Broadcasting Telecasting (Oct-Dec 1957)

Reports of Tv Deal Premature — UA's Krim Reports issued early last week by United Artists Corp. that it had effected a television production deal with one of its major independent producers were termed as "premature" on Thursday by UA President Arthur B. Krim. The original news announcement stated that UA-TV had "completed arrangements" with the Mirisch Co., one of approximately 50 "independents" under UA theatrical film contract, for the production of six television program series, of which five were "already in preparation." Mr. Krim, however, did not deny — in his "clarification" to Broadcasting — that the Mirisch Co. was involved in "several properties." He added that a "total of 6070 properties" have been submitted to UATV by its group of independents and that "all" are being considered. He made clear, however, that UA-TV will not "go into a volume operation, rather, a Tiffany-type of set-up whereby only the best of possible tv programs are prepared." Among the other producers with whom UA-TV is discussing television production is actor-director Yul Brynner, whose Alciona Productions Inc. was signed last week to an exclusive, nine-year production schedule involving 1 1 multi-million dollar theatrical films. According to Mr. Brynner's talent agent, Ted Ashley of Ashley-Steiner Assoc., the word "television" does not actually appear in the star's contract with UA, but it is almost a certainty that the Brynner company will "over a period of time" engage in the production of tv programs and that these, once made, "will in all likelihood" be distributed by UA-TV. It was understood that five of the six series submitted bythe three Mirisch brothers— Harold, Walter and Marvin — to UATV President Herbert L. Golden and Executive Vice President Bruce G. Eells were beyond the "idea stage." Tv writer Don Martin was said to have completed pilot scripts on two submissions — series versions of Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer and of the Billy the Kid legends. (The Mirisch Co., signed to a UA theatrical financing-releasing-and-distribution contract three months ago, so far has completed one major theatrical film for UA starring Joel McCrea and is said to have arranged for future services by such names as producer-director Billy Wilder and actress Audrey Hepburn.) Mr. Brynner, a former CBS-TV staff director (Westinghouse Electric Co.'s Studio One) — now better known for his acting chores in MGM's "The Brothers Karamazov," Paramount's "The Ten Commandments" and 20th Century-Fox's "Anastasia" — reportedly is "hot" on the idea of returning to television as a director and reportedly is seeking to bolster his staff with some of the better-known tv directors who have switched recently to Hollywood films. Other UA independents "excited" about the prospects of making their initial bow in tv under UA auspices, according to Mr. Krim, with UA wholly financing such ventures in exchange for video distribution and Tulsa is the 8th fastest-growing city in America. Are your sales keeping pace with this rapid growth? Get on KVOO, the one station that covers all of this rich market area . . . plus bonus coverage in Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas! The only station covering all of Oklahoma's No. 1 Market Broadcast Center • 37th fir Peoria GUSTAV BRANDBORG Vice Pres. & Gen. Mgr. Represented by EDWARD PETRY & CO. HAROLD C. STUART President Broadcasting December 30, 1957 • Page 63