The Photodramatist (May 1922-Feb 1923)

36 The Photodramatist for June "Simple But Gripping" (Continued from Page 11) This appeal, which can be built into almost countless situations or applied to any characterization, is fundamentally misunderstanding being supplanted by understanding or the conquering of good over evil, the latter sometimes handled in such a delicate manner as to make the word evil seem a misfit. Allow me to refer to "The Old Nest." We cannot, of course, all hope to write stories with a similar grip upon the emotions of the audience, but we can continue the endeavor; who can say we have not the ability to produce fair duplicates. I was viewing a play of everyday life, where the real heart interest exists most freely. Sitting directly in front of me were a couple who presumably had not spoken to each other for hours at least. As the climax was unfolded and peace came to the screen characters who had been engulfed with misunderstanding and grief, the man in front allowed his arm to fall upon the seat back and encircle his companion's shoulders. How quickly she relented and crowded close! Just a commonplace plot, old as the proverbial hills, yet the knowing author, merely by applying doubtful tension throughout the action, then releasing it at the climax by logically righting the wrong, has raised his effort to the sublime. When you and I, fellow writers, can do this we will have started well on the way to real success in writing for the screen. Screen Drama League (Continued from Page 21) this is being overcome by the careful training of screen authors, and that the photoplay of the future will go far beyond the present mark. The Better Pictures Association has formulated definite plans for assuring only the best in screen entertainment. Although opposing censorship, its members believe that committees will solve the problem. On these committees will be representatives of all the churches, clubs, educational bodies, the producers, etc., who will place a seal of merit on productions considered especially good, at the same time conducting publicity campaigns against ones considered inferior. By this means, the public, through bodies absolutely representative, and which can be influenced by no questions of politics or of finances, will be kept informed regarding the films; and by merely withholding patronage from such pictures as are deemed of low standard can soon bring the Eighth Art to a high level. Student Comment (Continued from Page 31) as did the other interested ones, after being convinced that a sample of my ability had been sent out, to bless the world. Do you know that a kind editor, firmly, yea very firmly, consumed the space of several pages in order to enlighten me to the extent of seeing that I had submitted a fairly decent "climax" in the one reel enclosed within my lovely blue coverlet, and in a tactful manner suggested that I supply the first, reel so that the second reel might have somthing to lean upon? I had "seen" my picture through in such haste, and was wrapped up to such extent in the climax, 'that the half portion submitted was all climax. It is needless to say here that I am building the front, and have donned the sackcloth-and-ashes costume to work in. AsksProper Credit Given to Author Editor, The Photodramatist : I would greatly appreciate your bringing to the attention of your readers an inadvertent oversight on the part of the publishers of "Opportunities in the Motion Picture Industry," a set of books which has just been brought out by the Photoplay Research Society, of which I am president. An article entitled "The Art Director — His Duties and Qualifications," credited to Mr. Max Parker, art director of the famous PlayersLasky Corporation, was in reality written by Mr. G. Harrison Wiley of the Lasky art staff from an interview with Mr. Parker. I feel that it is only just that Mr. Wiley receive full credit for this very able contribution to the literature of the screen. I also want to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Wiley for his generous assistance in aiding us to secure material from other departments of the Lasky organization. Yours very truly Roy L. Manker, President, Photoplay Research Society