How To Write Photoplays
THIRD EDITION
BY
EMBRIE ZUVER
E-Z SCENARIO CO.
NEW YORK CITY
COPYRIGHT, 1915
BY
EMBRIE ZUVER
(All rights reserved.)
INTRODUCTORY.
We endeavor to give you in this Book of Instructions, all the correct
and up-to-date information necessary in writing Photoplays. If you will
_read carefully_, and _follow_ the instructions contained in this book
we can see no reason why you cannot become a successful Scenario writer.
It is needless for us to go into details about the ever-increasing
demand for new pictures, or the wonderful growth of this new industry.
We could make this Book up into 150 or 200 smaller pages, by adding
considerable padding. We could dwell on each subject at great length,
put in unnecessary reading matter for a few cents additional expense.
We do not deem it advisable, however, to confuse or burden you with
padded matter which is not necessary for your success. Our aim is to
show you in a clear and simple manner, how to put your ideas into
_proper_ form necessary for _acceptable_ Photoplays.
CONTENTS
PAGE
LESSON I--Technical Studio Terms 3 to 11
LESSON II--Your Idea 11
LESSON III--Topics to Write About 12
LESSON IV--Formation of Plot 13
LESSON V--Length of Play 14
LESSON VI--Scenario 15
LESSON VII--Subject or Title 17
LESSON VIII--Synopsis 18
LESSON IX--Cast of Characters 18
LESSON X--Scenes 19
LESSON XI--Continuity of Scenes 20
LESSON XII--Plays that are Practical for the Camera 21
LESSON XIII--Leaders or Subtitles 22
LESSON XIV--Telegrams, Letters, etc. 23
LESSON XV--Entrances and Exits 23
LESSON XVI--Stage-settings 24
LESSON XVII--Crisis, Anti-Climax and Climax 24
LESSON XVIII--Outline of Play 25
LESSON XIX--Emotion and Sympathy 26
LESSON XX--General Instructions 27
LESSON XXI--Preparation of Manuscript 27 to 28
LESSON XXII--Where to Sell Plays and Prices Paid 29 to 30
LESSON XXIII--Copyrights 30
LESSON XXIV--Board of Censors 30
LESSON XXV--The Production of a Photoplay 30 to 31
LESSON XXVI--A Few Don’ts 31 to 33
LESSON XXVII--Conclusion 33 to 34
Photoplay Writing
LESSON I.
Every Photo-Playwright should know the various technical terms and
names used in the profession.
You must use the right word at the right time, and, consequently, a
knowledge of the different Photoplay terms and expressions is necessary.
ACTION.
Action means the movements, actions and gestures of the players in the
development of the plot.
ADAPTATION.
A Play written from a copyrighted book, poem or story.
BUST.
A “Bust” is a “Close-Up” of a person taken from the waist line up.
Practically all Directors use the expression “Close-Up” instead of Bust.
CAST OF CHARACTERS.
The cast of characters is simply a list of the important persons who
act in your play.
CHARACTER.
A player who takes part in producing the play.
CLIMAX.
The end of a play or the last scene. The climax is the strongest part
of the Play. The anti-climax is the beginning of the climax or the
unraveling of the plot.
CLOSE-UP.
If you desire to magnify or enlarge some particular scene, person or
object it is called a close-up. To obtain a close-up picture, the
camera is placed very close to the scene or object to be photographed.
A close-up scene is taken when you want the same to show up in a very
distinct and clear manner and is employed to break up an unusually long
scene, or to make a certain point of your story very forceful.
Use Close-Up frequently as they give new life to the scene and make the
characters more familiar to the audience.
Refer to scenes 33 and 50 of sample play.
CONTINUITY.
A continuous story which runs along in a smooth, uninterrupted manner.
“CUT.”
A cut means to shorten an action as in scene 15 of sample play.
“CUT BACK.”
Referring back to a preceding scene. See scene 16.
“CUT IN” LEADER.
A “Cut In” Leader or Subtitle is introduced into a scene after which
the action goes back to the same scene. In other words a “Cut In”
Leader cuts into the middle of a scene. Please refer to Subtitle No. 1
of sample play which is a “Cut In” Leader or “Cut In” Subtitle.
DEVELOPMENT.
The building up of the plot and arranging the action into different
scenes and parts.
DIRECTOR.
The Director is the man who directs the different movements necessary
in taking the pictures. He visualizes your play, arranges the various
scenes, and casts the actors and actresses into their respective
characters. He directs the correct actions of the picture from
beginning to end.
DISSOLVE.
The gradual introduction or _fading out_ of a person or scene.
Is done by double exposure and is used when referring to past
recollections or dream pictures.
EDITOR.
The Editor is the person who passes on your play when sent to the
Moving Picture Manufacturing Companies. If he sees any merit in your
story and has a cast of characters suitable for your play, he will send
you a check for what he thinks the play is worth. If he cannot use your
story he will have same returned to you.
FILM.
The film is in the form of a celluloid ribbon about one inch wide and
is wound on a roll. An average of sixteen pictures are taken in a
second and these sixteen pictures will be on one foot of film.
FLASH.
A very brief glimpse of an action or scene.
INSERTS.
Inserts are put in to make the story more clear to the spectators and
are foreign to the actions of the characters.
Inserts may be in the form of a note, newspaper clipping, telegram,
dialogue, a “Close Up” or in fact anything that is necessary to carry a
scene along or to break a scene if it is too long.
Refer to scenes 23-27-36, 45, 46, 50 of sample play.
