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

“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.”

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 the 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.

In my experience having interfaced with and taught thousands of students and writing clients, ability is something which can emerge on its own time. Some have it right from the start. Others have to work at the craft to demonstrate their ability on the page.

But the key, however, is for anyone interested in writing to tap into their “deep personal interest” in stories and storytelling. Ability (or talent) may be obvious or it may be latent, waiting to emerge. One’s passion for the material can provide a bridge for the writer to give themselves time for their ability to rise to the surface.

Loos and Emerson end the chapter with a fun bit of whimsy:

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.

Screenwriting may be an art, but when paid, it is most certainly a gig. Getting that check for services rendered is a “beautiful scene,” indeed.

You can read “How to Write Photoplays” via Google books online here.

To read my entire series of posts on highlighting takeaways from the book, go here.