Broadcasting Telecasting (Oct-Dec 1957)

FILM CONTINUED UA-TV TO DISTRIBUTE TV SERIES • Individual producers to make 39-episode 'United Artists Playhouse' • UA-TV to finance, distribute shows, share profits with makers of MGM feature film library sales. It is understood MGM-TV's library sales will represent approximately $52 million once the films have been released to tv. More than two-thirds of the markets acquired the entire backlog of 700 features. Other markets have either half libraries or packages ranging from 100 to 300 films. Sales were completed in 47 out of 50 of the top U. S. cities, Mr. Harper said, with most of the smaller markets leasing the features in less than library quantities. Wyatt Series for National Sale Jack Wyatt, Dallas producer, will film a half-hour tv series, Confession, now live on WFAA-TV Dallas, and release the show for national sale after Jan. 1. The series deals with the personal testimony of criminals and others. United Artists Corp., whose activities in television have been limited to distributing two packages of post1948 feature films, will broaden its scope with a tv film series of 39 episodes under the working title of United Artists Playhouse, it was announced last week in New York. The package of tv programs is slated for the 1958-59 season, but UA executives hope to have the first cycle ready to go by April. Detailing UA's plans for future tv activities were Bruce G. Eells, executive vice president of United Artists Television Inc., wholly-owned subsidiary, and Max E. Youngstein, vice president of UA Corp. Unlike other Hollywood production studios, UA is not restricted to the talent of one lot; it has under contract some 49 individual producers or production "outfits." Thus, noted Mr. Eells, United Artists Playhouse will serve as a "research lab" whereby these individual producers can wet their toes in television without committing themselves to massive production schedules. Furthermore, it will allow UA to use an extensive variation of talents and properties. Mr. Youngstein pointed out that the UATV series might not be limited to productions by UA contract contributors — that the company "might" seek "outside" talent. Among the better-known production organizations on the UA roster: AnthonyWorldwide Productions (Gregory Peck and William Wyler), Batjac Productions (John Wayne), Bryna Productions (Kirk Douglas), D. R. M. Productions (Robert Mitchum), Heath Productions (Richard Widmark), Hecht, Hill & Lancaster, Stanley Kramer, Melville Productions (Gregory Peck), Robert Montgomery, Dore Schary, Frank Sinatra, Edward Small-Arthur Hornblow Jr., Michael Todd, Tolda Productions (Bob Hope), and numerous others including Joseph L. Mankiewicz' Figaro Productions (in which NBC has a 50% interest). Also affiliated with UA is the CBS-TV "team" of Edward R. Murrow-Fred W. Friendly, which has placed in theatrical release a motion picture version of See It Now dealing with jazz musician Louis Armstrong. The foregoing film producers have been known for their "offbeat" products — theatrical films with controversial themes, some of which were placed in theatres without the official blessings of the Motion Picture Assn. of America's code. UA producers also have pioneered in adapting tv properties to motion pictures ("Marty" and "Twelve Angry Men" [Film, June 10].). Although no formal contracts have been transacted between UA and the producers, it was learned that "at least four" already have sanctioned the series; some of the producers "who have been eager to plunge into tv," according to Mr. Eells, already have produced pilot films or series on their own, which may also be handled by UA-TV. The company, said Mr. Eells, will establish a greatly-enlarged syndication branch to service syndicated properties. "We make no distinction between 'network quality' programming and that for stations," Mr. Eells noted. Initially, the series will consist of 30minute programs, but depending on the program material and the advertiser's situation — UA-TV has had lengthy talks with one major national advertiser which it declines to name — the individual programs may run an hour each. Furthermore, Mr. Youngstein declared, "there's nothing to prevent these tv shows from becoming prototypes PERRY SOLD HIS SADDLE And Baltimore's sold on Perry! Judging from the immediate audience response via phone calls and letters, he's a solid hit. Perry Andrews is Baltimore's brand new personality" . . . WBAL's sparkling new voice on morning radio. He's fresh from Dallas, Texas with new sounds, new interests and a brand new appeal. If you want to sell Baltimore, let Perry and his fascinating repertoire of voices do the job for you. PERRY ANDREWS SHOW 6 to 10 a.m. Monday thru Saturday NBC Affiliate — Nationally Represented by THE HENRY I. CHRISTAL CO., INC. WBAL BALTIMORE 50,000 watts Page 50 • December 23, 1957 Broadcasting