
Outlining the visual approach you envision for your project can often involve gathering references from other films, shows, photographers, and artists. Here are some techniques for getting your crew and yourself on the same page ahead of production: