Writing the photoplay ([c1913])

198 WRITING THE PHOTOPLAY 4. The Playwrights^ Use of Lights It must be apparent to anyone that if there is sufficient light to photograph a scene at all, there must be enough to make the use of a candle unnecessary—this from the standpoint of simple reasoning. To have a candle or lighted lamp carried on in a scene which is already light enough to reveal objects plainly, must instantly convince the spectator that there is another light already in the room, even though it is not seen in the picture. It is unconvincing; the effect desired fails to "register"—to use the term in use in the studios. The effect of a room dimly lighted hy a candle may be produced easily enough; and in such a scene it is all right to have your candle already standing, say on the table when the scene starts. Be extremely careful in your use of candles, lamps, and lanterns, in your scenario. It is best not to attempt to introduce scenes that are dependent for their success upon bits of business with certain kinds of lights unless you are thoroughly familiar with this branch of studio work. Even then, the difference in lighting arrangements in the various studios makes it a risk, unless your script is intended for a particular one with which you are familiar. Almost the only effect of this kind that is easily and convincingly produced is that of a dark lantern flashed around a half-darkened room. In such a case, the actor carries a lantern on as he enters the scene, but the circle of light supposed to be coming from it is really cast upon the walls by an electric spot-light, the operator knowing before the scene starts just where the "spot" is to be