The Cine Technician (1953-1956)

April 1956 CINE TECHNICIAN 59 FILM AND TV ROUND-UP LABOUR PARTY FILMS COMMITTEE. The Labour Party's shadow cabinet have decided to set up a films committee. All Labour M.P.s were circularised inviting them to join the committee and attend the inaugural meeting to be held shortly. The following subjects will be on the early agendas: (1) The problem of selling British films for dollars; (2) Monopolistic tendencies in the industry and the dangers to the independent producers; (3) Entertainments Tax; (4) The Sunday Levy. FEATURES ON TV. The B.F.P.A. agreed at their last executive council meeting that members should not make their films available in their entiretv to any of the TV services in the U.K., except, of course, excerpts, which are good teasers and good for the film business. ANOTHER CHANGE OVER. ROLAND GILLETT, who used to be programme controller for Associated Rediffusion, has joined JACK HYLTON to produce TV shows. WHAT'S IN A NAME. Production Services (Radio and TV) Ltd. have gone into voluntary liquidation. The managing: director was HARRY ALLEN TOWERS. A new company has been formed called Towers of London, Sales Ltd. — with HARRY ALLEN TOWERS as managing director. BIG SPENDING. From 22nd September, 1955, until 19th February, 1956, 91 advertisers spent over two and a half million pounds. Top spenders were Unilevers with £372,753; second, J. Lyons with £139,591; and third, Beechams with £128,638, followed by Shell, Cadburys, Hedleys, Daily Mail, Guinness and Gillette. ROLLS ROYCE. I understand that BLUIE HILL is getting his Rolls Royce Story rolling again after a couple of years of delays and setbacks. He may set the deal up with Warwick. SELKEN AFFAIR. Former cameraman ROY KELLINO is back in England; he is directing -By MORTON LEWIS The Selken Affair Films at A.B.P.C. for Dragon HEADLINES. Headlines I like to see: The Cinema — " All M.P.s becoming film conscious." The Daily Film Renter — " Columbia and Warwick in 6 Million Pound Deal for 9 Films." A.R, STOPPING PRODUCTION. BOB DAVIS tells me that Associated Rediffusion are stopping film production at Shepperton Studios because it is becoming too expensive. Also that in future most of the filmed programmes shown on A.R.T.V. will be rented from independent producers. This is a good move, it will give the independent producer a chance, but he will have to syndicate his product to all three stations to make a profit. The quality of the films should be better, because the producers can concentrate on producing and the programme contractors on their job of putting out good programmes. BRIGHTON STUDIOS. The HERBERT WILCOX deal with Brighton Studios has come to a standstill. They were supposed to do a series for TV with CARL BRISSON, but because of difficulties on song copyrights, their starting date had to be postponed. There are thirteen pictures in their series which includes fifty-two song numbers. It is taking them longer to get clearance than expected. SITUATIONS VACANT OFFICIAL APPOINTMENTS THE NIGERIAN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE requires the following on contract for 12/24 months in the first instance : (A) DIRECTOR/ SCRIPTWRITER. Salary Scale £960 rising to £1,962 a year. (B) INVESTIGATOR/EDITOR. Salary Scale £864 rising to £1,674 a year. (C) RECORDING ENGINEER. Salary Scale £864 rising to £1,674 a year. Commencing salary for each post according to experience in scales shown, which include inducement addition. Gratuity at rate £100/£150 a year. Outfit allowance up to £60. Free passages for officer and wife. Assistance towards cost of children's passages and grant up to £150 annually for their maintenance in U.K. Liberal leave on full salary. Candidates must have had at least 5 years' experience in 16 mm. and 35 mm. film production with reputable units. Experience of filming under tropical conditions desirable. Candidates for (A) must be able to write and direct documentary films and write commentaries. Candidates for (B) must be able to write clear concise productions reports, edit 35 mm. and 16 mm. films, match sound to picture and assist in final editing with the Director and Editor. Candidates for (C) should be able to operate, maintain and service all types of magnetic and optical recording equipment, including Levers Rich and G.B. Kalee Ferrosonic magnetic recorders. Write to the Crown Agents, 4 Millbank, London, S.W.I. State age, name in block letters, full qualifications and experience and quote for post (A) M3B/35374/CY, for post (B) M3B/35002/CY, and for post (C) M3B/35344/CY.