The Cine Technician (1953-1956)

108 (General Council — continued) with reference to the 65 first and second feature Italian films already dubbed into English, which A.C.T. was informed were waiting to be dumped into Britain the moment A.C.T. lifted its processing ban. (2) Information on the policy of British Producers towards the showing of their films in Italy and particularly whether, in view of the Italians' statements, they would set up in Britain dubbing organisations to dub their films into Italian and other foreign languagt s. (3) An intimation to the Italian Trade Unions that it was desirable that discussions with A.C.T. should take place direct and not through a third party. After full discussion of a number of reports, it was agreed to lift the ban on Ulysses (Archway), subject to the renter's assurances being satisfactorily given in writing. The ban had also been lifted from The Room in the House, a recent A.C.T. Films production, has secured a complete Odeon release commencing in London on 25* h July. The film is directed by Terence Fisher and produced by Francis Searle with Gerry Gibbs lighting. Face that Launched a Thousand Ships (Republic) again, after full consideration of reports — the Italian producers having assured A.C.T. that they would re-dub it in England if it were shown that any of this film had, in fact, been dubbed abroad. B.F.P.A. NEGOTIATIONS: It was noted that Mr. Frank Haxell, E.T.U. General Secretary, had stated that, following discussions between him and Mr. Tom O'Brien, M.P., it was felt there could be a joint wage claim providing it only involved studio grades up to a certain agreed level. The Executive could not agree to this course, and decided to write to the B.F.P.A. renewing its pressure for satisfaction for those members who had not received any increases since the Agreement was signed in 1947 and specifically pressing for increase d overtime ceiling; for such grades The General Council agreed to this, and referred the question of negotiations to the Feature Branch. CINE TECHNICIAN SHORTS AGREEMENT SIGNED " I believe we have here one of the best agreements between any trade union and employers' association in the country," said George Elvin when the new A.S.F.P.-A.C.T. agreement was formally signed in London on July 11th. The agreement, he added, gave A.C.T. members clauses which in many respects were a model for other employers and trade unions throughout Britain. The agreement was signed for A.C.T. by Max Anderson and Jim Garrett, Shorts Vice-Presidents, and by George Elvin, General Secretary, and for A.S.F.P. by Frank Hoare, President, Howard Thomas, VicePresident, and L. G. Parker, Secretary. N AT KE WINS A dispute between N.A.T.K.E. and the proprietors of the Regal, Nairn, has been adjudicated in favour of N.A.T.K.E. by the Industrial Disputes Tribunal. The issue was whether the employer should observe the wage rates and conditions of employment as agreed between the Cinematograph Exhibitors' Association and the Union. The employer's case was that as he was not a member of the association there was no prima facie obligation upon him to observe the terms of the agreements to which the association was a party. BRUTAL FILMS Following the declaration of last September's T.U. Congress deploring the increasing exploitation of themes of brutality and violence in films Trades Councils were asked to stimulate public opinion regarding the quality of films shown in their localities. In order to assist in these efforts the T.U.C. recently sought the views of the British Film Producers' Association and of the Cinematograph Exhibitors' Association regarding the production and showing of such films as the Congress had in mind. Both associations expressed their sympathy with the aims of the T.U.C. resolution. July 1955 21 YEARS AGO A.C.T.'s FIRST ANNUAL MEETING HELD— Chairman Sir Reginald Mitchell Banks, who said that in spite of various difncultie.; which a young association would have to come up against for some time, A.C.T. was still forging ahead : the Association had become a clearing-house for unemployed technicians. Twenty-four members had been found work since March, and A.C.T. was in close touch with the Foreign Office " who are keeping a good watch on the foreign technician problem." The meeting revised the Rules to provide for four grades of membership : 1. Student: Less than 1 year in the industry. 2. Associate: Over 18 years of age, and who have not less than an aggregate of 50 weeks' employment. 3. Associate Member: Over 21 years of age, and who have not less than an aggregate of 125 weeks' employment. 4. Member: Over 25 years of age, and who have not less than an aggre_.i>< of 300 weeks' employment: or over 25 years with 125 weeks' employment and whose technical thesis will satisfy A.C.T.'s Grading Committee. C.E.A. DECIDED to send a deputation to the Board of Trade to press for the abolition of the exhibitors' quota, or " until the Board of Trade could ensure that quota quickies are of better quality ", a reduction of quota to 10',. E.T.U. and N.A.T.K.E. joined in campaign for more than 50f'( trade union organisation in cinemas, in order to secure their chief demand for the reduction of the working week to 54 hours. WESTMINSTER THEATRE. New York, reported to be doing " admirable business " with its policy of screening British films. QUESTION asked in House of Commons about " discontent among artists, technicians, artisans, etc.. employed in British films through the introduction of aliens ". Ministry of Labour denied that there was any discontent. C.B.