Boxoffice (Jan-Mar 1941)

(Hollywood Office — Suite 219 at 6404 Hollywood Blvd.; Ivan Spear, Western Manager) Mutual Problems Are Aired in Pamphlet Mutual problems of the employer and the employe, including those relating to common interest in individual earnings, safety, working conditions, quality and quantity of output, and efficient and economical operation, are thoroughly aired in an eight-page pamphlet distributed to each of Paramount’s 2,750 studio workers. The statement, first of its kind to be issued by any studio, is keynoted by a brief preface signed by Y. Frank Freeman, vice-president in charge of studio operations, in which he declares: “In our sincere desire to further develop the harmonious relationships now existing between employes and management of Paramount Pictures, Inc., we wish in the following statement of industrial relations policies to define the company’s attitude on mutual problems.” Explains Paramount's Stand The pamphlet explains Paramount’s stand on employe organizations, wages, performance, working conditions and safety measures, promotions and transfers, layoffs and discharges, employment stabilization, group health and life insurance, studio clubs, the federal credit union, work calls, acceptance of outside calls during slack periods, and the studio’s industrial relations department. “It is our conviction,” asserted Freeman in issuing the pamphlet, “that all problems affecting the welfare of the company are the problems of the men and women in its employ, and that all problems affecting the welfare of its employes are the problems of the company.” Among the significant facts contained in the booklet is the company’s declaration it recognizes the right to collective bargaining, in which, the studio asserts, it undertakes to maintain complete impartiality in disputes over jurisdiction. Pamphlet was prepared by the industrial relations department under the supervision of Charles Boren, industrial relations manager. Quiet Pervades Labor Scene As New Year Makes Bow Unusual quiet characterized the first days of the New Year insofar as producerlabor relations were concerned. Most important event scheduled is that of the producers association for January 6, at which approval will be asked of the producer screen Actors Guild standing committee’s report anent the extra player situation. Chief among its recommendations calls for the elimination of so-called “casual” extras in order to alleviate the present unemployment situation. Both the SAG and the extras themselves have already placed their okay on the report. Negotiations will get under way shortly on demands filed by the motion picture costume makers for a five-day, 40-hour week with a standard minimum wage scale. Aubrey Blair, Hollywood organizer for the American Federation of Labor, will head the costumers’ negotiating committee. Producers are also dickering with the studio scenic artists, an affiliate of the moving picture painters, on a closed shop contract, wage increases and other demands. Also to be launched shortly are huddles between producers and the Society of Motion Picture Film Editors relevant to a requested 10 per cent increase in wages for certain classifications of cutters. Leonard Janofsky has resigned his post as counsel for the Screen Writers Guild, according to an announcement from the SWG in which it was declared the organization needs a full-time attorney, which would interfere with Janofsky’s private practice. He had been associated with the SWG for more than three years. Academy to Elect New Officers January 7 Officers of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for 1941 will be elected at a meeting of the new board of governors scheduled for January 7. At the same time, it has been disclosed, detailed plans for the forthcoming annual Academy Awards banquet, including the exact date and locale of the affair, will be announced. Just prior to the session, a run-off election to choose representatives from the technicians’ branch on the board of governors will be held. In the recent balloting a tie vote resulted among technicians. Those elected among the actors, writers, directors and producers included: Actors — Edward Arnold, Rosalind Russell, James Stewart. Writers — Howard Estabrook, Jane Murfin, Robert Riskin. Directors — Frank Capra, Frank Lloyd, Sam Wood. Producers — Y. Frank Freeman, David O. Selznick, Walter Wanger. Nine nominees for places on the board from among the technicians are John Aalberg, Anne Bauchens, Farciot Edouart, Bernard Herzbrun, Nathan Levinson, Har Payrolls Jump as Production Hums Traceable to the increased production tempo in November is the corresponding boost in weekly payrolls and in the number employed on the various lots. According to figures compiled and released by the California labor statistics department, wage-earners — exclusive of executive and talent divisions — were paid a total of $557,957 during that month. This is $8,636 more than the October payrolls. Number of workers employed in November was 12,428, compared to the 12,295 on the payrolls during the preceding month. Average weekly pay check in November was $44.90, a 4.2 per cent increase over November, 1939. Several changes have been made in the personnel of the Paramount studio publicity department following the takeover of the top spot by George Brown, replacing Cliff Lewis. Chief among them is the resignation of Bob Speers, head planter, who moves to Universal in two weeks to become assistant to John Josephs, advertising-publicitydirector there. Speers’ duties at Paramount have been taken over by Blake McVeigh, who came in as Brown’s assistant. Leaving Paramount also are Bert Holloway, Bill Hebert, Bob Burkhardt, Bob Blewett and Arthur Powell, all of the publicity staff. Holloway, head of the unit room, is replaced by Murphy McHenry, who left the advertising-publicity spot with Edward Small Productions to join the Paramount staff. Also joining Paramount are Hy Daab, coming out from New York, and Bernard Kamins. Brown will add others shortly. Myke Lewis has resigned his post as sales chieftain for Harry Sherman Productions, effective immediately. old J. McCord, Thomas T. Moulton, Jack Otterson and Ray Wilkinson. Minor revisions in Academy bylaws and articles of incorporation were approved in the voting. Meantime a meeting of the producers association, its regular monthly session, has been called for January 6, with Y. Frank Freeman to preside. Among items of business to be discussed is the producer-Screen Actors Guild standing committee report urging elimination of all so-called “casual” extra players, as well as routine matters. BOXOFFICE : : January 4, 1941 69