LEADERS AND SUBTITLES.
A “Subtitle” is a written explanation preceding a scene--except before
the 1st scene of the Play, when a “Leader” is sometimes used. It is
_not_ advisable, however, to start your Play with a “Leader,” as good
Action is better.
Refer to lesson 13 where we explain more fully the meaning of Leaders
and Subtitles.
MASKS.
Occasionally in moving pictures you will see the vision which a
character witnesses when looking through a hole in the floor or wall
or oftentimes through a field glass. Instead of viewing the picture
in its usual shape it is shown to you in the same way that you would
actually see it if you were to look at it through a field glass. Such
scenes are called masks.
MELODRAMATIC.
A Play of a sensational nature.
PADDING.
Putting unnecessary action into a story in order to make a full reel.
PHOTOPLAY.
A Photoplay or a Moving Picture Play is a story told in pictures, where
all conversation is eliminated and where the camera portrays the story.
In fact, it is simply pantomime or dumb show, presented in pictures or,
in other words, “Silent Drama of the Screens.”
PLOT.
The plot is the theme or idea of your story.
PRODUCER.
Producing companies hire the actors and actresses and take the pictures
as you see them on the screen.
PROJECTING MACHINE.
A projecting machine is the machine that throws the pictures on the
screens as you see them in the moving picture theatres.
PUNCH.
Any action that will create and increase suspense and make the play a
success.
REELS.
Pictures are shown in different reels, viz.: Split reels, single,
double or multiple reels. A Split reel is composed of two separate
short stories, on one reel.
A full one reel contains 1,000 feet of film which can be shown on the
screen in about 20 minutes.
A multiple reel means more than one reel.
REGISTER.
The word register is used when you want to make the _actions_ of the
actor very impressive to the spectators. The actor is supposed to play
his part accordingly.
For examples, refer to scenes 3-5-7-13-17 of sample play.
RELEASES.
Releasing a picture means that the film manufacturer places it upon the
market.
SCENARIO.
Scenario is a common term now being used in the moving picture
business, and means the outline or sketch of a theme, put into scenes
in consecutive order so as to be in form to offer to the producers or
film manufacturing companies.
SCENE.
Action which takes place in one spot without moving or stopping the
camera.
SET.
The arrangement of scenery for interior or exterior scenes.
SUSPENSE.
Some action or part of the Play that arouses the interest of the
audience and makes them “all attention.”
SYNOPSIS.
The synopsis is the story written in a brief, condensed way,
eliminating all unnecessary words. The synopsis enables the Editor to
see, in a few minutes reading, the idea of your play. If your Synopsis
appeals to him he will read the play. If not, he will reject it.
TECHNIQUE.
The correct points of formation or construction for a Photoplay.
VISIONS.
When one of your characters thinks of some happy or well-remembered day
in his or her life, a vision of the scene is reproduced. It is usually
shown in upper right-hand or left-hand corner of the screen.
VISUALIZE.
To be able to picture your story in your mind’s eye, and see that your
idea is practical for screen production.
LESSON II.
YOUR IDEA.
When starting to write your play, first settle upon your idea and add
to it as your imagination pictures the plot, as it develops, until you
have a sequence of events, which will form an interesting Photoplay.
Be original with your ideas, because hundreds of old ones are rejected
every week. Your own personal experiences will often give you good
ideas for a picture. Keen observation will lead to many good Ideas. Be
observing in your everyday mode of living and you will be surprised at
the number of _germs and plots_ you will find for good Photoplays.
Get an idea that is worth while. It is the _Big Idea or Plot_ that must
be carried out to a logical and interesting conclusion.
A great many writers are not able to tell the difference between what
is Plot and what is not. Hundreds of Scenarios are submitted which are
written in neat up-to-date correct Scenario Form but they lack _Plot_
and are consequently returned.
You should be able to visualize your story, and know that what you
are writing can be transferred to the screen. See that the characters
perform the actions according to man’s way of doing things.
Write about subjects with which you are thoroughly familiar, and study
the characteristics of the parties you introduce into your story.
LESSON III.
TOPICS TO WRITE ABOUT.
There are numerous subjects you can write on, namely, Friendship,
Fidelity, Thoughtfulness, High Character, Love for Mankind, Integrity,
Devotion to Parents, Benevolence, Charity or Heroism.
You can also show the folly of dishonest acts, the dangers of weakness
of character, selfishness or dishonorable efforts to gain wealth and
fame.
The parting of friends, the meeting of enemies, the complex working
of governments and politics, the new inventions and rivalry between
inventors, all furnish an everlasting source of _Ideas and Plots_ for
Photoplays.
No matter how sad the play might be, at the different stages, always
try and work out a happy ending.
A great number of themes can be worked into Scenarios that will teach a
good lesson and portray acts that might go home to many in the audience.
In everyday life, you no doubt see many incidents that have merit for
screen entertainment.
Always try to bear in mind, that the highest aim of the Photoplay is to
portray true insight of human nature and character. Write Plays with
_heart interest_.
If so inclined, you can write plays in which children take part, but so
arrange the acts so they will not be impossible for the child actors.
An intelligent child in a nice part in a picture goes far in gladdening
the hearts of the audience.
_Comedy plays_ are in the greatest demand. Good comedies are the most
difficult to write, and naturally sell for the most money. Always
remember, however, to write as your inclination leads you.
The kind of humor wanted is not of the rough nature. You should not try
to make people laugh at cruel or inhuman jokes or depict scenes that
cause accidents.
