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Writing Plays/Screenwriting/Questions Answered by Expert Anthony T. Carter
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Writing a Musical | 12/16/2011 |
| Q: I have recently embarked on writing my own musical. I feel pretty confident with the score, but as ... A: Okay forget about the italics for a moment. Let's focus on the plot, the story. Do you have one? If ... | |
| The next step. | 11/21/2011 |
| Q: Mr.Carter, I've recently written a full length play and would like to know where to go from there: ... A: I think what you should do is gather some actors or even some friends, and read it a loud. Have a ... | |
| MTSU | 11/15/2011 |
| Q: can i go to MTSU and still be a successful screenwriter? A: I say one thing, I don't know if you will be successful or not. And that term is very loose because ... | |
| Writing Contest Questions- Thank you in advance! | 10/19/2011 |
| Q: I am an aspiring writer who recently came across a contest featured on my state's film office ... A: Hey there Ada, Copyright can be done online and or by mail. I would assume if you mailed it, it ... | |
| unrest/annoyance in creating drama | 10/2/2011 |
| Q: I have been told that, if you want to make a film (a cinema film), you should have an ... A: Okay now I know what you mean. In a way, yes all writers write about things that concern ... | |
| How To Determine Length | 8/23/2011 |
| Q: Carter, I am very interested in writing plays for theater, but I am somewhat confused on one ... A: It depends but usually it can be anywhere from a page equaling a minute to if it's comedy a page can ... | |
| Changes to works during production | 8/1/2011 |
| Q: Mr. Hall, thanks for taking time to answer my question. I was wondering how much a director, ... A: Hey Garrett, I'm Anthony...but to answer your question. Technically and officially the playwright ... | |
| script | 7/27/2011 |
| Q: Anthony I appreciate the replies I get from here. I just finish my feature film script. And I don’t ... A: First I would recommend copyrighting the script. That way you are protected, most agencies won't ... | |
| Screen writing | 7/21/2011 |
| Q: Hey, I was wondering if you can get in trouble for copying someone else's dialogue from other ... A: Action writing is usually hard for everyone. I would say watch a lot of action films on mute and ... | |
| Screen writing | 7/21/2011 |
| Q: Hey, I was wondering if you can get in trouble for copying someone else's dialogue from other ... A: Hey I will try and answer these questions the best I can. 1) Yes, actually you can because you know ... | |
| different | 6/12/2011 |
| Q: I love to ask the questions below. Because I believe you are in position to tell me better. 1. How ... A: I will try and answer the questions. 1) For dual dialogue you write it as such: EVE ... | |
| Performance Contract | 6/1/2011 |
| Q: I've written a Christian comedy stage show that I'd like to promote to other ... A: If the script isn't copyrighted I would say copyright it. But I am going to assume you've done all ... | |
| Screenplay length | 5/30/2011 |
| Q: Mr. Carter, Thank you so much for taking time to answer my question! I am a young writer, working ... A: Hey Steve, Well to be honest I try to outline as much as the story as possible. I try to figure out ... | |
| Introduction to "Showrunners" | 5/22/2011 |
| Q: I've been interested in television and movies ever since I can remember, and unlike my other ... A: Hey there Thomas, it's alright I will try and answer your questions. A showrunner is the person who ... | |
| Question | 5/17/2011 |
| Q: I'm a young writer and one of my conerns is that what if you write a movie that's a little similar ... A: I don't know off hand, but you have to understand, you will need a lawyer. They will be your safest ... | |
| Question | 5/17/2011 |
| Q: I'm a young writer and one of my conerns is that what if you write a movie that's a little similar ... A: In my opinion, I wouldn't let them know how old you are. I would just read as many scripts, and ... | |
| Question | 5/15/2011 |
| Q: I'm a young writer and one of my conerns is that what if you write a movie that's a little similar ... A: Hey Hector, I understand your situation, I think the best advice I can give you is two things. ... | |
| Adapting plays | 5/13/2011 |
| Q: There's this (recently published) play that i really like and want to put on because it has great ... A: To put it quite simply, a dramatist is not going to release these rights. Mostly because then no one ... | |
| Transitions | 5/8/2011 |
