The Canadian Independent (Nov 1, 1936)

Starland Theatre m Morden Man. if THE CANADIAN AN DEPENDENT Vol. 1., No. 6 Toronto, November Ist., 1936 $5.00 Per ‘Annum ~NEW PE RFORMING RIGHTS-RATES AGREED UPON KHIBITORS ONTOP | open attack || Old Figures Still in Ef fect — EXHIBITORS ON TOP AFTER STRIKE New York.—MGM is harkening to the complaints of the independent exhibitors, and will revise its high percentage sales policy inso‘far as it affects subsequent runs, it was reported here yesterday. The situation in the New York territory is the straw that turned the scales in __ favor of the exhibitor view point. Complaints against high percentage demands had been coming from various sections of the country, but it was pointed out a few days ago that the indies in New York had been unanimous in resisting MGM contracts. Meanwhile 20th Century-Fox sold the same territory 100 percent. GOVT. ABOLISHES AMUSEMENT OPEN ATTACK UPON BAD PRINT PASSERS The Toronto Independent Theatres Association has already started work on _ its drive for better prints and at the present time has a collection of autrocities in its morgue, which are a disgrace to the business. What is going to be done about it remains a dark secret and even Mr. Freedman, Association, refused to disclose any information when interviewed recently. He did state however, that some of the exhibits were so bad as to be a fire hazard and a danger to the life of every patron stepping into a theatre at which they were a!lowed to get into the machines. TAX AT FAIRS Independent Exhibitors Claim Low _ Price Houses Entitled to Same Consideration president of the © While the Ontario government announced yesterday that the amusement tax was to be lifted from attractions and amusements at large agricultural exhibitions, film exhibitors were once again left out in the cold. Feeling ran high among independent theatre owners as they bemoaned the injustice of the situation. “We have no objection to the tariff being dropped on fairs,” they maintained. ‘Nor do we want it abolished on high price houses, but surely the small theatre is the poor man’s entertainment and should be given special consideration.” It is the independent exhibitor that has felt the pinch of the public’s empty purse strings. | (Continued on Page 2) But Exhibitors are Given Option of Contract War clouds that have hovered over motion picture skies for some months, were blown away yesterday when grieviances, Rights fees. pay 5 The C.P.R.S. agreed to grant licenses for the year 1937 upon the basis of the tariff rates fixed this year by Order-in-Council, to those who did not wish: to take advantage of the new fees. Those wanting to take. the new rate must do so at a four year contract, and theatres not willing to accept that contract at the present time will not have the opportunity of taxing advantage of its offer at a later date. Major portion of the eredit for this new deal on behalf of small exhibitors, goes to Nat Taylor and Colonel Cooper for when Mr. Boosey and Mr. Mills left New York, the Film Daily anounced that there was a grave danger of both the American and British Societies withdrawing their films from circulation in Canada, if the U.S. terms of 20 cents per seat, with a rebate were not agreed to. Yesterday’s conference lasted for five hectic hours and when the new rates were finally decided upon, | theatre representatives re Leslie J. Boosey, head of the British Performing Rights Society and E. S. Mills, Ascap general manager met representatives of Canadian exhibitors and after ironing out’ old announced a new schedule of Performing Instead of the old rate of ten cents per seat. per house with a minimum of $10.00, the latest agreement is: 15 cents for all houses of 1,600 seats or over, 12 cents per seat for theatres with from 801 seats up to 1,599, and 10 cents per seat for houses up to 800. is for theatres operating six days per week. to 800 seats operating three days per week or less are to cents per seat with a minimum of $10.00. This, of course Houses up quested the option of a four year contract, which was readily agreed upon. According. to information released immediately following the conference the new rates will represent a distinct savings to small exhibitors throughout the country. Those present at yesterday’s meeting included, T. J. Bragg and A. Thompson K.C., representing famous players; Mr. Nat Taylor and Col. J. A.. Cooper, representing independent exhibitors and Mr. Jules Bernstein, representing Loew’s Theatres. ; MERGER WITHIN New York. — The corporate names of MGM _ and Loew’s Inc. will be consolidated in the near future for business and tax purposes, J. Robert Rubin stated yesterday. Nothing wil! be done, however, he announced, to effect the present status of employees. ae a, ASE EL” = ste tay