The art of sound pictures (1930)

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WHAT PEOPLE WANT 25 Nothing else can explain also the unfailing popularity of the minor variations on the gentler t}qDe of love story, in which sex or erotic interests are softened and mellowed in many delicate ways. It has long been recognized that there are modes in pictures. One company will make an outstanding success along some particular line, as, for instance, night club life. Forthwith, every other big producing company imitates it. Why? If the public responds whole-heartedly to one picture portraying night club life, the producers feel that there will be a similar response to the next ten or twelve. This public reaction to the first picture of the night club t)qDe is a weather vane, which they must follow if they would protect their large investments in each succeeding picture. This reasoning is not altogether sound, nor do producers always succeed by following this rule. Nevertheless, the clever writer who would succeed in writing stories should study closely the vogue in pictures from season to season. The producing companies always know about the pictures other companies have made, some time before they are placed before the public. By the time the picture has been exhibited for a week, there is a fairly good indication in the box-office returns as to whether it will be a financial success. Prior to this box-office test, other companies, acting on their knowledge of pictures about to be released, have doubtless secured options on material of a nature similar to that of the picture to be tested in the box office. If the returns are favorable, they immediately put a number of these stories into production. The enterprising outside author should there