Screenwriting Advice From The Past: The Final Close-Up [Part 4]

If you are a screenwriter, you should know about Anita Loos. Loos was one of the most influential writers in the early stages of American cinema, associated with 136 film projects per IMDB.

Married to writer John Emerson, the pair wrote one of the first books on screenwriting in 1920: “How to Write Photoplays”. I have been running a weekly series based on the book. You can access those posts here. Today: The Final Close-Up [P. 107]:

In its final analysis, scenario writing is a good deal like painting, designing, composing or any other form of art. It is a matter of adaptability, a deep personal interest and a natural inclination on the part of the person attempting to make a success of it. Lacking this adaptability and special bent, it would be folly for any amateur to undertake the writing of photoplays. Many mistake what is merely a desire to write for the natural ability to do so.

The genuine natural bent for photoplay writing is shown only in those who can write well and like to write. Before you attempt to write any photoplays, analyze yourself and make sure that you are possessed of this natural inclination and ability.

Inasmuch as this chapter deals with the best way to end a story we will close this series with the most beautiful scene which we can visualize at the moment:

Scene 359: The scenario editor takes author of a script by the hand and says:

Speech: “YOUR SCENARIO IS SIMPLY GREAT!”

He hands author check. They embrace.

Close up. Fade out.

Title: THE END.

The genuine natural bent for photoplay writing is shown only in those who can write well and like to write.

That about sums it up.

When I started this series, I had no idea it would end up with nearly 60 posts and span over a year. Personally I found it fascinating to see the similarities and dissimilarities between writing today and 90 years ago. I hope you did to.

I have an idea for another long-term series which I am considering starting in May to fill this slot [Sundays at 2PM Eastern]. And this one will work through another old book. Really old!

Until then, if you live in the U.S., you can read “How to Write Photoplays” via Google books online here.

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