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Six AMERICAN CINEMATOGRAPHER December, 1926
Official Aftion Requested on
Credit Title Situation
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( The folloiving letter on the subject of cutting titles is self-explanatory, and was sent by Daniel B. Clark, president of the American Society of Cinematographers, to Eli Whitney Collins, president of the Motion Picture Theater Owners of America.)
Nov. 16, 1926. Mr. Eli Whitney Collins, President, Motion Picture Theater Owners of America, New York City.
Dear Mr. Collins:
For some time past, our attention has been called to the practice of exhibitors in various theaters in different parts of the country in cutting credit titles from prints shown by them. These eliminations have included the names of the cinematographers; hence our interest.
Since they are a basic and one of the most important factors in the making of a motion picture, the cinematographers feel that, as a reward for their artistic and practical efforts, they have the right to have their names remain on the credit titles. That the producers and distributors themselves are of the same opinion is indicated in the fact that these names were prominently placed there in the first place. With the cinematographer thus recognized by those who produce motion pictures, we are not approaching the situation from the angle that the exhibitor is not vested with the authority to arbitrarily cut away these credit titles. Rather we would, officially through you, appeal to the exhibitors' sense of fair play to leave these titles intact. The only logical argument that has ever been advanced in defense of the practice is that the procedure is necessary to save time; yet when it is realized that but a few seconds are gained, such an argument obviously is fallacious.
We have contributed so much to the general progress of films, and we have worked so long and hard in doing so, that we feel that we are justified in asking the exhibitors to preserve this screen recognition which, we believe you will agree, we richly merit.
Trusting that you will receive this in the spirit in which it is rendered,
Sincerely yours,
(Signed) DANIEL B. CLARK,
President, American Society of Cinematographers.