Motion Picture News (Oct 1913 - Jan 1914)

FOR THOSE WHO WORRY O'ER PLOTS AND PLAYS By William Lord Wright Good Things Coming \T7 E have arranged for a series of » V chats with the editors of Universal, Eclair, Kinemacolor, etc. These communications are not glittering generalities but contain some "hot stuff" calculated to help the script writer in his work. The two-reel script, author's credit, technical form, etc., will be touched upon by these ladies and gentlemen. Don't miss any of these goldmines of practical information. Persona Non Grata Fake correspondence schools and writers known as "school graduates" are persona non grata in these editorial offices. Kindly take notice: Universal Film Manufacturing Company. Selig Polyscope Company. Eclair Film Company. Lubin Manufacturing Company. The Selig Policy The Selig Polyscope Company, of Chicago, through Editor J. F. Pribyl sends the department the following interesting and meaty statement: "Will say that we do not encourage the socalled correspondence schools for scenario writers, and rarely purchase manuscripts sent out by photoplay brokers. We aim to do business direct with authors and read all manuscripts sub NED FIRLEY Of the Vitagraph Players as a North Carolina mountaineer mitted to us by free lance writers. Occasionally we make a 'find,' and encourage such writer in every way possible. We favor crediting authors of meritorious scripts on both screen and poster, and are now following this rule. We like all our scenarios written fully, with a comprehensive synopsis. Usually scripts are edited before submitting to producers, and we endeavor to have our producers follow the scripts as closely as possible. Wish you every success." That the Selig editorial department likes all scripts written fully will be interesting news to many writers. This means that Selig editors are willing to give the author reasonable latitude in developing his ideas and will appreciate all suggestions, references, etc., embodied in the script that will tend to make clear the original idea. Synopsis need not necessarily be confined to 300 words, but we are of the opinion that a story can be readily described in that number. We believe the time is coming when editors and producers will look kindly on the more fully written script ; we think the technical form of plot presentment is slowly being altered. More of the successful authors are shifting from the bare outline of action to the more complete detail which is necessary sooner or later, if the real idea and the atmosphere meant by the author is to be completely retained by the director. Miss Justice, who has written some very acceptable stories for Selig, writes out her plots fully and freely, and is not chary of writing in suggestions and hints which she believes will be useful to the producer. Bannister Merwin and some others write scripts full of minute detail, and we are always guilty of the trick unless completely frowned upon by editor and producer. We repeat, that with multiple reel stories in demand, the more detailed story will become essential. This does not mean a verbose script teeming with petty dialogue and useless words. It does mean a script the action and story so fully written out by the author that there will be no opportunity to escape his honest inspiration. As to Story Rights A New Orleans photoplaywright wishes a list of the concerns which permit authors the fiction rights on stories sold. There is no such list. It is possible that the editor buying the pictureplay plot may consent to surrender the fiction rights, but this question should be taken up with the purchaser when the author's release form is received. The correct method to obtain a copyright on a novel or short story is to comply with the provisions of the Copyright Act of March 2, 1913. The full name, address, street and number of the copyright claimant should be furnished in the case of each application sent to the copyright office for registration of a claim to copyright. Address your application to Thorvald Solberg, Register of Copyrights, Library of Congress, Washington, D. C. Your postmaster will frank this application if you so request. In return you will receive complete application cards and other instructions. The Work of a "Graduate" The following is a verbatim copy of a scenario received at the editorial office of the Universal Film Manufacturing Company, the author mentioning in his letter that he is a graduate of the National Authors Institute: SYNOPSIS. In a swell restruant Hay Cummins and Wm Dalian seated eating enters her lover opposites she sees him gets excited soon exit Collins mad. Next eve at her home Collins enters wants his engagement ring she begs forgive ness at last he forgies next day Collins enters her home in automobile. He raps at door she exit ready they exit. In forrest they stop sit in shade he begs her to be true she promises he lays head on her lap she kisses him they get up embrase and make out for weddin. Later in her home guests arrive also minister pair gets married they have supper. Later husband leaves her for the day pair very happy that eve enters an automoble to her home Wm Dalian asks her to go along she goes along they enter i. theatre husband in the gallery COLONEL JOSEPH SMILEY Director, Lubin Stock Co.