Treatments and Log Lines

I understand what they are, but how and when are they best used when pitching? Also what do you call a cover page that explains your credentials, references, etc?

Mac -

A logline - scratch that - a GOOD logline is crucial. You need to be able to nail the big idea of your story in 25 words or so.

i.e. (a character) does (something) and (something happens).

As for treatments. Many writers write treatments as part of the writing process - they lay the story out (sometimes scene by scene) in prose before writing the actual script. Other writers dive straight into the script, or use beat sheets or outlines are scene cards or whatever.

Treatments are different than a synopsis - they are quite detailed and can run 40+ pages - depending on the amount of detail.

It is always preferable to have an agent or producer read your script, rather than a treatment of your script. If you don't have a treatment, many will let you send your script.

Ditto.

A logline is the shingle above your store. It entices customers to come in, look around and buy something. Make it short, easy to read and understand, but more important make it unique and fresh. Some of the best loglines I believe run around 25 word although I accept up to 35 if done right.

Case in point. 50 First Dates: "A guy has to get his girlfriend, who has short term memory, to fall in love with him each and every day."

There are tons of movies about a guy who tries to get a girl to fall in love with him. 50 First Dates, however, is fresh because of the memory aspect. One sentence can tell the entire story. This is much the case with high concept films, however, low concept (indie dramas) is much harder to describe and takes a lot of work to get a good logline.

I think I need to get a good book on how to write, use, and abuse treatments: Then I need to take time off from posting and read the book.

Any suggestions on "best books" or "good sites" giving treatments the treatment?