Boxoffice (Oct-Dec 1962)

PLAN TO DISCUSS 22 PROBLEMS OF INDUSTRY AT ALLIED MEETING Playdate Contracts and Flow of Product to Be Of Top Interest By H. F. REVES DETROIT — With the hard core preparatory work for the National Allied convention to be handled largely by the board meeting on Saturday and Sunday (1-2) prior to the formal convention opening on Monday, a review of the agenda released November 29 shows that some 22 industry problems are expected to be up for consideration at these sessions. The board meetings will be held in the Navajo Room of the Sheraton-Cleveland Hotel. The two key problems which appear to considerably outdraw all others in exhibitor interest are “demands for excessive and unrealistic terms and playing-time from subruns and small towns,” and a program for inducing a steady flow of product to theatres. The relative significance of the discussion topics is disclosed by an analysis of the number of demands for a particular subject from the dozen Allied leaders participating in this planning stage. Next in importance to exhibitors is “chaotic release schedules,” followed by censorship legislation, both state and local. It may be noted that there is an interrelationship between several of the problems on the agenda. Terms and method of release for roadshows, reported forced zoning and bidding through reduction in the number of available prints, and a basic market research program rank next for exhibitors. Several leaders also called for discussion following a report on COMPO from board chairman Ben Marcus, the Hartford experiment in pay television, and the annual stockholders meeting of Motion Picture Investors, Inc. Drawing only scattering interest were MGM’s “refusal to adjust excessive terms on ‘King of Kings’ ” — the only case on the entire agenda where a single company’s policies are spotlighted for criticism, a request for theatre clearance over free television, state minimum wage laws, and unfair competition said to come from prior availabilities to military base theatres. Other exhibitor requests from the leaders were for consideration of the recommendations of the Committee on Industry Relations, tieins and promotions with concession suppliers, Sam Berns’ Hollywood News Report, the Movie Bonus plan, and Movie Guide. “Unfair 16mm competition is on the agenda, but failed to draw a single request for discussion. Also important to the exhibitor leaders are consideration of the activity of the National Legislative Committee, National Emergency program, and the theatre insurance program for members. Significantly, at the Miami Beach convention a year ago, executive director Milton H. London first announced a new life insurance program for members worked out with Prudential Insurance Co. In Detroit headquarters, he confirmed that an even more important service to Allied members will be announced at Cleveland, but was unable to divulge details. The 1963 Allied Merchandising Manual, 112-page, 9xl2-inch handbook for exhibitors attending the National Allied convention has as its theme, “The Future Is a World Limited by Ourselves,” a quotation from Maurice Maeterlinck. The book contains sections on public relations, promotions, exploitation, merchandising ideas and vending operations. Details of 34 merchandising ideas which have increased attendance and theatre profits are included along with a guide on “How to Merchandise” by Walter Rawcliffe of T. Eaton Co. Ltd. The manual includes a complete section on the preparation and delivery of speeches to local fraternal, civic and community groups and gives basic speeches which can be adapted by theatremen for delivery to organizations in their communities. There are two speeches on the dangers of censorship, and the section gives complete instruction on how to give a speech. Another section features an employe training manual, with separate service divisions for cashiers, doormen, ushers and vending personnel. A complete and detailed checklist for use upon opening of a drivein in the spring is also included. Articles on theatre operation are included, written by Ben Marcus, Allied chairman of the board; Marshall H. Fine, Allied president; Milton H. London, executive director; Larry Davee, TESMA president, and E. H. Geissler, TEDA president. The index of advertisers lists 103 firms, suppliers to the industry. Members of Allied States Ass'n Convention Committee Abe Berenson Irving Bollinger Jack Haynes Harry Hendel Jack Armstrong Ben Marcus Ken Prickett Jay Schultz Sam Schultz J. L. Whittle BOXOFFICE : ; December 3, 1962 5