If you can write a play into which you can put a good moral, it will
add merit to your Scenario.
Plays showing summer scenes should be submitted in the early Spring.
Winter stories should be submitted in the Fall. For instance, if you
have a play with summer scenes showing a Park, the Sea Shore or any
other beautiful summer location, you must submit that kind of a play in
March or April. It takes from six weeks to two months for a producing
company to make the necessary arrangements for the production of a play.
You must therefore, always figure ahead and if you have a Christmas
Play, it should be submitted about October.
LESSON IV.
FORMATION OF PLOT.
Your plot will not come to you in a finished form. You will probably
have the idea in the rough state.
As thought engenders thought, so does one Idea create or develop
another. Draw from your imagination and instead of being content with
one or two ideas, weave a chain of events, ideas and circumstances so
as to make a story worth while.
Arrange the action of your story so that it grows logically, and have
the scenes follow each other in natural succession.
Start with an incident that arouses interest, develop the theme in a
consistent way and work for the big climax at the finish.
Every plot must have a _purpose_ or _problem_ to solve; obstacles will
present themselves and difficulties are bound to arise, which by a
chain of events must be removed.
The last scene must clear up all problems or preceding events.
The _good_ theme, or _object_ of the play, should win out in the end,
although it can be thwarted at different times to cause suspense.
Be sure that suspense predominates and is carried out from the
beginning to the end.
Your story must have strength and be fascinating enough to hold the
spectators throughout the play.
_Plot_ is the keynote of the successful Photoplay and with proper
formation will draw the checks from the Producers.
LESSON V.
LENGTH OF PLAY.
Have your play last about 20 minutes to the reel. It is best to take
your manuscript and go through all the action, in this way you can plan
the length of the play.
Some inexperienced writers send in plays which could be shown in 6 to
8 minutes, while others send them in so full of incidents, it would
require twelve or fourteen hundred feet of film to portray them, as
written, and would take 25 or 30 minutes to show them on the screen.
Always arrange your scenes so that they can be clearly understood.
The way to time a play is to start with the first scene and enact all
the scenes of the Play.
If it takes you only 8 minutes to _act out_ your Play, then you know it
is too short for a one reel picture or 1,000 ft. of film.
_Comedy_ action is much more rapid than _drama_ and in _Comedy_ plays
more scenes are used.
SPLIT REEL PICTURES.
_Split reel pictures_ are _not_ in demand now and only a few companies
are buying them.
ONE REEL PICTURES.
The _average_ one reel pictures, now in demand, have from 40 to 50
scenes for Dramas and from 60 to 80 scenes for Comedies. The number of
scenes, of course, depending on the length of the story. Some scenes
take longer than others; one scene might be 25 seconds long, and
another 3 or 4 minutes. The stage director sometimes adds a few scenes
or cuts some out, as he thinks advisable.
TWO REEL PICTURES.
Two reel pictures are wanted by the majority of Producers and are in
greater demand at present than one reel.
The number of scenes for a two reel picture is naturally about twice as
great as a one reel or from 80 to 160 scenes, depending on the kind of
Play and the amount of action.
LESSON VI.
SCENARIO.
Have a purpose in your plot. _Knowledge and Technique_ in Photoplay
Writing (_without_ an Idea that is _new_ and _original_) are
absolutely worthless.
You must first have a Plot or Idea that is worth-while and different,
something directly appealing and inspiring. On the other hand, your
Plot must be properly constructed in Scenario Form and contain the
necessary technique to make it self-explanatory and marketable.
Film Producers will pay much more for original Ideas worked out into
proper, technical Scenario Form.
Your Scenario should give the Editor an accurate understanding of the
theme of your story, and show what each character is supposed to do.
From the beginning, you should remember that something must be taking
place all the time to accentuate the various developments of the story.
_All sentences of your Scenario should be condensed._ Refer to our
model Scenario.
Refer to our model Scenario and note how all sentences are condensed.
Photoplays are, of course, dumb, and their meaning must be clearly
expressed by action. It is, therefore, not necessary to write as you
would in a book, or as would be spoken on the stage. The scene action
on the screen tells the story, and the camera carries out the details
and theme of the play in an even more comprehensive way.
The beginning of the Play is almost as important as the end.
Arouse interest in your first scene, and you will then have a better
chance to hold the spectator’s attention for the rest of the play.
Always remember, however, to incorporate interest in all scenes, so as
not to allow the thoughts of the spectator to waver or drift away.
You must stimulate the imagination of the audience, so that they will
watch with keen interest every scene in the play.
Write slowly and surely, for a hurriedly written Scenario will no
doubt, contain many faults, and will not create as good an impression
with the Editor as one carefully prepared.
Write a story with _Interest_.
Is there any interest in a story where the wayward son is reformed by
the appeals of his sweetheart?
But let us suppose that the wayward son is caught in the act of
burglary. The master of the house takes his revolver from him, lays it
on the table and tells him to sit down--then we have started interest.
Instead of calling the police, he asks him why he has lowered himself
to such a degrading position as burglarizing.
Then the daughter appears, and although she knows that her father is a
professional gentleman-crook, still she takes an interest in the young
wayward boy and treats him with kindness.
You must, therefore, incorporate interest in every point of the play,
and while the plot must not be over-done, still the actions of the
characters must awaken the emotions of the audience.
You can develop the above idea, strengthen the action as you proceed,
and then after a combination of events, have the daughter reform both
her gentleman-crook father and the wayward son.
