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34 TECHNIQUE OF THE PHOTOPLAY each likely story. Other studios took up the limit as a convenient standard and because any one reel story and most two and three reel stories can be fully covered in that length. The synopsis of the multiple reel story may run slightly longer if it is necessary, but it should not be necessary. Occasionally a company will advertise for synopses only. In this case some studio writer develops the plots into a working script and the plot of action is not sent. In such a case it is permissible to exceed 250 word limit and run a thousand if neces- sary to get the idea over clearly. Short synopses should be single spaced. The synopsis, when sent alone, should be double spaced. One great fault of the beginner is to put only into the synopsis the explanations that should appear in action or leader in the plot of action. It is safe to say that a third of the scripts re- ceived at any studio will carry points in the synopsis that are not in the action at all and which must be put in by the Editor or producer if the script is accepted. It should be remembered that the Editor and the producer are the only persons who see the synopsis and that the audiences are also entitled to this in- formation. If you say that Jane marries John because she has quarreled with Harry, show the quarrel and add in a leader that Jane acepts John in a fit of anger. The producer can put it into the action when he finds it in the synopsis; he must in order to have the story clear, but it is your business to do that work. That is what you are paid to do. It is a good plan, where possible, to get some frank and intelli- gent friend to read the action without having any knowledge of the synopsis, and see if the action tells the full story. The cast is pretty much the same as the program of a dra- matic performance save that if necessary you add a suggestion as to the type of character. You do not merely say that John Smith is Jim's father if it is important to the story that Smith walks with a limp. You add that fact in the cast, but if it is clearly shown in the script that John Smith is quick tempered and hasty, you do not need to add that in the cast. Some casts need nothr- ing more than the names of the players, as in this case: John- Mary- John's father- Mary's mother- Policeman- Maid- Messenger boy-