Exhibitors Herald World (Oct-Dec 1929)

16 EXHIBITORS HERALD-WORLD October 12, 1929 Harvard Picture School to Specialize On Specific Problems of Industry Department of Business School Out of Swaddling Clothes and Valuable Potential Asset to Trade, Says Professor H. L. Lewis (Special to the Herald-World) CAMBRIDGE, MASS., Oct. 8.— The Motion Picture Department of the Harvard Business School, the name of which is constantly cropping up in connection with the motion picture business, has passed through its adolescence and may now be considered part and parcel of the motion picture industry, according to Howard T. Lewis, professor of marketing. JN an interview with the HeraldWorld, problem is a specific one, dealing with 2 Professor Lewis outlined the work of the motion picture department, explained its aim and showed clearly enough how it could be a valuable asset to the business end of our industry. Get Material from Industry The Harvard Business School is an integral part of that larger organization known as Harvard University. Its student body selected from candidates who already have been graduated from an accredited college or university. Its two-year course is confined exclusively to the problems of business. Its faculty is made up of trained men, keen students of business in a practical way, who constantly are being called upon as consultants by business organizations. "To get a fair view of the problems of the motion picture industry," Professor Lewis said, "the school began the collection of material in 'case' form from producers, distributors and exhibitors alike, regardless of their size or position. "This gave it something to work with, provided it with teaching material for classroom use. Courses were outlined in general marketing, sales management, real estate fundamentals, finance, statistics and the like. There were no courses in production, distribution or exhibition. 125 Concrete Cases Studied "In 1927 the school was given a boost when William Fox, Will Hays, Adolph Zukor, Jesse Lasky, Earle W. Hammons, Harry Warner, Robert Cochrane, Samuel Katz, Joseph P. Kennedy and other men whose names were household words delivered lectures on the many problems of their work. These lectures were later edited by Mr. Kennedy and published under the title 'The Story of the Films.' "To date between 125 and ISO detailed concrete cases or experiences have been compiled and studied, thanks to the splendid cooperation of many people. These cases deal with a number of varying problems such as theatre location, purchase of sound equipment, percentage pricing, arbitration, block booking, protection, analysis of market conditions, raising working capital, operation of exchanges, trade and consumer advertising. In every case the specific situation in a specific company. Facts in Strictest Confidence "But it will be said," Professor Lewis continued, "that to be of real value, the information required for such a 'case' would have to be so confidential that no executive would divulge it. Here a word of explanation may be in order. The usual procedure in gathering material is for a representative of the school to talk over with some responsible person, some problem with which that individual is — or has been — confronted. All pertinent facts, so far as known, are frankly presented — always in strictest confidence. These facts are then written up and submitted to the informer. He edits the material, and it is returned to the school's representative. A final copy is then drawn up, and its release authorized by the company. "The school publishes a series of volumes known as the Harvard Business Reports. These reports contain the best cases which the school has collected. These are used very generally by the other educational institutions and are very carefully read by many business men. Another such volume will probably appear early this winter. Specific Problem Emphasized "The study, however, will not be completed with the publishing of this 600-page volume. Its character may change somewhat so that, although the work of collecting 'cases' will not be discontinued, greater emphasis will be placed upon some specific problem. It is our belief that the material now collected gives the best general view of the field, in detailed and authentic form, that exists. "If someone could have anticipated some of the problems arising from the introduction of sound, the chaos which developed would have been in some measure reduced. If someone could now anticipate somewhat concretely the possible effect of television on problems of distribution and of theatre operation, the industry would be far better prepared for its introduction. Again, the school has been foremost in the collection of comparative cost figures." Zanuck Sails on the Bremen NEW YORK. — Darryl Zanuck, associate producer of the Warner studio, has sailed, with Mrs. Zanuck, on the Bremen for a six weeks' vacation in Europe. Before Zanuck left Hollywood he completed the supervision of "Show of Shows," the biggest Vitaphone attraction to be released by Warners this year. Paramount Acquires 37 Theatres and Half an Interest in William Morris (Special to the Herald-World) NEW YORK, Oct. 8. — Paramount has added three more circuits to its string. The number of houses acquired totals 37. One-half of the physical assets of the William Morris vaudeville agency has also been acquired. The New York stock exchange approved the application for the listing of 289,976 additional shares of common stock to cover the purchase and also to be sold to employes. The latter will have available 250,000 shares. Of the remaining shares just listed, 16,323 will be applied on the acquisition of the Strand Amusement Company in Florida; 14,112 for the Rickards & Nace Amusement Company in Arizona; 6,875 for the Hostetter Amusement Company in Nebraska and Iowa; and 2,666 shares for the vaudeville property. $2,000,000 Pledged By Colum bia Forces as Goldberg Testimonial (Special to the Herald-World) NEW YORK, Oct. 8.— Columbia's sales organization has pledged itself to bring in $2,000,000 in contracts as a testimonial to Joe Goldberg, the general sales manager. The country is divided into three sections, which will compete for first place in the play date drive. These sections are headed by Rube Jackter, assistant sales manager; Ben Rosenberg, circuit manager, and Hal Hodes, director of exploitation. A friendly rivalry exists among the three, and in order to stimulate interest and assure a successful conclusion to the drive the country was divided into three sections, one falling to each of the drive sponsors. Hanson, Stefies Reach Los Angeles in Coast Tour on T-S Franchise (Special to the Herald-World) LOS ANGELES, Oct. 8.— Oscar R. Hanson, general sales manager of Tiffany-Stahl, arrived in Los Angeles last week, accompanied by Al Steffes of Allied States. The Los Angeles franchise meeting for exhibitors of the Southern California territory will open tomorrow and continue through Wednesday and Thursday. Seuttle Meeting Well Attended (Special to the Herald-World) SEATTLE, Oct. 8. — A successful two-day conference sponsored by Tiffany-Stahl and Allied States was held here, the principal addresses being made by Al Steffes, representing Allied States, and Oscar Hanson, general sales manager of Tiffany-Stahl. On the request of Jim Hone, local secretary of Allied, and Al Rosenberg, president of Allied in Washington, a record attendance turned out for all four meetings. Toronto Franchise Meeting Is Held (Special to the Herald-World) TORONTO, Oct. 8.— Tiffany-Stahl held a meeting here last week to present its new franchise plan to exhibitors. Those who spoke on the franchise were Carl J. Goe, assistant general sales manager; J. Earl Lawson, chairman of the board; Phil Hazza, general manager in Canada; and W. C. Gehring, Eastern division manager. Oswald Brooks Joins New Audien Company (Special to the Herald-World) NEW YORK, Oct. 8.— E. Oswald Brooks, who resigned the position of Eastern production manager of Pathe Exchange, Inc., last year in order to survey the production field in England (and while there supervised production of "Young Woodley" for Regal Film Co., London), has returned to America and joined the production staff of the newly formed Talking Picture Epics, Inc., at 11 West 42nd street, New York City. Luncheon to Be Given For W. F. Canavan Nov, 14 (Special to the Herald-World) NEW YORK, Oct. 8.— The Projection Advisory Council will give a luncheon to William F. Canavan, International president of the I. A. T. S. E. & M. P. M. O., at the hotel Astor, at 1 p. m., November 14. Canavan will deliver a talk on "projection and the projectionist." Charles E. Eichorn is chairman of the committee.