| Q: I always like your replies to the post you pros are doing this fine. Please I have some questions I ... A: Transitions are used to help in the establishing a scene, for its pacing or of a sequence of them. ... | |
| How to Register | 5/5/2011 |
| Q: Carter. My country of origin is Nigeria. Because I will like to work with agents, producers there in ... A: Okay, I would register it with the U.S. Copyright Office then. Here is a link. ... | |
| How to Register | 5/4/2011 |
| Q: I will love to know how to register your screenplay with WGA or copyright work or idea in U.S, if ... A: If I may ask, what is your country of origin? Most countries have their own motion picture industry. ... | |
| Beginnings | 2/27/2011 |
| Q: My Name is Brad and I'm trying to write a comedy about a wedding and a broken family, I have the ... A: I guess it depends on what kind of play you are writing...if it takes place over the course of time ... | |
| Getting a musical produced | 1/23/2011 |
| Q: I have been working on developing my own full-length play into a musical and have the whole libretto ... A: This may sound mean, and I hope it doesn't but here it goes. You are a bit naive and that is okay, ... | |
| Movie Comedy Scene | 12/14/2010 |
| Q: Carter, I have looked through the library of past questions and cannot find anything similar to ... A: Mike I would honestly tell you to try and just create a story that revolves around that one scene. ... | |
| Cut Scenes | 12/12/2010 |
| Q: In my screenplay there is a scene where the guy tells the girl that he likes her and she smiles. ... A: I couldn't get the spacing right but yes transitions are usually in the right hand corner. And The ... | |
| Cut Scenes | 12/10/2010 |
| Q: In my screenplay there is a scene where the guy tells the girl that he likes her and she smiles. ... A: EXT. BACKYARD - DAY (AFTERNOON/MORNING ETC)) Details of the backyard. La la la la .... Guy ... | |
| Database | 12/10/2010 |
| Q: Do you know by chance if there is a database of movie dialog somewhere? There are movies I don't ... A: There are two options I can offer you. One is googling the bits of dialogue you know. It may pop up ... | |
| Dance Scenes | 12/2/2010 |
| Q: In my screenplay there is a scene where I want to put in a bboy number. If my screenplay were to ... A: Part of writing for the screen means setting the scene, and giving us visual cues so that we know ... | |
| play software | 11/25/2010 |
| Q: I'm just wondering what is the best software to use for writing plays...is there a special ... A: I use Final Draft, included in the template bundles are play script templates. If you google "play ... | |
| Is it easier to write a screenplay for a martial arts movie? | 8/6/2010 |
| Q: It seesm to me that there is a discrimination against scripts for martial arts / kungfu movies. And ... A: I always say that a great story should be your focus and the action elements should complete it. So ... | |
| question | 8/2/2010 |
| Q: I'm sixteen years old, and I finished a screenplay. I was wondering how can I know if my title has ... A: In my opinion, you would still need to sign the contracts, just your parents would sign also as your ... | |
| question | 8/2/2010 |
| Q: I'm sixteen years old, and I finished a screenplay. I was wondering how can I know if my title has ... A: First I would check for spelling and grammar issues, so have a parent or English teacher check your ... | |
| spec script edits | 7/31/2010 |
| Q: I've had my spec script proofread by 3 people all ready and they all say this and that about ... A: Well here is the thing, good thing they aren't charging you. Most scripts are trashed because of ... | |
| Play based on my children's Book | 7/21/2010 |
| Q: I am an author-Illustrator of Children's books. (I have publsihed over 40 books). I was approached ... A: You won't lose control if you write the work and hold the license (the writers of the book & ... | |
| Play based on my children's Book | 7/21/2010 |
| Q: I am an author-Illustrator of Children's books. (I have publsihed over 40 books). I was approached ... A: Okay first off, congrats I checked out your website and you seem to have a rich collection of ... | |
| Last Question | 6/28/2010 |
| Q: I love to write and I don't want to wait two years when I'm 18 to get paid for it. Also is it ... A: It's very likely that they won't even talk to you because of your age. Like I said, try and write a ... | |
| Question | 6/27/2010 |
| Q: I love to write and I don't want to wait two years when I'm 18 to get paid for it. Also is it ... A: You can sell a script at any age, as long as you have talent or the skill set. You don't have to ... | |
| What can the playwright ask for in a deal? | 6/24/2010 |