Your Scenario should have a number of unusual turns and the Grand
Climax must not be reached till many difficulties have been overcome.
LESSON VII.
SUBJECT OR TITLE.
The _Subject_ or _Title_ of your play is a very important thing. Select
an original _Title_ that is catchy and will attract the attention of
the public, particularly when shown on posters. It should be expressive
of the plot and stimulating to the Editor’s curiosity.
Use as few words as possible for your title; try and limit yourself
from two to five words.
LESSON VIII.
SYNOPSIS.
Write the Synopsis or outline of your story from your idea. The
Synopsis should be as brief as possible; at the same time giving the
reader a clear idea of your play. The Synopsis sells or rejects your
play, so by all means make it attractive and catchy.
In writing the Synopsis, limit yourself to about 250 words, per reel,
as a maximum, for the average Scenario Editor does not want to take
the time to read a long drawn-out Synopsis, which could be better
understood if condensed into fewer words. Arrange your Synopsis into
short sentences, in simple language, expressive, crisp and to the
point. Mention only the VITAL parts of your story and make every
sentence tell something. Introduce only the important characters in
your Synopsis, and do not give them more than one name when referring
to them, for instance: do not mention Martha Stone in one sentence and
then call her Miss Stone in another paragraph. The Reader is liable to
become confused and get the names mixed.
Some people are able to write a better Synopsis if they wait till after
they have written the Scenario. This is a good way for beginners to
do, as all the important point of the story can then be put into the
Synopsis.
LESSON IX.
CAST OF CHARACTERS.
The number of characters to use all depends on the nature of the play.
Some scenes require more characters than others, but it is well to
limit your cast to a few principal or leading characters. _Avoid
unnecessary characters._
The leading characters should appear as early in the play as can be
arranged. As your story will often be written or woven about the
incidents in the life of one or two principal characters, you should
keep them in the foreground as much as possible, and not allow the
minor characters to attract too much attention. Deal with your main
characters first, and then, add your minor characters as they are
needed.
Have your characters natural and true to life. The name of a character
should be short and characteristic. A short name is easier to write and
to remember. Avoid the use of silly or eccentric names, unless you have
an eccentric comedy or farce.
Establish a clear relationship between all characters. See that they
are put in the situation or surroundings in which they naturally belong.
Do not let the spectator lose sight of your leading characters;
follow them through all the incidents of the story in which they are
represented.
Many stories are weak on dramatic characterization. The average amateur
writer has the _leading_ characters very poorly developed and usually
leaves them to wander around alone, without any definite aim or direct
action.
The _leading_ characters must have sufficient action to befit the parts
they are playing and be impressive to the spectators.
LESSON X.
SCENES.
Whenever a picture is taken of new surroundings and background it
becomes a new scene. Each new scene must be shown in your Scenario and
numbered consecutively.
The same stage settings are often used several times with different
action. See Scenes 1-3-5-7-9-45-50-52 of sample Scenario.
Brevity is essential when writing your scenes. Do not endeavor to
depict a scene. In scene I, you will note we mention “Teddy’s Rooms,”
but we do not describe them. We leave that for the Director to do when
arranging the scene.
Make all your scenes as _simple_ as possible. All the details in
connection with the scenes can be taken care of much better by the
Director.
The novice sees moving pictures only in a superficial way and fails to
examine carefully the manner in which they are presented on the screen.
Many inexperienced writers are under the impression that a certain
number of scenes are required for a thousand feet of film, and proceed
to write accordingly. The number of scenes should be gauged by the
length of the play. Time should be spent in gauging the length of your
various scenes to see that none of them contain too much action and
mechanical play.
Study the play as to its technical presentation, forget the plot, for
the time, and interest yourself in the dramatic technique.
The producer often must divide and subdivide some of your scenes into
several scenes, which require _cut backs_, and, naturally, causes
trouble in matching up the broken parts perfectly. Therefore, do not
have long acting scenes, and avoid _narrativeness_, which we find
characteristic among amateur writers. _Briefness_ and _clearness_ are
the principal things to follow; leave nothing to be guessed at or
inferred by the producer or spectators.
LESSON XI.
CONTINUITY OF SCENES.
It is not advisable to have a long lapse of time between scenes. Some
of the best plays are those in which the action takes place in a few
hours or days.
Keep up with your characters in their movements; and try to account
for all lapses of time, making the scene continue in perfect harmony.
Have your characters go from one scene to another in a natural way.
Do not allow a character to pass from the interior of his office to
the interior of another man’s office. In doing so, you destroy the
illusion of the two distinct buildings, perhaps far apart, and break
the continuity of your story by neglecting to follow up the character
in his various movements. If a character is in one scene and you intend
that he appear in the following scene, be sure and have him _exit_ from
the first scene and _enter_ him in the following scene in the proper
manner.
When showing the incidents in the lives of two different characters,
do not show every incident in the life of one and then follow with the
life of the other. Show the experiences of one of the characters in
one scene, then flash the other character in the next scene, and so
on. In this way you keep well balanced the incidents surrounding both
characters until the climax is reached.
For example, refer to scene number 11 of sample play; note we leave
Teddy after he jumps on the car; in the next scene we show Martha and
others, and then show Teddy again in scene number 13.
LESSON XII.
PLAYS THAT ARE PRACTICAL FOR THE CAMERA.
It is not advisable to write scenes that are exceptionally difficult
to photograph, such as a battle in the air, or a conflict in which too
great a number of people are engaged.
