The More Things Change…
Posted by Craig Mazin on 26 Oct 2010 at 03:39 pm | Tagged as: The Craft & Trade
This is kind of awesome. Essanay Studios made Chaplin films back in the day, and they actually used this slip when rejecting screenplays. They existed in various forms from 1907 to 1925, when they were absorbed by Warner Brothers.
I think they should bring this back, as long as they keep the snazzy font.
Kinda interesting that the possible reasons for a script to get gonged (god bless Chuck Barris) have changed so little.
And yeah the font rocks.
Love it! Essanay moved from Chicago to near where I grew up (studio was in Niles Canyon in the East Bay Area) and my friends and I made some films at the Niles Canyon Railroad Station near where the studios used to be.
People always think of movies migrating from NYC to Hollywood, but they first came to the East Bay Area – Chaplin’s Tramp was created there, and Fatty Arbuckle got in trouble in Martinez (where the Martini was created).
How many of those things on the form have to do with having an original idea?
PS: the “A” in Essanay (S&A) was Bronco Billy Anderson.
Actually, Arbuckle got in trouble at the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco.
16) illegible.
Imagine writing “The Gold Rush” long hand, and keeping it legible… 95 minutes of pure action, silent film. I’d hate to do a re-write.
“Don’t mind the scribbles and cross-outs, Liquid Paper won’t be invented for another 25 years.”
Do they actually still pass on projects? I thought they just never called you back.
I like #17. A film today couldn’t be written if that still existed.
I prefer Heinlein’s form letter to friends/colleagues better. I don’t think I can link to it without permission, however. . .
One sample response, “Congratulations on your 1) New child 2). New grandchild 3). New book 4) Birthday 5) Recent parole
Great form, what would a modern day version look like?
1) No product placements
2) Can’t be tied in to video game
3) Not based on comic book, wizard or vampire
4) Too many big words
Afore mentioned Heinlein’s letter