One-page summary of the complete story including the ending — a sales tool for producers and distributors.
Technical Details
Industry standard for synopses: 1 page for short films under 30 minutes, 2 pages for feature films 90-120 minutes, 3 pages for films over 120 minutes. Formatting is in 12pt Times New Roman, single line spacing, 2.5cm margins. The synopsis is divided into three acts according to classical dramaturgy: Setup (25%), Confrontation (50%), Resolution (25%). Character names are written in all caps upon first mention.
History & Development
Synopses originated in the 1920s within the Hollywood studio system as a decision-making tool for producers. Irving Thalberg at MGM established the system of written project evaluation by synopsis readers in 1925. In the 1960s, the Writers Guild of America standardized the format. Since the 1990s, digital databases like IMDbPro have been used for synopsis archiving.
Practical Application in Film
Synopses are used for project acquisition, financing, and internal communication. Producers use them for pitch meetings with investors, directors for communication with Heads of Department. For "The Matrix" (1999), the Wachowski synopsis convinced Warner Bros. despite the unconventional concept. For sequels like "John Wick: Chapter 4," writers create separate synopses for each storyline. Casting Directors use character synopses for casting supporting roles.
Comparison & Alternatives
The synopsis differs from the treatment (5-10 pages, scene descriptions), exposé (0.5-1 page, rough overview), and logline (1-2 sentences, core conflict). The step outline divides the plot into numbered sequences, while the synopsis tells a flowing narrative. Modern alternatives include video pitches and interactive presentations, but the written synopsis remains the industry standard for contract negotiations and rights clarification.