Motography (Jan-Jun 1918)

March 2, 1918. MOTOGRAPHY 411 New Sales Plan Wins Many Friends EIGHT PRODUCERS ARE NOW IN LEAGUE TO ELIMINATE THE MIDDLEMAN GREAT INTEREST has been aroused throughout the country by the news that independent producers of motion pictures have joined the Producers and Exhibitors — Affiliated for the purpose of selling high-class productions direct to the exhibitor in keeping with a plan to market pictures of high standard at one-half the present prices and to put into working effect the expressed desire of exhibitors attending the meeting of the Allied Exchange Organization in Washington, D. C, December 11 and 12. Leading exhibitors have written to headquarters in New York expressing their firm belief in the project and their confidence that it is the solution of their difficulties. Eight Producers in Plan Eight producers are members of the Producers and Exhibitors — Affiliated now — the Frohman Amusement Corporation, the Herbert Brenon Productions, the Rialto Pictures Corporation, Shubert, Hammerstein & Ince Productions, Triumph Pictures, the Lillian Walker Pictures Corporation, the High Art Productions Company and L. Lawrence Weber Photo Dramas, Inc. H. M. Crandall, head of the Crandall circuit of theatres in Washington, D. C, writes that he is doing everything in his power to further the plan. "We are ready," he says, "to take over the following territory if it is open: Delaware, Virginia, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, Florida, District of Columbia, South Carolina and Alabama." Frank Rembusch, one of the promoters, reports that he is rounding up territory with excellent results. Exhibitors Praise Plan Following are excerpts of some of the letters and telegrams to Producers and Exhibitors — Affiliated from exhibitors all over the country: Proposition outlined ideal. — S. C. Hurley, St. John, N. B. I think the idea of the independent manufacturers mentioned in your wire is ideal and constitutes a finger post to a happy solution of film problems now confronting exhibitors on all sides. Perhaps no territory on either side of the boundary line feels the drastic imposition of middlemen more than we in Canada. — Walter H. Golding, Imperial Theatre, Canada. I think the plan of the independent manufacturers, if properly worked out, a movement along the right lines. — Al fred S. Black, Maine Theatres, Rockland, Maine. Your plan of manufacturer to exhibitor direct looks like a very good proposition to me and I believe this would be an opportune time to spring the matter.— Peter J. Jeup, Detroit, Michigan. Note your remarks about the saving to exhibitors on the price of service. This in itself would be a great item and if the subjects were up to standard, I see no reason why your plan would not be a great success. — Apollo Amusement Company, Dee Robinson, Peoria, 111. I certainly believe that this step is along the right line, and I believe that the exhibitors all over the United States should support the men that went to the convention at Washington and offered the plan named in your telegram. Will do all that I can possibly do to make it a success in Illinois. — A. M. Luttrell, president, Motion Picture Exhibitors' League of America, Jacksonville, 111. Co-operation Is Promised At our moving picture convention in Raleigh we read your booking plan and discussed it thoroughly. I explained it to the best of my ability and recommended it unreservedly, and the boys were delighted with the proposition and will be glad to co-operate with you. — H. B. Yarner, Motion Picture Exhibitors' League of North Carolina. Your communication containing the principles of direct dealing between producers and exhibitors received. It is a step in the right direction. It will mean the first ray of hope through the dark clouds that have been threatening the industry for the past three years or more. I think the idea a good one and can be worked out to the satisfaction of all, and it will revolutionize the motion picture business. — F. J. Herrington, Pittsburgh. Interested,' Says Tennesseean I have your letter outlining plan of marketing films direct from the producer to the exhibitor and am very much interested in the organization. — -Tony S. Rum, Nashville, Tenn. The writer having the pleasure of being present when the several representatives of the various independent producers addressed the convention, was very much impressed with the idea as it was then outlined and since reading communication from you the fact in my mind is evident that the plan would be most successful if put into effect. The proposed plan of distribution would at least assure superior quality at an attractive price and there is little, if any room, for suggestions on this plan as outlined. — J. H. Spencer, Winding Gulf, W. Va. Organizations of theatre men in many cities have the question under consideration and reports from them will be disclosed as soon as available. A touching moment in "The Beloved Traitor," the new Goldwyn picture with Mae Marsh.