| Q: Mr. Carter: I’m a former television lighting director turned fiction writer. I recently finished a ... A: Not being law savvy in this area, I would suggest that you speak to a lawyer and also the band. The ... | |
| When is permission needed? | 6/21/2010 |
| Q: Carter, Thanks! I have written a play. One of the characters(Mary)does impersonations (Judge. ... A: My rule of thumb is as long as you aren't defaming or slandering you are fine. But that's if your ... | |
| Does a scriptwriter normally write for one genre only? | 5/26/2010 |
| Q: Does a scriptwriter normally write for one genre only? On average, does a scriptwriter normally ... A: Well let me ask you this, are you comfortable with the other genres? I for one don't think there is ... | |
| hello | 4/21/2010 |
| Q: . I was wondering if I wrote a pilot for a TV show do i have to continue writing with the other ... A: As for a pilot, the creator of the show (usually the writer of the pilot) has a say in what happens ... | |
| should I move to hollywood? | 2/26/2010 |
| Q: I'm interested in being a screenwriter and I would just like to know if I'd have to move to ... A: It wouldn't cause problems unless you were needed to come in for a meeting. But there are two ... | |
| premieres | 2/24/2010 |
| Q: I'm interested in becoming a screenwriter, but I have a silly question I'd like to have answered ... A: I think I touched on this before. But for the record, yes you should maintain employment after you ... | |
| screenwriting part time | 2/21/2010 |
| Q: I'm planning to become a screenwriter, but I also have another job. What would happen if the ... A: I guess it depends on a few things, a) most writers are not on set to begin with so you don't have ... | |
| travel and screenwriters | 2/21/2010 |
| Q: This is an unusual question, but is there much travel involved in being a screenwriter? Thanks! ... A: It varies by many factors, such as how long the script is, how many locations and how many actors ... | |
| General question about playwriting | 2/5/2010 |
| Q: I'm currently working on a book I think would make for a very interesting, somewhat humorous play. ... A: There aren't a lot of sources on the net, but I will try and give you the best. 1) ... | |
| directing a new play | 2/4/2010 |
| Q: I have found a new play I want to direct. The play has already has a successful premiere elsewhere. ... A: I would ask you though...why do you want to direct in the first place? Is it because you saw the ... | |
| Script scenes | 1/15/2010 |
| Q: Hey, I'm writing my first movie and wanted to know about scenes: When does a scene change? I'm ... A: A scene is when a new location is introduced in the story.What I would do in your circumstance is ... | |
| Play outline | 12/20/2009 |
| Q: Hey! I was wondering if I should write an outline for my play before I begin writing it, or if I ... A: Yes, outline it...even if its just a few sentences of what happens in the first act...or moment by ... | |
| Play submissions | 11/18/2009 |
| Q: Can you please tell me when is the best time I should submit a play to a theatre if I wish to have ... A: I think you can assume that the plays can be received on a rolling basis if they don't list a ... | |
| jukebox musical | 10/23/2009 |
| Q: I actually sent this same question to Arlene but I'm hoping you don't mind me asking you it as well. ... A: Hmmm...the creative and logical sides of me are clashing...not a good thing haha. Um from the ... | |
| graduate programs in screenwriting in CA | 10/18/2009 |
| Q: I have a BA in Public Relations, and I am taking classes in screenwriting/playwriting/film at MTSU ... A: I think its a good idea to apply to other schools, not only ones in CA. You want to pick a school ... | |
| Questions on finding a screenwriting software program | 7/4/2009 |
| Q: I'm an aspiring screenwriter. I have a screenwriter software program called, Movie Magic ... A: Okay, I will say right off the bat, that I don't know which program you mean. I use Final Draft. And ... | |
| first time writers | 5/21/2009 |
| Q: how much money does a first time screen writer make if their first movie they wrote does well at the ... A: As for salary it varies, depends on how much someone wants your script. And if you are lucky you can ... | |
| I wonder.... | 4/22/2009 |
| Q: First of all, thank you for your time. I am from Croatia and english is not my native language. I ... A: I would say write it in Croatian and then have someone you trust, translate it into English. Maybe ... | |
| writing a one woman show about a real person | 4/13/2009 |
| Q: I've been acting professionally for a long time ( you can google me or imdb me) and I am dying to ... A: Well you said you are on IMDB, google...look it up and see if anything has been done on her life. If ... | |
