Year book of motion pictures (1951)

in December, 1949 as an integral part of the International Division for the purpose of malting axailahle to foreign film producers the information, knowledge and merchandising experience needed to help them gain increasing audiences for their product in the I'nited States. Its Ijasic objective is to encourage the importation of more good foreign lilms to this country, thereby helping to stimulate the flow of dollars to film-producing lountries abroad. Tangible commercial benefits have already accrued through the Unit to a number of foreign film producers, notably those in Italy and France. The widespread interest expressed in the project during 1950 augurs increasing use of the Unit's services by overseas producers. While efforts to reduce or eliminate import restrictions and keep open dollar remittance channels from abroad constitute an important part of its activities, the International Division also serves its members in other ways. Among these are:— 1. Assistance on tax problems 2. Public relations activities 3. Compensation deals 4. .Advice on product selectivity The International Division has representatives stationed in six key parts of the world. They serve as liaison with foreign film distributors and with member company distributors and report to MPAA headquarters on all matters relating to motion picture interests in their respective areas. Presence of these men in the field enables the International Division to take prompt action on matters requiring remedial attention. Not infrequently, when adverse legislation is anticipated, speedy appeal and negotiation by the International Division has been successful in delaying and discouraging enactment. Film Boards of Trade composed of local representatives of .American motion picture distributors are maintained in 16 foreign countries. They operate under the general guidance of the Association and their activities, reported regularly and in detail, are shared with member companies. In addition to their commercial importance, .American films— more than any other medium of mass communication— are recognized as a powerful influence in fostering democratic attitudes and in conveying to peoples abroad an understanding of American life, customs and institutions. While .American movies are popular primarily because of their superior entertainment values, the social and ideological by-products which they carry have had a tremendous impact on film-goers of every nation in which .American films are exhibited. The heavy reliance of the .American film industry on revenues from abroad and the increasingly vital role its product is playing as ambassadors of democracy have invested the Motion Picture .Association's International Division with new and important responsibilities. COMMUNITY SERVICE DEPARTMENT THE Community Service Department provides information and assistance to civic, cultural and educational community leaders who are interested in directing the attention of the public to worthwhile current motion pictures presented in theatres. The department also assists theatre managers to adjust their entertainment programs to the needs of the entire family and the interests of important groups in their communities. Among the activities to which the department gives its cooperation, or sponsors, are tlie following: Preview Services The department, through the cooperation of motion picture distributors, provides previewing facilities affording the following national groups opportunity for early screenings of pictures: General Federation of Women's Clubs National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution .American Library Association International Federation of Catholic Alumnae .American Legion Auxiliary Children's Film Library Committee National Federation of Music Clubs National Board of Review National Council of Jewish Women .American Farm Bureau Federation Girl Scouts of America Boy Scouts of .America Protestant Motion Picture Council National Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs .American Association of University Women National Congress of Parents and Teachers Each of these national organizations designates a national motion picture chairman who in turn appoints a preview chairman and an editorial chairman. The preview committees vary in size, having from ten to fifty reviewers. Each national organization distributes its own preview reports directly to its members, either through mimeographed or printed bulletins or in their national house organs or magazines. The preview chairmen also make their reports available to the Fox West Coast Theatres Corporation where they are compiled in a four-page printed bulletin titled "Unbiased Opinions." "Unbiased Opinions" are mailed largely to exhibitors but in addition reach a large number of special contacts interested in the points of view of the different national organizations. Joint Estimates ol Current Motion Pictures For the larger national distribution, concerned rather with a joint estimate of motion 838