“Unlocking Timeless Secrets: What Classic Screenwriting Techniques Can Teach Us About Modern Storytelling”
Have you ever paused to wonder what it truly takes to be a successful screenwriter? We may think it’s all about sheer willpower and a love for storytelling, but as Anita Loos famously pointed out, it’s also about possessing that rare natural inclination—an innate knack for weaving captivating narratives. Loos, a monumental figure in the early landscape of American cinema, shed light on what sets apart talented writers from the rest of us. So, before you dive headfirst into writing your next photoplay, take a moment to reflect: do you have that genuine drive, or is it just a fleeting desire? This article explores Loos’ wisdom, drawn from her influential work, “How to Write Photoplays,” and offers invaluable insights that every aspiring screenwriter should consider. Curious to learn more? Well, buckle up! LEARN MORE.

“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…