THE PAPER.  This is an important matter, and you should not follow your own preference or convenience.  The paper should be of regulation Ms. ("letter”) size, 8-1/2 by 11 inches, not transparent, and should be pure white.

The editor prefers not to examine odd sizes when he is used to the uniformity of the proper manuscript paper.  Never use foolscap, or 8-1/2 by 13 paper.  The writer knows one studio in which the different directors, all of whom write photoplays of their own, use the 8-1/2 by 13 size; but remember, it is the director’s privilege to write his scripts on shop-keeper’s wrapping paper if he so desires.  So make it 8-1/2 by 11.

It must be opaque, because no editor wants to be annoyed by having the writing on the second sheet show through between the lines of the first, when he is reading that.  That is the chief, and a sufficient, reason.  A second, is that thin paper is flimsy and hard to handle.

It should be white, because that, too, is the common practice.  Besides, dull white paper displays the typewriting most clearly.  We have heard of one photoplay writer who uses a buff-colored paper, and who maintains that since adopting it his scripts have received better treatment than formerly; his theory being that, on account of the difference in color, his scripts attracted attention and were more carefully handled.  This may be true; but a good grade of yellow paper will cost you more than white, and if white, opaque paper is good enough for the leading photoplay writers, why not make it your paper?  The cheapest grade of paper that is sufficiently opaque costs about $1.50 a box, containing one ream, 500 sheets.  The next heavier costs about $2.00 a box; a still better quality, a few cents more.  Certainly here is a case where, up to a reasonable limit, the best is the cheapest.  If you take pride in your work, send it out well dressed; but, no matter how aesthetic your taste may be, never use the shades of cherry, opaline, canary, or Nile green, in which certain grades of paper are made.

RULES FOR WRITING THE SCRIPT.  Instead of simply saying that the manuscript should be typewritten, let us ask once more:  If you are in earnest, and intend to succeed, why not give yourself every chance to gain the editor’s attention and interest by proclaiming that you are a business man as well as a writer?  Many film manufacturers plainly announce that only typed scripts will be examined.  Therefore write the script with a typewriter.  Today, when many companies rent good machines at from $4.00 for three months to $3.00 a month, and when you can buy a typewriter outright for from $15.00 to $100.00, the writer who is able to use one and who does not do so is simply being unfair to himself.  Any good machine may now be had by paying down a small sum and the same amount monthly for a term of months.  Serious writers should promptly decide to step out of the amateur class and equip themselves properly for the work.  If you wish to experiment with your talents before deciding to rent or buy a typewriting machine, there are plenty of responsible typists who will typewrite your script for from 35 cents to 50 cents per thousand words, including one carbon copy.