. As a safeguard, it is better, before recopying, to check
up so as to make sure that you have every scene accounted for, by
counting from "one" to whatever may be the number of your last scene.

In writing the scene-plot it is only necessary to give a list of the
exterior and the interior settings; at the same time, it is sometimes
advisable, especially in the case of exterior scenes, to add a few
words that will help the director to understand just what the setting
is intended to be without having to refer to the scenario, where such
details would naturally appear.

The following example is selected from the scene-plot of "Sun, Sand
and Solitude," a scene-plot diagram from which we reproduce on a
succeeding page. The theme of this story is the discontent of a young
wife, caused by seeing, month in and month out, the sun-baked
stretches of the Arizona desert.

Exterior, showing desert, 17. For this scene, select an
extremely barren and unpleasing bit of desert landscape.

Another exterior, 24. A stretch of desert landscape; if
anything, more barren and solitary than 17.

Another exterior, 28. While still typical desert landscape,
it is much less barren and desolate than either 17 or 24.

There is no law of writing, and no studio rule, to compel you to do
any of these little things to help a busy editor or an earnest
director, but, just because they are busy men, why not try to help
them? So long as the "help" is not overdone, and is intelligent,
clear, and concise, it is sure to help your script toward an
acceptance.

[Illustration: [diagram]]

The scene-plot diagram reproduced on the opposite page is
the author's original diagram for the "Living room of ranch
house" setting in his photoplay, "Sun, Sand and Solitude."
With a little study of this diagram the reader will be able
to judge just how the scene would appear in the picture on
the screen. Of course, it is neither customary nor necessary
to send such a diagram as this when you are submitting your
script. There is a possibility, however, that the producer
might use the author's diagram as a guide in preparing that
particular setting, should the photoplaywright send one
similar to the one here reproduced.

The dotted lines show the dimensions of the enlarged stage
for special very large sets. Since the line _E_ represents
the background of this enlarged