Sponsor (Jan-June 1955)

m° A Jj Film that si-lls films: The 50-man sales force of Television Programs of America is using a novel sales gimmick in calls on agencies, t\ clients and stations. New approach involves a special film show, nearlj an hour long, designed to sell TPA's Captain Callan t of the Foreign Legion. Currently. Gallant is sponsored on 01 M5C T\ outlet bj il. J. Heinz, but the half-hour adventure series is available for sponsorship in non-Heinz markets. As previewed in New York late last month, the film is built around a strong sales pitch made by Michael M. Sillerman. executive v. p. of the film firm, and a full-length episode from the tv series. Peter Zanphir, TPA's advertising consultant, was executive producer. In the filmed presentation. Sillerman stresses the adventurous, outdoor locale i North Africa I . the authenticity (Illl A„ ID il 0/ 11 (the Foreign I. eg ion cooperated fully I, the talent i Buster Crabbe and son "CufTv l. the merchandising aids from II' \ and the fact that the show' stars are available for client commercials. Movieman Sillerman feels that the technique may catch on quickly in the competitive film industry. "Hut. it s not 'automation' applied to film sales," he added. "The salesmen still have to close the deal personally with a client." *** Tv's "film circuit": Although main top-name Hollywood films are still locked away in film vaults, the feature film packages available to stations — and ultimately to spot tv sponsors — are getting fancier all the time. Among the latest is a package of 26 top budget films (initially, they cost upwards of $40 million I put together bv Hollvwood Television Service. Inc., a HolKwood feature-and-syndication concern. Tagged "Sparkler Package," the lineup includes such box ollice luminaries as Susan Hayward. Alan l.add. Doris Day. Victor McLaglen. Eve Arden. Dennis Day, Mona Freeman and Anne Jeffrevs. HTSI president Earl Collins, in announcing the new package, disclosed that the firm now has 275 station customers throughout the U.S. and Canada. The firm already has 477 film features and short subjects playing the tv station circuit. Sales of the star-studed film properties have been brisk. An extra reason for stepped-up sales, according to Collins: "HTSI is able to acquire prints from one of the world's greatest laboratories. I his has resulted in a high efficienc) rating in the matter of light and sound fidelity and clarity for tv presentation. *** Star salesmen: Since they are filmed at a time when the talent, crews and sets are already assembled for regular program production, the "star com( Please turn to page 88) Tv film shows recently made available for syndication Programs released, or shown in pilot form, since 1 Jan., 7955 Show name Syndicator Producer Length No. in series advfntur; Adventures of Official Robin Hood Adventures of Official Scarlet Pimpernel Captain Gallant TPA Jungle Jim Screen Gems Rin Tin Tin Screen Gems Soldiers of MCA-TV .... Fortune* * 'Available in market nol currently briuglil i>\ Nabisco "Sponsored by 7-TJp in 120 markets, but mans are open on alternate week ij;i-i Sapphire Films Towers of London Frantel Screen Gems Screen Gems Revue 30 min 30 min 30 min 30 min 30 min 30 min In production In production 39 I (Pilot) 39 In production COMEDY Great Gildersleeve Little Rascals (■■Our Gang") Looney Tunes You Can't Take It With You NBC Film Div. I nterstate Guild Screen Gems NBC TV Roach Warner's Screen Gems 30 min 10 min. 20 min. 15 min. to one hour 30 min. DOCUMENTARY Key to the City Living Past Mr. President Hollywood Tv Prod. Film Classics Stuart Reynolds Hollywood Tv Prod. Film Classics Stuart Reynolds 15 min. 15 min. 30 min. Celebrity Theatre" Confidential File His Honor, Homer Bell Science Fiction Theatre DRAMA, CENERAL Screen Gems Guild Galahad 30 min. 30 min. 30 min. 30 min. I (Pilot) 22—1 reel 70—2 reel Library I (Pilot) None In production In production In production Bobby id. ,ii Show Bell Spade Cooley TPA This Is Your Official Music Bell Cooley-Miller Jack Denove Show name Syndicator Producer Length No. in series DRAMA MYSTERY Paris Precinct Sherlock Holmes MPTV Etolle MPTV Sheldon Reynolds 30 min 30 min. 39 39 MUSIC 15 min. I (Pilot) 30 min. In production 30 min. 28 SPORTS Jimmy Dcmaret Show Award Award 15 min. In production VARIETY Eddie Cantor Comedy Theatre' 'Slum i> sponsored Ziv Ziv bj Ballantiue In 26 irki 30 min. In production Ln total of 201 markets. WESTERNS Buffalo Bill. Jr. Steve Oonavan. Frontier Marshal CBS TV Flying "A" NBC Film Div Vlbar 30 min. In production 30 min. 39 WOMEN'S '('"••ill Theatre." Pilot unni It's Fun To Rrduce 76 SPONSOR