Picture Play Magazine (Mar-Aug 1916)

302 Hints for Scenario Writers as they stand very little chance of acceptance if written in longhand. J. C. B. — In the next issue of this department, we will print another model scenario. The first one appeared in the issue dated July 24th, 191 5. T. R. Clarke. — The names of the companies which will consider synopses only will be found in our market booklet which we shall be glad to send you upon receipt of a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Your other questions relative to the companies' wants are also answered in this booklet. Scripts should be submitted to the Scenario Department. A writer may receive screen credit if only a synopsis is purchased, providing his plot is unusual and big enough to warrant the publicity. A. Baker. — The way in which to handle the incident of a girl turning into a marble statue would be to call for a double exposure. The rejection slip you mention is a form, but doubtless carries the real feeling of the editor. N. T. L. — The various styles of scenarios which exist are at times confusing to beginners, we know, but by an intelligent study of the difference between them and a careful choosing of the form one wishes to use the trouble can be overcome. There exists no set style. It would be well for you to study the sample scenario which appeared in our April issue and which can be secured from the publishers for fifteen cents. It is best to use a black ribbon on your typewriter. Our market booklet, sent upon receipt of a selfaddressed, stamped envelope, answers your questions regarding the needs of the companies. W. A. B. — It is permissible to run the synopsis of a five-reel picture to seven hundred words if the actual description of the plot requires it. The way to write a synopsis is to hold it down as much as possible and still leave out nothing of vital importance. H. I. Robson. — Synopses are frequently purchased, but it is always preferable to submit a full script to companies in the general market. Our sample scenario in the April issue gives you the correct form of a working script. It can be secured from the publishers for fifteen cents. We know nothing of the merits of the book you mention, but would advise you to study the screen and the worth-while text matter that is printed about photo-playwriting. If you will send us a self-addressed, stamped envelope, we shall be glad to send you our market booklet, which will give you the names and addresses of the concerns which would be interested in the type of story you mention. -A letter addressed to the writer you mention would reach him at that place. E. V. T. — See answer to others in this department in regard to our market booklet which gives you the names of the companies which purchase synopses only. The price paid for a synopsis depends entirely upon the value of the plot. P. W. Russell. — See the answer to H. I. Robson in this issue, which tell? you how you may secure our issue containing the sample scenario All plays should be typewritten in the form outlined in that issue. To All Anxious Questioners. — We endeavor to answer all questions asked through this department as promptly as possible, but a delay of one or two issues is often caused because of the amount of correspondence on hand and the time required in preparing each issue of the book. When stamped, addressed envelope is inclosed, we very frequently send a personal reply to save the questioner delay. We request all those who have not yet received a reply to their queries to be patient ; we shall take care of them in the near future.