| Really wanting to write a TV movie | 4/10/2009 |
| Q: There is something I haven't understood: do tv writers first come up with an idea out of thin air ... A: A outline doesn't have to be in prose style and sometimes it doesn't have to be bulleted either. You ... | |
| USING HISTORY TO WRITE A SCRIPT | 3/15/2009 |
| Q: My husband and I are busy putting a screenplay together set in Chicago in the 1930's. During ... A: Well I think as long as you portray them in the light that the public or historians generally agree ... | |
| Outlines | 3/14/2009 |
| Q: I was wondering whether or not it is necessary to write an in depth outline before you begin writing ... A: Okay...me personally I usually write a basic outline...meaning a idea or two about what the scene is ... | |
| writing for TV etc. | 2/26/2009 |
| Q: my name is James, i'm 15 and an aspiring actor/writer. I really want to work as a writer for TV ... A: You can do all of this. I did my first indie television show in HS, we did it for our ... | |
| writing for TV etc. | 2/25/2009 |
| Q: my name is James, i'm 15 and an aspiring actor/writer. I really want to work as a writer for TV ... A: So James, your ideas have you written scripts based on them? Or at least a treatment or outline of ... | |
| WGA Registration | 2/16/2009 |
| Q: Okay, I am a new screenwriter and have nearly completed a drama screenplay. I have heard that you ... A: I've always copywritten the first draft and any additional draft that had significant changes...to ... | |
| Question about Profession | 2/1/2009 |
| Q: my name is Megan and I'm doing a school assignment where I must interview someone in the profession ... A: Um...your first question...I have many but I guess I will go with my birthname...which is Anthony T. ... | |
| Submitting an idea for a Sitcom | 1/25/2009 |
| Q: How does one submit an idea for a sitcom and to whom? Thank you in advance. A: Sitcoms are a tricky thing, usually you have to be on a show for a while and then executives begin ... | |
| phenomena | 12/12/2008 |
| Q: there is some phenomena I practice want to take your opinion on ? when I m writing a scene or ... A: Well not sure what you mean by the first question...but it is true some production companies think ... | |
| phenomena | 12/11/2008 |
| Q: there is some phenomena I practice want to take your opinion on ? when I m writing a scene or ... A: So I am going to answer your second first...it's caught my attention first and I think it needs to ... | |
| playwriting in US | 11/21/2008 |
| Q: I'm a young (aged 26) playwright from Italy and I'd like to take a playwriting class (or make such ... A: I would try and find writing groups or playwriting classes to attend. You may also want to try ... | |
| Selling script | 11/8/2008 |
| Q: I noticed you have a great deal of experience in the film industry. I have written a couple of ... A: I am sorry to say that, it is nearly impossible to get a screenplay through to production company ... | |
| Legend: A Biographical Music Play. | 11/5/2008 |
| Q: Carter, My Name is Spencer and I am a screenwriter, who also loves plays and after seeing a ... A: You really are not listening or reading this are you? Why do you need to know the longest running ... | |
| Legend: A Biographical Music Play. | 11/5/2008 |
| Q: Carter, My Name is Spencer and I am a screenwriter, who also loves plays and after seeing a ... A: Okay, maybe you I should clarify for you. 1) Lord of the Rings: the Musical runs about 2hrs ... | |
| Legend: A Biographical Music Play. | 11/4/2008 |
| Q: Carter, My Name is Spencer and I am a screenwriter, who also loves plays and after seeing a ... A: Okay first I am going to ask you SLOW DOWNNNN!!! I am not shouting at you... okay I am but it's not ... | |
| resumee/portfolio? | 9/14/2008 |
| Q: I am a freshman in high school and am interested in screenwriting and storyboard writing. I was just ... A: My college entrance portfolio was geared toward writing for the stage and the screen. Even though I ... | |
| Re: Writing | 8/28/2008 |
| Q: How are you? Maybe you can help me out. recently graduated with a B.A. in English, and I am having ... A: Well if you want to write for entertainment, I would say take some creative writing, playwrighting ... | |
| play format program | 6/21/2008 |
| Q: Where could I get a free or cheap program to format screenplays? I'd appreciate any help. A: I have two ideas...try www.scriptbuddy.com...its a web based program. All you have to do is plug ... | |
| how to create characters and conflict | 6/11/2008 |
| Q: alright i want to create this television drama series called "CHOICES" and i want it to be like a ... A: Alright...try and come up with a original premise first...a arc or storyline. It seems like you are ... | |
