The photoplay writer ([c1913])

comedy going on about us. For one who knows how to grasp it and present it there is an avaricious and insatiable market. Comedies are usually only half a reel in length, as it is difficult to find humorous incidents to fill a full reel. You will sometimes see two comedies on a reel, or a comedy and an industrial, educational, or scenic picture. "Features'' are photoplays of unusual character and of more than one reel. Every company likes to get hold of a play that will make a good feature of two, three, or four reels. In writing a feature photoplay, divide into parts, heading each part "Reel 1," "Reel 2," etc. End each part with: "End of Reel 1," "End of Reel 2," etc. Have the first scene of each part follow numerically the last scene of the preceding part, instead of writing it down "Scene 1.'* If Reel 1 finishes with Scene 22, Reel 2 begins with Scene 23. When you go to a moving picture show, pay close attention to the producers' names and note what class of pictures they specialize in. Some of them prefer cowboy plays, others like plays dealing with business, others lean toward educational and social reform subjects. By observing the preferences of the various producers, you may save yourself many pangs of disappointment and many postage stamps. Producers do not care for scenarios requiring trick photography. When in the mood to produce such a film, it is originated and worked out by the company's staff. Also take into consideration that a producer encour- ages economy in the filming of the majority of his plays. A scenario that demands expensive costuming and stage- settings or such accessories as special trains, palatial yachts, or aeroplanes will not receive as cordial a welcome as one that makes more modest demands. • 25