The Story World and Photodramatist (Mar-Jun 1923)

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The Story World's Service Bureau, NO department of the Photodramatist Magazine has proved more popular than has the Service Bureau, recently inaugurated. Accordingly, it will be continued in The Story World, and we trust the readers of the magazine will continue to take advantage of this unequaled service for those who write or who desire to write. The addition of G. Harrison Wiley to our staff, as research expert, has been of great assistance to those seeking technical knowledge regarding the films, as concerns the writer. Mr. Wiley has already answered a large number of questions having to do with the mechanics of the photoplay from the producer's viewpoint. Naturally, this has enabled many authors to avoid inserting in their stories scenes or situations that would be impossible or difficult of production, and the consequence has resulted in the saving of much time and many postage stamps. The editors in charge of the Service Bureau, after making a careful survey of the photoplay field, are glad to state that there has seldom been an era in the history of motion pictures in which stories were in greater demand. Almost without exception the studios are in search of good story material, but we are informed by directors, producers and stars alike that really good stories, constructed according to correct technique, are very difficult to obtain. This accounts for the many adaptations that have recently appeared. Indeed, as Wm. C. DeMille, the well known Lasky Director, stated in a recent address before the Advisory Bureau of the Palmer Photoplay Corporation, directors much prefer an original story written directly for the screen to the book or stage play that must be adapted. This should be an opinion well worth consideration by those who write. If you have a good story, look over the list of photoplay markets, decide upon the company to which you believe it best suited, and submit it forthwith. However, if your story is an unusual one, and there is doubt in your mind as to who might consider it, do not hesitate to write us directly and you will receive an answer by return mail. There has been little change in the fiction market during the past few weeks. Magazines are still anxiously combing the country for good material, and the writer with a well-written story will have no trouble in finding a buyer. Also, it is worth noting that the prices being paid at present are considerably higher than were paid two or three years ago, and there is every indication that they will go even higher. ii