The Cine Technician (1939)

June-July, 1937 T HE C I N E T E C H N I C I A N 69 Legal Advice and Assistance Manx' members have taken advantage of the legal department and as a result it has been possible to recover in many cases sums due in respect of broken contracts and monies generally owing to members in respect of their employment. Advice has been given on individual contracts and in cases where alteration of terms of employment might lead to a breach of contract. It should be emphasised, however, that the Association should be consulted immediately there are difficulties, as instant action may save considerable delay subsequently, and will generally aid speedy settlement of any disputes which may arise. Manor House Hospital It is regretted that only 44 members have taken advantage of membership of Manor House Hospital, which maybe obtained by payment of one penny per week subscription. Payment of this small sum regularly entitles members to free treatment in respect of accident or illness, and treatment at reduced charges for optical and dental treatment. Those who have taken advantage of these facilities speak very highly of the treatment received. Every member is urged in his own interests to take up membership of Manor House Hospital, which he is entitled to do by reason of their membership of A.C.T. The Quota Act Mr. S. H. Cole, Mr. Desmond Dickinson and the Secretary gave evidence on behalf of A.C.T. before the Board of Trade Committee appointed, under the chairmanship of Lord Moyne, to enquire into the future of British films, having in mind the approaching expiry of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927. The Association's evidence has now been published together with the findings of the Committee and it is pleasing to report that many of A.C.T. 's recommendations have been incorporated in the Committee's report. The leading organisations in the film industry — production, renting, exhibiting and labourhave subsequently prepared and submitted to the Board of Trade comments on the Committee's Report. The support of Members of Parliament is being sought in order to look after the interests of the Association in the formulation of any Act which may be forthcoming. "The Cine-Technician Two volumes of the Journal have now been published. A pleasing feature has been increased circulation, particularly abroad, and letters of appreciation have been received from Hollywood, India and the Continent. Advertisers have also received enquiries from film producing companies in Asia and Europe. Technical Activities The General Council has continued to do everything within its power to advance the technical ability of its members in the belief that the film industry can only develop alongside the increased technical knowledge of its members. A Technical Research Committee has been formed and is responsible for preparation of Technical Abstracts, being a precis of all important technical developments, details of which are obtained from the various film technical publications of this country and abroad, and from such other sources as may be available from time to time. At first the Abstracts were issued free to members, monthly, as a separate publication, but in order to facilitate their retention as a more permanent record by members, they are now incorporated as a special feature of the Journal. A Reading Room and Library is now available to members at the Association's offices, where the British and foreign trade and technical press and year-books may be consulted and where recent technical publications may be borrowed. The Association was represented by Mr. Desmond Dickinson and the Secretary at a Conference on May 22nd, convened by the British Standards Institution, to discuss standardisation in the Motion Picture Industry. The Association has maintained friendly co-operation with the Royal Photographic Society, with whom joint meetings are being held to discuss the possibility oi co operation on technical and professional matters. As in previous years, A.C.T. has co-operated in the organisation of the Kine-Exhibition by supplying production and other stills, and arranging an evening's lecture programme. The usual series of lectures and film shows have been held, and have been fully reported in the Journal. Kindred Organisations In spite of several approaches by the Association, agreements with specific reference to demarcation have not yet been reached with the Electrical Trades Union and the National Association of Theatrical Employees, which factor has delayed a decision by the Trades Union Congress with reference to the Association's application for affiliation, made after its third annual meeting in May, 1936. Following upon a meeting between representatives of the Trades Union Congress, the N.A.T.E. and the A.C.T., it is reported, however, that joint meetings have now been held with the N.A.T.E. and negotiations for an inter-union agreement are now well advanced. Friendly contact has been maintained with kindred trade unions abroad, particularly in America and France. The newsreel section has affiliated to the Union Internationale de la Presse Filmee, a newly formed federation to safeguard the professional interests of all persons engaged in newsreel work. Other countries to signify their support include Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Poland, Greece and Palestine. The formation of the British Press Photographers' Association is welcomed. Close contact has been established between this new organisation representing the news press photographers and our own newsreel section. Publicity There have been over 300 references to the Association in the press, not only in the trade press, at home and abroad, but also in the lay press. In the latter connection, considerable publicity was given to A.C.T. 's Quota Act evidence, particularly the attention drawn to the injury done to British technical work through the cutting of films after production ; the Association's comments on Lord Tyrrell's statements to the C.E.A. Conference on censorship ; foreign technicians ; and labour conditions generally in the industry. Finance The financial position has maintained the progress oi last year. The excess of assets over liabilities at the end of the year was £260 compared with £60 foi the previous year. The main reason for the improvement is, of course, (Continued at foot of next page)