Canadian Film Weekly (Aug 31, 1949)

August 31, 1949 DILLON, FITZ TO CHI (Continued from Page 1) 30-31, in behalf of the Canadian Motion Picture Industry Council. In announcing Dillon’s assignment Hye Bossin, chairman of the CMPIC, stated that the former would be in Chicago in the capacity of an observer only. It is felt that policies evolved in Chicago will be influenced by domestic condition but that much which is agreed on there will be of great value on both sides of the line. Dillon’s status leaves the CMPIC free to shape things for Canadian needs. Also present in Chicago will be John J. Fitzgibbons, CBE, Chairman of the National Committee of Motion Picture Exhibitors Associations of Canada. His main reason for being in that city is to attend the meeting of the industry short subjects project, of which he is one of the 30 trustees. The meeting takes place on Wednesday but Fitzgibbons will sit in on the public relations talks on Tuesday. There will be representatives present from five USA exhibitor groups, three producer associations, the Motion Picture Association of America and the [Motion Picture Industry Council, an allembracing body with headquarters in Hollywood. The last-named organization, on which the Canadian group is patterned, will be represented by Roy Brewster of the IATSE, who recently succeeded Cecil B. DeMille as its chairman, and Art Arthur, executive secretary. Eight trade paper editors met recently in the board room of the MPAA with distributor representatives to talk over subjects which might be placed on the Chicago agenda. These were Jack Alicoate, Film Daily; Jay Emanuel, Jay Emanuel Publications; Abel Green, Variety; Charles E. Lewis, Showmen’s Trade Review; Martin Quigley, Sr., Quigley Publications; Ben Shylen, Boxoffice; Morton Sunshine, Independent Film Journal; and Mo Wax, Film Bulletin. Also invited were Pete Harrison, Harrison’s Reports; T. E. Mortensen, Greater Amusements; Arthur Ungar, Daily Variety; and William R. Wilkerson, Hollywood Reporter. A plan for the disciplining of actors who misbehave publicly and another for a Film Festival are among the matters which will occupy the delegates. Ned E. Depinet, head of RKO Radio and chairman of the MPAA Exhibitor-Community Relations Committee, is responsible for the invitations to be present and will preside. WB Acquires Novel Warner Brothers has_ re quired film rights to Guy Endore’s forthcoming novel, Spring Kill. Henry Blanke will produce. Canadian FiLM WEEKLY NFB Presents Brief (Continued from Page 1) tributing to national unity.” Ross McLean, National Film Commissioner; Ralph Foster, Deputy Film Commissioner; and Paul Teriault, executive officer, French program, were present to answer questions and provide explanations. Other suggestions by the National Film Board as to how it could increase its benefits to Canada: Its re-establishment as a corporate body, so as to do away with “certain cumbersome administrative practices which are not adapted to the needs of a creative producing agency, although appropriate to administrative agencies. This is particularly true in relation to contractual obligations in distribution, accounting procedure in both production and distribution, and personnel procedures.” An increased staff, salary levels on par with that paid for similar work elsewhere and greater security of employment, including superannuation. (AIthough there is a _ constantly increasing demand for services at home and abroad, the NFB had reduced its staff from 787 in 1945 to 540 on March 3ist, 1949. Employees are hired on a three-month tenure.) Senior representation on any Government body established as official liaison to Unesco, Additional staff to work in the area of community organization and promotion, In asking for a greater budget, the NFB indicated “that in most areas its work is restricted by lack of adequate funds.” According to the brief, “The most urgent requirement is a centralized building to meet the special needs of film operation, and to house all divisions under one roof instead of eight separate locations.” TV development make such facilities doubly important. (Members of the Royal Commission toured NFB buildings and personally examined facilities and conditions of work.) In addition to improved technical and working facilities, the funds would be used for increased production allotment, extension of graphic services, extension of NFB field work, increased expenditure on quantity of prints issued, extension of research and library services, extension of liaison with educational bodies, and development of international distribution. The total NFB appropriation fell from $2,290,148 for 1946-47 to $1,992,854.69 for 1948-49. Aim of the report to the Royal Commission was “to outline the activities of the National Film Board during the first 10 years of its existence, and indicate how these activities have contributed to national development and have helped Canadians at home and abroad’ and “how film and related media can further explore and reveal the Canadian spirit, kindle the imagination, and promote harmony and cooperation among the many groups in Canada.” Among the achievements of 10 years of operation, during which 2,500 films of various kinds have been produced, is ‘‘a habit of genuine cooperation and harmonious working relationships with the motion picture industry in Canada, a condition not often found existing betwen commercial exhibitors and distributors of the motion picture industry, and a publicly-owned film or information agency.” JACK BELLAMY RETURNS TO PARAMOUNT Jack Bellamy, branch manager in Saint John, NB, for International Film Distributors, has resigned from that organization as of September 10, and will join Paramount Film Service in a Home Office capacity, it was announced in Toronto last week by Gordon Lightstone, Canadian general manager. Bellamy was with Paramount prior to joining the armed services during the World War and joined what became the IFD set up upon his return. DOMINION SOUND, TORONTO, WILL MOVE The Toronto offices and warehouse of Dominion Sound Equipments Ltd., now located on Bond Street and Esplanade Avenue respectively, will be moved to the company’s new building on Victoria, near Gould, in about a month, states Charlie Curran, who heads the Toronto office. et A Vol. 14, No. 33 Aug. 31, 1949 HYE BOSSIN, Managing Editor Address all communications —The Managing Editor, Canadian Film Weekly, 175 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Canada. Entered as Second Class Matter. Published by Film Publications of Canada, Ltd., 175 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Phone PRincess 1757 or PRincess 3707. Price $2.00 per year. Page 3 MPTAO RE AD PIX (Continued from Page 1) “One contract, which is being offered exhibitors by a party wanting to rent screen time for the showing of their sponsored trailers, is an exclusive agreement preventing an _ exhibitor from taking on similar contracts from national accounts, for a period of 24 months. The contract states that the minimum number of subjects to be shown shall be booked at the rate of at least one every month, and the exhibitor must properly display the distributor’s advertising subjects at every regular performance, but not immediately at opening or closing of program. “Another clause reads that this contract is binding (24 months) upon the successors or assignees of both parties. No . Short term clause is included in the contract which would permit an ‘exhibitor to cancel the balance of the contract if he becomes dissatisfied. Our Association remains entirely neutral in the matter, leaving it to the exhibitor’s own discretion whether or not he cares to rent his screen for advertising purposes. “However, we suggest that exhibitors thoroughly scrutinize any contract offered and give serious consideration to the matter before signing same. Remember, your business is to sell entertainment, and _ the paltry amount ($6) received per month is very small compared to box office business that might be lost when your patrons become bored and resentful of paying out their money to see advertisements appearing on your screen. For the good of their own business and the industry as a whole, most exhibitors believe in keeping advertisements off theatre screens.” RKO Buys ‘Macao’ Topical Melodrama “Macao,” a topical, oriental melodrama set in the Portuguese protectorate of that name, has been purchased by RKO Radio. The story deals with wealthy refugees, a stolen fortune, a private detective and a blonde. It will come to the screen under the supervision of Sid Rogell, production executive. Wanted Theatre equipment salesman, with knowledge of sound, projection and seating. Must be energetic and a producer. ALSO WANTED Theatre equipment sales clerk, with technical as well as sales knowledge. Must be willing to work hard and _ learn. Permanent position in national company. Address all replies to BOX 23 CANADIAN FILM WEEKLY 475: Bloor: Sto:€, Toronto