Picture Play Magazine (Mar-Aug 1916)

Hints for Scenario Writers 123 you will receive enough hints as to how the pictures are made to enable you to "look behind" the scenes, as they are flashed on the screen, and figure out exactly how they were taken. H. LeVine. — We do not understand what you mean when you ask whether you write the synopsis of scenario first. If you mean in the script as it is submitted to the editor, the answer is the synopsis, but if you mean which you write first when working out your story, there are several answers. Some writers write out a detailed synopsis of plot action for their own benefit before beginning to write the scene action ; others do this mentally, and write their scene action before anything else. In either case, the final synopsis prepared for the editor is written last, after the scenario proper has been completed. The fact that it is written last seems to contradict what we said in the beginning of the answer, but it doesn't, for when the script is retyped, the first thing that is written is the synopsis, as it is the first thing to be read by the editor. M. Murray. — It is best to* submit scenarios to the scenario department, rather than to the managing director of a company. Some companies prefer multiple reelers, while others are in need of one and two-reel plays. Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope for our market booklet. By watching our department from issue to issue, and by carefully studying the screen and your own plays, you will soon gain an insight into the art. To perfect yourself, after that, will mean much work and hard study. L. H. Porch. — Not all of the companies produce comedies, but a fair portion of them do. It is a question of producing good comedies, not just comedies. Joker is produced by Universal, and Starlight is a brand released by one of the lesser programs. H. Friedman. — We regret that we cannot suggest any company of the class you mention, as we are not wellenough acquainted with them. J. K. Bridgers. — If you will send a self-addressed, stamped envelope, we will send you our market list. The average price for scenarios is from twenty-five dollars to one hundred dollars per reel, depending entirely upon how good the scenario is. We do not at any time read or criticize manuscripts, so to send them to us is a waste of time and postage. We promptly return all that .are sent us, unread, if return postage is inclosed. J. K. Osborne. — We do not use scenarios here at all, as we are publishers, and in no way a motion-picture company. Read answer to J. K. Bridgers in regard to our market booklet, and to the prices paid for scenarios by the producing companies. P. D. Hatch. — Read the foregoing answers, and you will learn where you can secure a market list, and how. LIVE-WIRE MARKET HINTS. The Vim Comedy Corporation, 750 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida, is in need of slapstick comedy scenarios, and are willing to pay twentyfive dollars per reel and upward for suitable material. All material which is submitted must have a story, and contain original situations, in order to meet with the approval of this concern. Scenarios which offer star parts to its two child players — about seven years of age — and which contain action far above the ordinary, are needed by the Lubin Film Manufacturing Company, Twentieth Street and Indiana Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. These are preferable in three reels, but a two or a one-reeler might do. One-reel comedies of the polite variety suited to Billie Reeves are also in demand.