Try and lay your scenes in such a way that they can be enacted in the
Studio or the nearby outside surrounding territory of the producer’s
plant.
When reading over your play, examine your different scenes and consider
if it is possible for the camera man to photograph them without
entailing big expense.
LESSON XIII.
LEADERS OR SUBTITLES.
Leaders or Subtitles are used to cover up gaps in continuity, and are
supposed to give the spectator a clearer understanding of the story;
for instance, such expressions as “Next Morning,” “The Horrible News,”
“Later,” or “Midnight,” etc. Such subtitles prepare the audience for
what is to follow, and help to make the following incidents more clear.
It is sometimes impossible to give the proper explanation of the story
_in action_, so a Subtitle is used.
It is not necessary, to place on subtitles the name of the person who
is making the “speech.” You should arrange your title so that there
could be no question as to which character was speaking the lines.
Do not jump from daylight action to night-time without inserting a
subtitle to show elapsion of time, as in sample play Subtitle No.
8--“Next Morning.”
Do not, however, be too free with the use of subtitles, as the action
of your play should tell the story.
The interjection of conversation into a picture play Scenario is
sometimes necessary, but it should be avoided, if at all possible.
The proper wording and placing of Leaders or Inserts will improve the
film immensely.
All speech Inserts should be couched in natural language, reading as if
the character would make such a remark.
If Inserts are in unnatural language, the scene loses considerable
strength.
A short _scene_ is often better than a Subtitle, as it portrays the
incidents in a more impressive manner.
At times, you may be obliged to break a scene; which means that you
flash another scene for a few seconds and then go back and show the
original scene. As an illustration we refer you to Scenes 15, 16 and 17
of sample play.
The average number of words to use in a subtitle is from 2 to 10. A
bit of dialogue which is explanatory can be used _occasionally_ as a
subtitle. Refer to “Inserts” in Scenes 23 and 27 of sample Scenario.
It is a good idea for you to number your Subtitles separately from the
number of scenes, as Subtitle No. 1, Subtitle No. 2, etc.
Put Subtitles between the reels when you have more than a one-reel
picture, as:
Subtitle No. 16.--END OF PART ONE.
_Part Two._ Subtitle No. 17.--THE TRUTH REVEALED.
LESSON XIV.
TELEGRAMS, LETTERS, ETC.
The above are to answer the same purpose as leaders and subtitles and
are used to explain different points in your story.
Do not use telegrams, letters or newspaper articles unless they are
absolutely necessary in the working out of the plot. They detract from
the action of the various scenes, and the audience becomes wearied when
they are obliged to do too much reading on the screens.
Letters and telegrams should be as concise and condensed as you can
make them. It is only necessary to show the portion of the letter
required to convey the meaning and make your story clear.
LESSON XV.
ENTRANCES AND EXITS.
When a character enters or exits from a scene in any manner other than
on foot, make _mention_ of this in your Scenario. Refer to scenes 6 and
11 of sample play. Sometimes a character enters in an automobile and
another character may exit in a cab.
The plural for exit is “exeunt;” for instance, “Teddy exits,” and
“Teddy and Martha exeunt.”
LESSON XVI.
STAGE-SETTINGS.
A real feature in Photoplays is the setting, which is shown by
the scenes and surroundings, and takes the place of the elaborate
description of the novelist.
When a certain setting in your play is to be one of the main features,
name it as a scene; for illustration, “Teddy’s Room,” in sample
Scenario. The stage Director takes care of the _scene settings_, but if
you give a list of Props (as you will see given in the sample Scenario)
it will be of great assistance to the property-man.
Work as much into each setting as possible, as it is an expense to
produce each new setting.
Express your settings or scenes in a few words, and the Director will
do the rest. Avoid showing expensive settings. Always bear in mind that
moving pictures are simply photographs and that the elaborate settings
you may desire must often be taken in the Studio and not in the home of
a millionaire.
A great many Scenarios with good plots have been rejected because the
expense in producing them was too great.
You, of course, _see_ many elaborate settings; but the _play_ and
_situations_ were _strong_ enough to warrant the expense.
LESSON XVII.
CRISIS, ANTI-CLIMAX AND CLIMAX.
Your story may have several crisis points in it, but each crisis
should be stronger and more interesting than the preceding one, until
the _Anti-Climax_, or turning point of the play is reached. Then the
_Climax_, which is the last scene and the point at which the strongest
part is enacted.
You should have interesting incidents throughout your story, so as to
hold the attention of the audience and keep them guessing till the
Climax.
Do not allow the leading characters to win, or the important point to
be gained without considerable difficulty. Prolong the suspense and
make it very hard for the audience to figure out how the Play will end.
A great many Plays are spoiled because the outcome of the story was too
visible to the audience at the first part of the picture.
Unless your play is strong enough to hold the interest of the
spectators, throughout the play, they will be indifferent as to the
outcome of the story.
The Climax must be strong and effective. It is rather difficult for an
amateur to know when and how to write the climax. Do not have a long
drawn-out ending. Simply satisfy the interest of the audience and leave
an impression with a _Punch_. Your story must contain all rudiments
that lead from the _reasonable_ incidents of the plot to the _logical_
ending.
LESSON XVIII.
OUTLINE OF PLAY.
Draw up an outline of your story, give names to your principal
characters, divide and subdivide your scenes, show entrances and exits
of characters, and grouping of incidents.
You can afterwards condense, select and arrange the details. From your
rough Scenario you can work out from 50 to 200 or more scenes.