| can screenwriting be a full time career? | 6/7/2008 |
| Q: can screenwriting be a full time career? and also i have a 50 page screen play. could that be turned ... A: I would say a four degree in film is worth it, or theatre arts...so you can get a grasp of the ... | |
| What to include in a script (and what not) | 5/2/2008 |
| Q: Before I start asking my question(s), I just wanted to say thanks for doing this. I accidently got ... A: First off, you aren't Shane Black so making your script read interesting is quite frankly a knock ... | |
| does the writer of a movie go to the place where the movie is shot? | 4/26/2008 |
| Q: does the writer of a movie go to the place where the movie is shot? and if they do and the writer is ... A: If the writer wants, the writer is usually on set with the film as it progresses. Some directors are ... | |
| Screenplays | 3/31/2008 |
| Q: I'm writing a screenplay,and would like the characters to be watching an old movie on television in ... A: I would say that unless it is absoultly necessary to the plot or story don't put a specific film in ... | |
| important | 3/27/2008 |
| Q: secondly: ======== when writing a scenes I didnt want only to imagine it musically but also I want ... A: First you need to believe in yourself. Just tell yourself if you really believe in your stories then ... | |
| copyright | 3/12/2008 |
| Q: We have a spec screenplay in which a character sings songs from her youth. These are real songs. ... A: A spec...may eventually see production...so I would lean towards getting permission. That is so you ... | |
| Showing a television screen within a movie | 2/27/2008 |
| Q: I am trying to find out what the proper format might be to include a sports commentary TV show ... A: CU. TV. CONTINOUS (for close-up on television) ------------------------------------- INT. _______ ... | |
| Music for musicals or plays | 2/6/2008 |
| Q: I need to know if, when a person writes a play or musice, that is biographical, would their music be ... A: What we are dealing with here is a case of royalty, and I will use the example of the late Peter ... | |
| multiple submissions of scripts | 1/27/2008 |
| Q: Rules for entering playwriting competitions often state that a play must not have been produced ... A: I think you should contact someone who is in charge for these competitions and let them know. I mean ... | |
| what to do now? | 1/6/2008 |
| Q: I am 24 years old and studied film at my university in England. I have just recently completed ... A: I would say, go to your University and try and get some students and others who are very passionate ... | |
| College Programs | 11/9/2007 |
| Q: I'm a 55 year old female. I've been writing stage plays seriously for about five years. Would it ... A: Have you been produced at all? I don't really see the benefits of getting a Masters in Dramatic ... | |
| rights? | 10/19/2007 |
| Q: i need to know if i can right a movie for a franchiase that already exist. how would someone get ... A: First this hard enough for established writers to get. But pretty much you need to be hired by the ... | |
| Age Discrimination? | 9/22/2007 |
| Q: Does age, say a "senior citizen", prevent obstacles to get your writing efforts fairly reviewed? I ... A: First and foremost, age shouldn't dictate if your writing is reviewed fairly. If you are a good ... | |
| Format | 9/20/2007 |
| Q: I am currently writing a psychological thriller in which 70% of the action takes place inside a ... A: You can do it either way...place it as normal action or show it as imagined. Personally I wouldn't ... | |
| Rights of a co-writer of a screenplay | 8/23/2007 |
| Q: I have written a full novel of 626 pages I am contemplating on co-writing the screenplay with ... A: Yes, he would get half the rights of the screenplay because he is writing it with you. But the story ... | |
| treatment vs. script | 8/20/2007 |
| Q: Carter, What is the advantage of writing a script over a treatment? If I am correct to assume it is ... A: In all honesty. I think you should always write a script...it saves the studio time. They may like ... | |
| Formatting and Flashbacks | 8/19/2007 |
| Q: I am putting together a script and need some advice. If one of the characters is heavily accented ... A: To answer your first question, you need to go with the plain English but state the character has a ... | |
| SOUNDTRACKING A MUSICAL | 8/13/2007 |
| Q: I have been involved with costumed childrens shows for over fifteen years where everything - music, ... A: The short answer is no, but the complex answer is still not very likely. A musical is a show with ... | |
