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Pictures are written, acted, directed, photo­graphed…

“Pictures are written, acted, directed, photo­graphed, edited, scored and all that. The screenwriter determines what scenes are in and what scenes are out; decides whether that bit of information is dramatized or just referred to; whether it takes place on or off screen. There are millions of…” quote by Ernest Lehman
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“Pictures are written, acted, directed, photo­graphed, edited, scored and all that. The screenwriter determines what scenes are in and what scenes are out; decides whether that bit of information is dramatized or just referred to; whether it takes place on or off screen. There are millions of decisions made by the screenwriter.”

Ernest Lehman

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The screenwriter shapes the story by choosing which scenes to include, how to present information, and what to emphasize.

In simple terms: Screenwriters decide what the audience sees and hears.

Key Takeaway

Focus on purposeful scene selection.

Themes

storytelling decision-making craft

Mood

analytical creative

Type

instructional process

When to use this quote

  • film production
  • script development
  • editing
  • directing

Key Concepts

narrative structure visual storytelling

Questions to Reflect On

  • What scenes are essential to your story?
  • How do you balance detail and brevity?
A Different Perspective

May overlook collaborative input from directors or actors.

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