Analyze your story, and weigh its intrinsic value. If there is enough
material in the plot to warrant and enable you to write a 2 reel
picture you might do so.
If there is a middle in the plot, which is a thrilling situation (a
sort of climax, or anti-climax in itself), and the story is worthy of
further development, you can no doubt, work the play into 2 reels. If
however, the middle, or intermediate climax is missing, and the action
of the plot, leads up to only one big scene, then the logical thing to
do is to make a one reel picture.
You should not start your story with _quick_ action, but it should
increase in action up to its anti-crisis, crisis, anti-climax and then
climax.
We advise you to put your talents to the test in writing plays for
_single_ and _double_ reels _first_.
A _good_ story in a single or double reel, by an amateur writer always
has a better chance of being accepted.
After you have become experienced in Scenario writing, you can attempt
the multiple reels made up in two, three, four, five and more reels.
LESSON XIX.
EMOTION AND SYMPATHY.
True emotion is one of the essentials of a successful Photoplay.
It stirs us into sorrow, pity, anger or contempt, also to laughter and
happiness.
You must have enough real action in your story or plot to enable the
characters to awaken the emotions of the audience. Much of course,
depends upon the character when acting the part, but you are obliged to
furnish a good basis to work on.
Sympathy is a big asset. It reveals itself by stirring our emotions and
works _heart-interest_ into the story.
Bring out the sympathy in the most effective way possible.
There is some sympathy in a scene showing a little boy and his aged
mother living in one small, unventilated room. When you show, however,
that the small boy is the only support for the aged mother, that they
are absolutely destitute, without food, and the mother sick in bed,
then you create sympathy. When action is coupled with your plot and
sympathy, you will as a result, get _real action_.
LESSON XX.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS.
After you have written your play you should read it over very
carefully, cut out all unnecessary words, and eliminate any scenes, or
parts of scenes, that are not actually essential.
Take your time in writing your play. Go over it several times before
sending it to the Producer. Every time you read the play you will no
doubt find some place where you can improve it.
Read it over, revise it and change it until you think it is in the best
possible form in which you can put it.
If there is any part of your play that does not seem clear, you should
change that part until there is no doubt in your mind that it cannot be
improved upon.
You should study the moving picture proposition in all of its phases.
Considerable knowledge can be acquired from close observation and
discernment. Familiarize yourself with the chief points and essentials
of the moving picture play, as you see it in your favorite theatre.
Criticize the different plays you see, and, if you observe one you do
not like, try to ascertain why and what is at fault. Study the sequence
of scenes, the exits of the different characters from one scene and
their reappearance in another.
LESSON XXI.
PREPARATION OF MANUSCRIPT.
Your _manuscript_ must be tastefully put together. Use white, unruled
paper, about 8¹⁄₂ × 11 inches in size, which you can secure from your
stationer or druggist.
Have your Scenario _typewritten_, by all means. Very few companies will
buy plays that are not typewritten. You do not stand one chance in a
hundred of getting a play accepted that is not typewritten. Use double
space. Write on one side of the paper only.
Write your Title on the first sheet, the Synopsis on the second, your
cast of characters on the third page, and then start your first scene
on page four. (See sample play.)
Place the Title of your play on upper right-hand corner of _each_ page,
_following_ the Title page. In upper right-hand corner of Title sheet
write, “Submitted at usual rates,” or “Please make offer.” The best
way to do is to mark (Submitted at usual rates). We firmly believe the
producers are all reliable, and will pay you what your play is worth.
Should you prefer to do so you can write (_Please make offer_). When
you ask them to make you an offer, however, it means correspondence,
which most of the producers dislike.
Write your name and complete address in the left-hand corner on the
first and last sheets of manuscript.
Fasten all pages together with paper clips or fasteners, which can be
easily removed.
Please bear in mind not to roll your manuscript. Editors will not read
a rolled manuscript.
Fold pages twice, and place in a legal size envelope, about 9¹⁄₂ × 10
inches, which you can buy at the Post-office.
Address another large envelope to yourself, put on sufficient postage,
and enclose with your Scenario, so the Producer can return your script
to you, if he does not accept it.
The envelope you address to yourself, should be a trifle smaller than
the other, so it will not have to be creased. A creased envelope, quite
often breaks open in the mail, and your script may become lost.
Address your envelope to the “_Scenario Editor_,” of whatever Company
you send your play. To prevent the envelope in which you mail your
script, from being lost, write your name and address on upper
left-hand corner of envelope.
Do not offer your play to any other Company, until the one to whom it
is first sent, has notified you of its rejection.
Do not write the Editor, about the merit of your story, he will judge
the play for himself, and if he wants it, will pay you what it is worth.
If you have been successful as a magazine writer, or sold any other
literary work, you might mention this to the Editor when sending him
your Play.
If your play is rejected, and is soiled or wrinkled when it is sent
back to you, have it rewritten on new paper, before sending it to
another Producer for acceptance.
It is well to have the heading of your different scenes, as well as
your Leaders, Subtitles, or Inserts, written in red ink. This can
easily be done, if the machine has a red ink ribbon. _You will note
we have printed them in italics._ The names of the various Scenes and
Subtitles will show up much more prominently, when written in red ink,
and will facilitate matters considerably for the Editor and Director.
Have a carbon copy of your manuscript made, for your records.
If you do not hear from the Producers (to whom you send your Play) in
a reasonable length of time, say 4 to 6 weeks, then send a registered
letter and enclose a stamped self-addressed envelope for reply.
