The photoplay writer ([c1913])

Some writers have been unscrupulous and foolish enough to write scenarios of photoplays that they have seen on the screen, and have sent them to other companies. To say nothing of the dishonesty of it, it is an absurd thing to do; for scenario editors occupy their responsible positions be- cause they know their business. And that business requires that they be conversant with the productions of other com- panies and that they detect at a glance if the plot of a submitted scenario is stolen. They are also abreast of magazine reading, so it is futile for a scenario writer to attempt to "get by" with a plagiarized story. Now that I have impressed upon you not only the advis- ability but the necessity for originating your plots, we can proceed with the writing of the scenario. Some film companies advertise that they want only ideas, but I would advise always sending in a scenario, as very little is paid for mere ideas. And given a good plot, the more workmanlike, the more professional a scenario, the more money it will command. To demonstrate the scenario form, I shall take the fa- miliar story of "Cinderella." The first step is to write a short synopsis—that is, out- line of the story. This synopsis must be as brief as it is possible to make it and still give the reader a clear idea of your play. Confine yourself to 200 words—250 words at the most. Make it interesting, so that the reader will wish to go on with your scenario. Write it on a sheet by itself and let it be the first page of your script, so that it will meet the reader's eye immediately. CINDERELLA Synopsis Cinderella's stepmother and stepsisters, being ugly of disposition as well as of feature, are jealous of her. They ill-treat her and make a drudge of her. While they are at a ball, Cinderella's fairy godmother pays the lonely girl a visit. Learning how she is treated, the fairy transforms