The Bioscope (Oct-Dec 1931)

10 THE BIOSCOPE December 9, 1931 Hollywood’s Supreme Effort To Re-establish Financial Equilibrium British and Dominions £300,000 Studios Third Stage in 47 Days ! In keeping with their smartness in the realm of film publicity, British and Dominions Film Corporation, Ltd., have achieved a record in studio constm c t i o n , a third studio having been added to their existing buildings at Boreham Wood, Elstree, in the remarkably short period of 47 days. It was not until October 5th that the architects were informed that the studio would be required, and by working practically day and night, including Sundays, a completely new studio, planned on the latest lines, under the personal supervision of E. G. W. Souster, F.R.I.B. A., of Howard & Partners, and S. S. A. Watkins, Director in Charge of Recording of Western Electric Company, was actually ready on November 30th. Nor must it be imagined that in so short a time it had been impossible to construct a studio of a quality worthy of the British and Dominions output and of the studios previously built by that company. The total cost of the studio buildings and plant under the control of British and Dominions now totals over £300,000. There are three fullsized stages and four recording channels capable of dealing with film and disc. One of the stages is occupied by Paramount under a long lease, the other is principally occupied by British and Dominions’ own productions, whilst the remaining stage is available for letting to independent producers. Eric Hakim is due to produce his second Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer picture at this studio and other " independents ” at present negotiating. Hubert T. Marsh, F.C.A. Managing Director, and Herbert Wilcox, Director of Productions, entertaining the Press on the occasion of the opening of the new studio, stated that they planned to produce roughly 12 to 15 pictures per year, all of which would be quality productions. During the past year the company has presented “ Tons of Money,” "The Speckled Band,” " The Chance of a Night Time,” “ Almost a Divorce,” " Up for the Cup ” and " Carnival,” whilst a new Ralph Lynn picture, " Mischief,” is now being cut. " Rhapsody,” a new' musical film, is practically completed ; " A Night Like This ” is in the cutting rooms and " Good Night, Vienna,” in which Jack Buchanan is starred, is in production. (By a Special “ Bioscope ” Representative) Three major developments expected out of a series of conferences called the most important ever conducted in Hollywood are these : — 1. Substantial curtailment of the number of pictures to be produced in a season, with consequent efforts to improve quality ; 2. Closing of theatres in places where there is unquestioned overseating, particularly in view of the plan to reduce production schedules ; 3. Reduction of salaries — from 20 per cent, to 50 per cent. — including stars and featured players whose pay has been in the higher numbers, in line with the lesser amount of time required from them. There is to be closer immediate contact of New York executives with the production centre. Much of the criticism of Coast activities can be traced to lack of understanding of the problems by the executives in the East. Another factor pointed to, in answering charges of poor product, is this, that tremendous expansion in the field of the theatre the last several years has created a huge demand for pictures. While producers still were struggling with the many problems of sound there was a mad rush for product for the theatres, a condition that could not make for the best standard of production. Factory methods will produce factory pictures. High-standard pictures require time. There is the element of a fickle public taste, the factor of inspiration in conceiving and producing a picture, and the question of proper exploitation. Despite talk of banker interference and dictation, the saner minds in the Hollywood production colony doubt that the bankers want to make the pictures or to dictate how they shall be made. But the bankers feel that they must be reasonably certain they will get their money back, plus a reasonable profit. " Unit production ” under a system similar to that employed by First National years ago is widely discussed. On the Coast this is felt unlikely except in such cases as Samuel Goldwyn, Chaplin, Fairbanks, Harold Lloyd, Hal Roach, and a few others adequately financed who have proved aptitude for running their own shows. But there may be more decentralisation of authority at the studios as well as in distribution and exhibition. Christmas Day and Good Friday in London The L.C.C. yesterday (Tuesday) decided that the opening of cinemas in the London area on Christmas Day and Good Friday would not be subject to the charitable contribution conditions pertaining to licences for Sunday performances. The Council adopted without discussion the report of the Entertainments Licensing Committee, who expressed the opinion that it would be a hardship to require places of public entertainment to be closed on Christmas Day and Good Friday. Exhibitors in various parts of the country will hope that their local Councils will arrive at the same practical conclusion. “Bioscope” WILL Continue In view of persistent trade gossip — much of which is inspired by malice — concerning " The Bioscope,” its present and its future, we repeat part of the statement published in our issue of November 4th last : — “ Notwithstanding any developments which may have arisen or may arise, ‘ The Bioscope ’ will continue to appear, ' and to pursue its policy as an entirely separate, independent and unfettered journal, free of all influences except those exercised by the proprietors, The Bioscope Publishing Co., Ltd., whose sole object is to continue serving the film and cinema industries of this country, with special regard to the interests of exhibitors. Following our statement of November 4th there have not (as freely rumoured) been any negotiations between the K.R.S. and The Bioscope Publishing Co., Ltd., reopening the proposal that “ The Bioscope ’ ’ and two contemporaries should merge, subject to a guaranteed revenue from renter-members of the K.R.S. "The Bioscope” as the independent exhibitors' journal could not enter into such a proposal. At no time has The Bioscope Publishing Co., Ltd., contemplated merging or ceasing publication of " The Bioscope,” and it is necessary at this stage to announce that legal steps will in future be taken against any person or persons known to have circulated false and damaging statements concerning this journal. Nicholls Leaves P.C.T. for Moss Empires E. C. C. Nicholls has resigned his position as chief electrical engineer to P.C.T., and has been appointed general manager to operate under Will Evans on the Moss Empires Circuit. A. F. Moss, formerly Midland Circuit and Area Inspector for Gaumont-BritishP.C.T., will be assistant manager of Moss Empires, who, it is expected, will make further announcements concerning new staff in the near future. Herbert Wilcox