LESSON XXII.
WHERE TO SELL PLAYS AND PRICES PAID.
We give you, on a separate sheet, which you will find in the front part
of the book, a _complete_ and _up-to-date list_ of the firms, which are
buying _Photoplays_. We have separated them into different groups, so
you can easily pick out the companies, which are in the market for the
style of play you have written.
Twenty-five dollars is a good average for a short play. A long multiple
reel play of exceptional merit will oftentimes bring from two to three
hundred dollars and more.
LESSON XXIII.
COPYRIGHTS.
We do not think it necessary to have your Photoplays copyrighted.
Very few are copyrighted before being presented to the Producers, whom
we believe are thoroughly trustworthy in this respect.
If, however, you want your play copyrighted, you can write to the
“Register of Copyrights,” Washington, D. C., and ask him to send you an
application blank.
He will then advise you, as to the small fee charged, and will give you
all information required.
LESSON XXIV.
BOARD OF CENSORS.
This board was organized in 1909, by the People’s Institute, at the
request of the Film Manufacturers, and approves or rejects the pictures
before they are released for public exhibition. The expenses of the
board are paid by the film interests.
New rules have just been adopted for a higher standard of films.
A rigid ban is put on vice and crime pictures.
The Board is opposed to films, which feature sensuous pictures, and
will not pass pictures glorifying or exonerating the evil doer.
The portrayal of insanity will not be permitted. Scenes which tend to
weaken the religious spirit, and are sacrilegious, will be condemned.
LESSON XXV.
THE PRODUCTION OF A PHOTOPLAY.
We want to give you a general idea of the inner workings of a Scenario
studio, and the production of Photoplays.
In the first place, the Scenario Editor puts the finishing touches on
the manuscript, if necessary, and turns the same over to the Stage
Director.
The Director examines the Scenario very carefully, changes it a little
to suit conditions, plans his scenes, and selects the actors and
actresses he thinks are best qualified to play the various parts. He
rehearses them with the utmost care before he sends for the camera man.
Then, the camera operator turns the crank of the camera machine, as
the different scenes are enacted and winds off the film on which the
photographs are taken.
The pictures are produced on the screen, by the projecting machine,
with such rapidity that it deceives the eye, and appears as one picture.
The projecting machine is called upon to reproduce a picture
three-quarters of an inch square, to one from 15,000 to 30,000 times
that size, according to the dimensions of the screen on which the
picture is shown.
When the picture is first produced on the screen in the studio,
the photography, and work of the actors is carefully examined and
criticized. The defects in photography are taken care of, and improved,
and the mistakes in acting are pointed out to the actors at fault.
If some of the scenes are very poorly acted, they are cut out and
re-enacted.
When the Film Manufacturing Co. thinks the picture is in a satisfactory
condition, they send it to the Exchange, who in turn supply the Theatre.
LESSON XXVI.
A Few Don’ts.
_Don’t Plagiarize_, or try to copy the theme of a popular book, a well
known poem, or magazine story. You will not receive any consideration,
if you infringe on copyrighted books or publications of any kind.
All adaptations from Books, or magazine stories are made by the
salaried Staff writers of the Producers, or by the Scenario Editors
themselves. Producers watch very carefully to see that they are buying
original stories, as a great many law suits take place because the Idea
of the Play was stolen from some copyrighted book or story.
You cannot write a scenario adapted from a copyrighted book or article
unless you secure permission from the author.
_Don’t_ write Scenarios, in which you show impossible inventions, or
impractical machinery. These stretch too much on one’s imagination.
_Don’t_ fill your Scenario with useless adjectives, or words that are
not necessary. The more condensed, and still comprehensive, the better.
_Don’t_ fill your Scenario with trivial details and explanations. They
don’t appeal to Editors.
_Don’t_ write plays that are expensive to produce.
_Don’t_ enlarge or dwell on insignificant incidents in laying out the
different scenes. The _big_ thoughts or ideas are entitled to the big
scenes or settings.
_Don’t_ depict scenes, if you can help it, of train wrecks, ships
sinking, or automobile accidents, as these scenes are too expensive to
produce, and your play is liable to be rejected on that account.
_Don’t_ get high ideas about scenic display. Expensive settings cost
money. The Scenario that can be inexpensively produced has a better
chance of being accepted.
_Don’t_ use too many leading characters. They are too hard to group in
the small radius of the camera.
_Don’t_ keep your characters too long in one scene, and on the other
hand, don’t have too many short scenes. The length of scenes all
depends on the nature of the play.
_Don’t_ try to be humorous if your inclination is for tragedy. Try and
find out the kind of plays to which your nature is best suited.
_Don’t_ write about themes, and ideas which have no meaning. Quite
often you witness a picture and after it is over you say to yourself:
“What was it all about?” Unless your problem is strong enough to be
solved in a logical and reasonable way it is a waste of time to try to
work it into a Scenario.
_Don’t_ write illogical, lurid or immoral plays.
_Don’t_ introduce an action that is not consistent with precedent.
_Don’t_ incorporate actions in your play that are impossible.
_Don’t_ let the thread of your story get broken in writing your play.
Keep the incidents all closely linked together. The tighter the
connection, the better the story. A disjointed action will not suffice.
_Don’t_ write about tragic subjects, murders, suicide, uncanny
incidents, coffins or grave yards.
_Don’t_ reflect on any religion, belief or nationality. Remember the
moving picture audiences are made up of all kinds of people.
_Don’t_ show the commission of a crime, or depict immoral actions.
