Writing the Photoplay by J. Berg (Joseph Berg) Esenwein;Arthur Leeds
page 36 of 427 (08%)
page 36 of 427 (08%)
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however, is certain: it is far better to include more detail than is
required, than too little. Therefore, on the whole, it is advisable to send a scene-plot (discussed fully in Chapter XI), as this part of the script will show the producer at a glance exactly what different sets are required to stage the picture, and how many scenes are "done" in each set. It is simply a little help extended to a busy man; for in particular it enables the editor to understand on first looking over your script how the scenes follow up and fit in with the action as described in the synopsis. At the same time, it is really a supplement to the manuscript, and our experience has been that it is more appreciated if written upon a separate sheet, and included with the manuscript proper. Naturally, the scene-plot is not to be included in scripts sent to companies that ask for "synopsis only." Strictly speaking, as one writer on the subject has pointed out, the photoplay manuscript consists of two _essential_ parts--the synopsis and the scenario.[6] Manufacturers, however, have shown their approval of having the list of characters, giving the names of characters and a word or two describing their relations to each other, etc., much as is done in some theatre programs. Let us, then, look upon the complete photoplay script as being composed of I The Synopsis. II The Cast of Characters. III The Scenario, or Continuity of Scenes. IV The Scene-plot (as a supplement). [Footnote 6: A discussion of the present-day requirement of "synopsis only," as announced by some companies, will be found in Chapter VIII.] |
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