The technique of the photoplay ([c1913])

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VALUES AND EMPHASIS 97 point consistent with safety, the expected happens. A couple more scenes might have tired and let the entire run of action fall flat. It will be noted that in both of these examples the scene mark- ings vary. This is purposely done to show that it is sufficient that the scenes are marked so as to be clearly understood by the di- rector. In general, the restaurant scenes are all "back to" because the action is more or less continuous, while the exteriors are mostly "same as" because the stage is cleared, but a slight varia- tion in the marking will not matter so that you make it clear. It is needful to write carefully and with exactness, but if we say "Front of Judson's" in one scene and "Judson's house" in an- other, the director can tell what we mean and he will not refuse to purchase the script merely because we did not say "Front of Judson's" both times. In using the comedy cut back be careful not to overdo. It will not stand as much as a drama and if the cut-back is developed to too great a length the play will be spoiled. In comedy it is neces- sary to get more movement to the action, not in the speed of the players, but in the movement from place to place. These scenes are practically the restaurant scene with cut backs to the street. We cannot stay long in the restaurant. We must move on to other places to gain variety. It is well for the beginner to practice writing cut-backs without reference to the rest of the story. Keep working on cut-back inci- dents until you have learned the best modes of development, for the cut-back badly done is worse than straight action. CHAPTER XV. VALUES AND EMPHASIS The emphasis of action—of situation—of acting—through busts—emphasizing leaders in action—relative value of the players—placing scenes. One of the important matters to which most writers, not all of them beginners, give far too little thought is the proper placing of the emphasis and the assignment of values. In the spoken drama the actor speaks more slowly or more em- phatically certain words or groups of words to which he wishes to attract particular attention because of their greater meaning than the general speech. In the printed book these extra—im- portant words are emphasized by being printed in italics or small capitals. If the words are written a line is drawn under them.