_Don’t_ write on themes with which you are not familiar. Study your
different characters, and have them do things, that are consistent with
the parts they play.
LESSON XXVII.
CONCLUSION.
Do not be suspicious and imagine your play will be stolen by the
Producer. A person quite often sees a play on the screen which
resembles one of theirs that has been rejected; they immediately jump
to the conclusion that it is their play, and unjustly accuse the Film
Co. They should stop to consider that others might have had the same
idea, and that the Scenario could have been accepted, and the play
produced, before their cherished effusions could have possibly been
written.
Do not be discouraged if you do not sell your first Scenario. Should it
be returned to you, send it to some other company, after you have read
it over, and made any changes for its improvement.
If your play is returned to you it might be due to the fact that the
company to whom you sent it did not have use for that particular kind
of a play, although your play might suit another company.
If your play has any merit, some company will possibly buy it. A great
many plays, have been revised many times, and sent to several different
film manufacturing companies, before they have been accepted.
There is an enormous demand at present and there will be a greater
demand in the future for _original_ Scenarios, especially written for
screen production.
The motion picture industry is going through a change continually, and
logical stories, with human interest and action are needed to take the
place of Scenarios written from old Plays or Books.
The Public is becoming dissatisfied with old plots rehashed from some
published book. You have a better chance of selling your Plays at
present than you had six or eight months ago and the Producer to whom
you submitted it several months ago, may be glad to give it earnest
consideration at present.
Your story, however, must be _original_ and _unique_; must be decidedly
different and with enough real _punch_ to make the Scenario Editor “sit
up and take notice.”
EMBRIE ZUVER Submitted at Usual Rates.
609 West 127th St.
New York City
TIMID TEDDY
_Timid Teddy_
SYNOPSIS.
Teddy Tyler, a young man of about 22 years of age, has been left
several million dollars by his father. He is considered a most
desirable husband by the matrimonially inclined mothers. He is,
however, of a very timid, bashful nature. He doesn’t smoke, drink,
swear, nor stay out late at night. His chum, Harry Jackson, thinks it
a pity that so much money should go to waste when many beautiful young
girls need so many things that the money would buy. He tries to get
Teddy to propose, but without results. He eventually hits upon the idea
of giving Teddy some Dutch courage, that is to get him drunk, thinking
by so doing he will propose to Martha Stone, whom he knows loves Teddy.
He succeeds in getting Teddy “half seas over” and in this condition
takes him to a couple of dances, where he proposes to every girl he
meets. The next morning, when he sobers up, he is confronted by the
awful predicament that he has proposed to at least two ladies who have
accepted him. Neither one is Martha, the girl he desired to propose to.
How he gets out of his trouble and eventually proposes to Martha, gets
married and lives happily ever after, is told in the latter scenes of
this script.
_Timid Teddy_
CAST OF CHARACTERS.
Teddy Tyler Light Comedy Lead
Harry Jackson Juvenile
Edith Harcourt Very, Very Fat Soubrette
Mrs. Harcourt Grande Dame
Tom Ransom Juvenile
Janice Ransom Tall, Scrawny Old Maid
John Stone Character Man
Martha Stone Ingenue
Butler Character Comedian
Supers.
Maids, City Editor, Guests at Dance, Footmen, etc., etc.
Props.
A broom
Bottles
Glasses
Sofa pillows
Punch glasses
Newspapers
Cigars
Cigarette case
Towel for Teddy’s head
Telephone
Materials for breakfast
Limousines
Toilet articles for Teddy
Decanters
A taxi
Punch bowl
Punch ladle
Letters
Cigarettes
Dance programs for both dances
Bromo Seltzer
Bouquet of flowers
A large roll of money
Writing materials
Scene Plot.
Scene 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 45, 50, 52--Teddy’s rooms.
Scene 2, 6, 51--Exterior of apartment house (Teddy’s).
Scene 4, 8, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44--Teddy’s bedroom, showing
other room, through door.
Scene 10--Living room at Ransom’s.
Scene 11--Exterior of Ransom’s.
Scene 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27--Ballroom at the Stones’.
Scene 13, 29, 49--Exterior at the Stones’.
Scene 15, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26, 28--Alcove of ballroom at Stones’.
Scene 31, 33, 35, 46--Edith’s boudoir.
Scene 37, 39, 41, 47--Breakfast room at Ransom’s.
Scene 43--Newspaper office.
Scene 48--Mail box at street corner.
REASONS FOR GIVING PROP AND SCENE PLOTS; IN ADDITION TO CAST OF
CHARACTERS.
The cast of characters is given as a guide for the director to quickly
pick his types, without being obliged to wade through an entire
manuscript and bother to read scene by scene. All directors have
different methods of casting their pictures; no two working alike, and,
although some may pay no attention to the cast of characters yet most
all of the directors working for the Syndicate, or Trust studios, find
it easier to have a cast submitted.
The property plot is made out to aid the property man for, though he
reads through the script, the same as the director, yet a list of
important props, being typed, saves him a great amount of time, and
time is of value in studios.
The scene plot is done for the same purpose, it not only saves the
carpenter time in making his sets, but aids the director in knowing
just how many scenes take place in the various sets. When the scene
plot is made out, the director can see at a glance which sets have the
most number of scenes and thus can have them set accordingly.
_Timid Teddy_
SCENE 1: _Teddy’s Rooms._
Butler cleaning glasses and tidying up room and attending to other
various duties such as one would attend to when they “buttle.”