: Is there a template for how to write a movie summarization? Is there an official or de facto standard for how to write a movie summarization for an encyclopedia, magazine, newspaper or other

Vote Up Vote Down

There may well be such guidelines but they'd probably be publication-specific and situation-dependent. They'd also have to be developed ahead of time.

For example, an encyclopedia would have only a certain amount of space available for entries, and might even have guidelines about entry length.

The format of a synopsis in film review would be determined by the reviewer, but the publication's editor would certainly have feedback.

Are you writing for a publication that focuses on actors? On special effects? On the design? Does the review talk about, say, the cinematography? The dialogue? If so, then mentioning the cinematographer and the script writer makes sense. Otherwise, perhaps leave them out; but some publications might want to use a capsule summary to give credit to people who otherwise might not be mentioned.

(0)

Vote Up Vote Down

No there's no such thing. It depends on the medium you are writing for. You'd write something very different if it was for the back of a DVD then if it was for film review.

In general I'd follow the rules that dictate how to write a proper synopsis. So that means that you'd establish a setting, a protagonist, imply an emotional arc, touch on some of the major set-pieces in the film and provide some context on the production of the film itself.

(0)