The Cine Technician (1939)

7:; ]•'. CIN E i : I ■ 1 1 N I ( ' I A N Dec. -Jan.. ]'. / ZUKOR HAS HEARD OF BRITISH TECHNICIANS (Reprinted, by permission, from " Variety," issue of October 20th, 1937) IF Paramount can find a producer in England of sufficient standing to supply satisfactory product for re lease l>\ Par in America, the company will be inclined to keep out oi active production in the tight little isle. Adolph Zukor, after studying the situation in Britain, is said to have been somewhat discouraged h\ the troubles other American companies are having in England, notably Metro. Remembering Par's two prior efforts to make pictures in England, Zukor is believed more inclined to make releasing arrangements to meet quotas than to enter picture-making direct . Pending an\ definite decision, Paramount will await further developments on the British quota laws, determining its position and plans alter it lias been decided whether the quotas will be on a basis of pictures or money. Zukor is strong in Ins belief that English producers are doing as good as Hollywood invaders could. The chain nan of the hoard doubts that Americans in London could do .1 1 1 \ better, if as well, in view of the progress that is being made in native English production. Zukor is of the belief that Hollywood should cooperate with England in making pictures for the British markets and lor markets elsewhere, taking the position modestlj that "we shouldn't bog il all" h\ entering into competition with the English producers. PARS PAST EXPERIENCE While reported that Par may go into production in Britain within six months, on the heels of Metro, which has already started operations, it is now regarded as doubtful whether par will ever set up its own studio machine on English soil again, though it will continue at Joinville, France, to meet quotas oi that country. Par tried production twice in England at the Elstree studios with disastrous results, once in 1920, again in 1030. While abroad, however. Zukor is said to have looked into plant possibilities, renting and other matters contingent upon any decision to set up a producing subsidiary in England. The company will turn out from four to six pictures annually at Joinville (French quota), Ike Blumenthal in charge of production there. While he will not openly admit it. Zukor h\ inference suggests a preference for a releasing tie-up wilh an\ British producer who can supplv the company with a brand of product it could consider to handle in this country in hue with the coming quota restrictions. Aside from being optimistic about the advances made by the English film-makers, with whom Zukor is inclined to co-operate, the chairman of the Par hoard is cheery concerning the sales outlook in the foreign market and predicts that for Par il will run 25—33 per cent better in sales than last year. lie liases this on contacts with Par sales representatives as well as with exhibitors who play Par product abroad. Zukor is strongly of the opinion, however, that the U.S. must give greater consideration to the development of foreign markets, suggesting that there has been neglect so far as Britain and the Continent arc concerned UNITED DEMONSTRATION OF ALL GRADES ENGAGED IN DIRECTORS TECHNICIANS FILM PRODUCTION Organised by ARTISANS ASSOCIATION OF CINE-TECHNICIANS BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF FILM DIRECTORS ELECTRICAL TRADES UNION FILM ARTISTES1 ASSOCIATION NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THEATRICAL AND KINE EMPLOYEES SCREENWRITERS' ASSOCIATION SUNDAY NEXT, Nov. 7th VICTORIA PALACE Opposite Victoria Station, S.W.I 7.30 p.m. Doors open 7 o'clock THE MEETING IS CALLED TO DISCUSS THE SERIOUS SITUATION IN RESPECT TO THE CINEMATOGRAPH FILMS BILL THE "QUOTA" ACT, NOW BEFORE PARLIAMENT, AND TO HEAR THE FILM EMPLOYEES' CASE FOR AMENDMENT Capt. } "1. Chairman: YOUR LIVELIHOOD DEPENDS ON THIS MEETING YOUR ATTENDANCE IS IMPERATIVE Historic poster advertising the first united demonstration of oil workers in the industry ; and {inset) some of the sandwich boards ttiat paraded Wardour Street to advertise it George Elvin We regret to report that Mr. George Elvin, our popular and hard-working (leneral Secretary, is seriously ill with bronchial pneumonia. George was indefatigable in the leading role ho played in the employees' fight to amend the Government's "Quota Pill." and consequent overwork resulted in the run-down condition which led to his present illness. His absence is particularly felt at such a time. \l the time of going to press, we learn that he has safely | assi'd the crisis, and we are sure that all our readers will join us in wishinq George a speedj recoven and good health in the Nc\ Year.