| the ending ... I need a second opinion | 8/8/2007 |
| Q: I have written a play where the ending takes place three years later. The teacher that I approached ... A: Well that depends, alot of plays leap forward in time. What is the circumstance, that makes it have ... | |
| Writing a book tinto a play | 7/24/2007 |
| Q: I was very interested in turning a book into a play that I would want to perform at my college. The ... A: Wow, I am going to you to leave that be...not that it's not a great idea but I think Oprah's company ... | |
| Musical Comedy | 7/16/2007 |
| Q: I have written book, music and lyrics for three musical comedies that were very well received at the ... A: I congrat you on your the warm reception your musicals have received. I think the next steps would ... | |
| Formatting lyrics in a musical | 7/1/2007 |
| Q: Mr. Carter, I am currently writing a musical, an endeavour I am attempting for the first time. ... A: Not to sound rude but that is a very stubborn attitude. And as dramatist I will tell you pretty much ... | |
| Writing Screenplays for a Book | 5/8/2007 |
| Q: I wanted to know if we can write screenplay for any book before taking author permission and then ... A: No you cannot write a screenplay for a book. More than likely the book has already been optioned ... | |
| Musical | 4/11/2007 |
| Q: I love theater and I have directed many shows. I decided I wanted to take a shot at writing a ... A: You just have to believe in your compelling story and dialogue that captures the best moments of ... | |
| Musical | 4/11/2007 |
| Q: I love theater and I have directed many shows. I decided I wanted to take a shot at writing a ... A: Okay...first do you know what the story is? If so then do you know your ideal space or the space you ... | |
| Getting your foot in the door | 3/19/2007 |
| Q: I have finished writing a screenplay that is ready for representation. I bought the book "Guide to ... A: I would say keep doing what you are doing but be sure the agents are accepted unsolicited ... | |
| playwritting | 2/23/2007 |
| Q: do you know any Good book for playwriting (theatre/musical)? (how to write, what to do (and not)..), ... A: First thing first...you cannot write a play based on a already existing or previously aired show. ... | |
| Playwriting | 2/4/2007 |
| Q: What book or course in playwriting would you recommend? A: The Playwright's Guidebook: An Insightful Primer on the Art of Dramatic Writing by Stuart Spencer ... | |
| learning to write plays and musicals | 1/16/2007 |
| Q: Mr. Carter: Thank-you so much for your reply. It really helped. It's kind of funny you mentioned ... A: I know that Second City offers skit writing but it will help you learn. And yes playwriting courses ... | |
| learning to write plays and musicals | 1/11/2007 |
| Q: .. Being a big fan of plays and especially musicals here in Chicago, I want to take playwriting ... A: Sorry about the delay, I was installing a new computer and it took me awhile to get the Internet ... | |
| how to write a good outline | 12/30/2006 |
| Q: i'm a first time screenwriter and just finished my first screenplay it was my final draft. but no ... A: Your best bet, I believe is to watch one of your favourite films and write a outline from it or read ... | |
| Theatre | 12/14/2006 |
| Q: What Two things are necessary to involve the audience in a performance? A: First the story has to be compelling...this includes compelling characters too. You have to have a ... | |
Writing Plays/Screenwriting
Answers by Expert:
Anthony T. Carter
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
As a active screenwriter and dramatist (playwright/librettist), I have been writing and directing since I was in elementary school. My expertise is in dramtic writing as well as historical research. I have been given such responsibility (dramaturg) for many local theatre productions. bbc
Experience
I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts, minors in History and Psychology. As a writer, I have enjoy the experience of researching for information in regards to a script or just because.
Organizations
Royal Autumn Entertainment (Owner and Lead Creative)
Nazareth College Alumni Association
Geva Theatre Center (Official Videographer)
JCC CenterStage (Official Videographer/Media Technologist/Dramaturge)
Method Machine (Playwright in Residence/Dramaturge)
Education/Credentials
B.A. Theatre Arts, Nazareth College of Rochester 2007
Past/Present Clients
Nazareth College of Rochester
Method Lab
Nuts and Bolts
Radworks
Wilson Magnet High School
JCC CenterStage
Geva Theatre Center
SE Video
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