A practical method
- Identify what each exchange changes in the story.
- Convert nonessential dialogue into concise narration.
- Keep any essential quotation clearly attributed and approved.
An example brief to adapt
Adapt a fictional conversation between a baker and a courier for one English narrator. Preserve the misunderstanding and its resolution, but avoid separate character voices. Let visible gestures carry part of the exchange. Show the revised narration and scene actions before production.
Review before moving on
- Is the conflict preserved?
- Can speakers be distinguished in the wording?
- Does the film avoid depending on lip synchronization?
Record a concrete observation beside each check: a line in the treatment, a source passage or a timestamp in the downloaded film. If you cannot inspect an item yet, leave it open. A request in a brief is an intention; the result is what must be reviewed.
Download this guide’s editable text worksheet
What to avoid
Removing dialogue can accidentally remove the reason for a character's decision. Keep the causal meaning even when the exact exchange is compressed.
Sources and scope
The method and fictional brief are original editorial guidance for planning and review. They do not establish a measured performance gain or guarantee a particular render. Product statements follow Kleo’s public pages, checked on 2026-09-23; official platform guidance is linked where relevant.
- Kleo FAQ — Product capabilities and limitations; reconfirm before production.
- Kleo pricing — Current starter offer, product conditions and quoted credit costs.
See the published Kleo examples to inspect actual showcased work. Example films may reflect a different production setup; check the current offer for your own job.