The Cine Technician (1938-1939)

70 T HE CINE T B (' H N I C I A N September-October, L089 WAR (continued) Schedule of Reserved occupations published since the outbreak of war by the Ministry of Labour. In general reserved men cannot be accepted for whole-time service in any of the Services of National Defence if they are of or above the age mentioned against their occupation. Men below the age can generally be accepted in any of the Services of National Defence. Men may be accepted at any age for service in their professional capacity in any of the services of National Defence. The following grades are reserved (the list applies to both men and women except where otherwise stated): — Cinematographic Film Production Age Camera Operator (Cinematograph) 30 Camera Operator (Still) 30 Camera Operator (Process Work) 30 Photographer (Commercial Portrait) 3<> Sound Camera Operator 80 Sound Recordist 30 Film Editor 30 Film Commentator 30 Film Librarian 30 Photographic Processing Developer, photographic processing 30 Dryer 30 Printer, reduction printer, photographic processing 30 Optical Printer 35 Sensitometric Control Assistant, photographic processing 30 Photographic Plate, Film, Paper etc.. Manufacture Foreman, Charge Hand 30 Emulsion Maker 30 Emulsion Coater (film, photographic and sensitized paper) 30 Women Only Photographic Processing (cinematographic film) All grades ... irrespective of age It will be seen that the present list is more comprehensive than the previous one (published in The CineTechnician July-August. 1939) but certain grades essential to film production are still omitted. A.C.T. has already approached the Ministry of Labour on this point. CINEMATOGRAPH FILMS ACT It came to the attention of the A.C.T. that the Board of Trade proposed to suspend the Cinematograph Films Act for the duration of the war. Mr. Elvin immediately wrote to the President of the Board of Trade as follows : — It has been brought to our attention that film renters have in mind the acceptance of British productions subject to the continuance of film quota legislation, and that such a contingency will be provided for under the cover of a general war clause. We trust this does not imply that such renters may have been led to understand that there is a possibility of the film quota legislation being repealed. We feel at the present time that it is more than ever important that the British film industry should continue to function, and subject to any policy which the Ministry of Information and other Government Departments may pursue, the greatest asset to commercial film production will be an assured market. The quota legislation gives this. We are very strongly of the opinion that if the quota legislation is repealed it may lead to a repetition of the unfortunate position which arose during the war of 1914—1918, when the American film industry largely captured the British film market — a calamity from which we have only recently begun to recover, and tor which recovery the quota legislation is largely responsible. We are sure the Government does not wish a similar position to occur, and as we are of the opinion that the continuance of the quota legislation is the greatest saieguard against this, we trust that no action will be taken to repeal or amend the Cinematograph Films Act, 1938. It the Government has such repeal or amendment in mind, we trust this Association will be given an opportunity to outline its views to you before a final decision is taken. An interview followed, at which the Board of Trade's intention was confirmed. Agitation against this was commenced immediately, and Mr. Oliver Stanley received a joint deputation from the British Film Production Association (representing the employers), and the Film Industry Employees' Council (representing the X.A.T.K.E and the A.C.T.) As a result it is expected that the Board of Trade will amend its intention to leave the film industry completely unprotected, and a definite assurance has been received that the Fair Wages Clause will continue. As we go to press a further meeting is promised with Mr. Oliver Stanley at which such proposals will be discussed. One thing remains clear. But for the prompt action of A.C.T. the Quota Act would have gone and the film industry would have been left to suffer a similar fate to that experienced during the last war. APPEAL TO STUDIOS AND LABORATORIES The following press statement was issued by the A.C.T. General Council following its meeting on September 10th : — Reports received by the Executive Committee indicate a very large proportion of its members have either been dismissed or are under notice. In view of the declared intention of Government departments that production shall continue (a policy substantiated by placing of the majority of film technical grades on the Schedule of Reserved Occupations) difficulty may be caused in the near future bv such dispersals of staff. It is appreciated that the country is going through a period of economic reorganisation, but it should nevertheless be pointed out that, in addition to the question of individual hardships, which in many cases is not inconsiderable, national interest may also suffer if. when production is demanded, there is difficulty in obtaining crews of experienced technicians. The A.C.T. therefore trusts dismissal of staffs by production and processing companies will be withheld, or, in such cases where notice has already been given, the companies concerned will explore even possibility with a view to withdrawing such notices.