Exhibitors Herald (Jul-Sep 1922)

38 EXHIBITORS HERALD July 29, 1922 American Film Industry Still in Control of World Market Survey by First National Indicates Healthier Financial Condition in Foreign Countries JB& (Spvcial to Exhibitors Herald) NEW YORK, July 18. — American film interests not only are in control of the world market, but their dominance is becoming firmer, according to a survey of foreign conditions conducted by Associated First National Pictures, Inc. SUMMARIZED, the survey conducted through special agents of the distributing company in England, Continental countries, the Orient, Near East, Australia and Latin America discloses that — Demand for American films is increasing. Payment is more prompt indicating a firmer condition in world finances. Mexico is boycotting companies whose films ridicule or tend to brand them as a nation of outlaws. Two large American companies have come under this ban. General film conditions are improving in Mexico and other Latin American countries. In Europe the most progressive conditions are found in England and Italy. * * * Following is a review of the situation by countries: Heretofore distribution of pictures in Mexico was more or less of a gamble, because once a film was turned over to an exhibitor, the distributor had no assurance as to when it would be returned. This evil is being remedied by the installation of branches as part of the American exchange system and First National will be the first, it is declared, to be so represented. Another phase of the film business in Mexico has been that of piracy. Henceforth, however, films will get copyright protection in Mexico, but it will be necessary for the exhibitors to copyright them in the republic. What is true of Mexico is virtually true of all Latin America. Conditions are becoming more regular and business like in Cuba and South American countries. As to Europe, the best reports come from England and Italy. In England there obtains what is known as the block booking system, whereby pictures are booked by exhibitor organizations after a trade showing, but probably are not presented to the public under eighteen months. The information revealed in the survey indicates that these showings will soon be made possible in about nine or ten months, which will be a very important factor from the financial standpoint. Further, owing to increased demand for good American pictures, prices in England are improving. The investigation in Italy shows that business dealings are becoming easier, collections much better and that more theatres are being turned over to the films. * * * Germany is eager for American product. But the American distributor is not very keen about such business, owing to the fact that Germany is unable to pay for the product. Owing to unfavorable financial conditions Spain is almost as bad a risk for the picture salesmen as is Germany. France, through a determination to advance her own film industry, also joins these two as a poor business field, not that she has no money, but because France wants her people to see home made pictures at least equal in number with importations. Thus, an American exchange must handle also French pictures. Belgium ranks only fair as a field for American made screen entertainment. In Scandinavian area the demand for American product is growing in Norway and Sweden; Denmark remaii s about at a standstill. Russia and the Balkans are impossible as immediate film markets. India is showing probably the most encouraging signs of all the countries outside of England, in its desire for American pictures. Australia reports business for American pictures as growing constantly better; many theatres heretofore devoted to drama and vaudeville, are being turned into motion picture houses. China is reported as having a fair demand for U. S. pictures, but even so is better than her neighbor, Japan. These, in general, are the conditions as they exist abroad and are regarded by film men as indicating a rising market. Ince to Issue Eight Productions in Fall Producer Returns to West Coast for Finishing Work on Specials Thomas H. Ince, producer, passed through Chicago July 12 on his way to Los Angeles from New York where he has been since early in the year. On his arrival on the West Coast Mr. Ince will add finishing touches to the eight productions which he will publish during the 1922-23 season. Will Announce Plans It is expected that definite plans for the publication of future Ince production will also be made in the near future. The eight specials, which according to Mr. Ince represent a negative investment of close to $2,000,000 will be published for the Fall season. With the exception of some unfinished studio work on one and titling and editing, all are completed. The "Hottentot," a picturization of the Cohan and Harris stage play will probably be the first picture to be published. Douglas MacLean and Madge Bellamy have the leading roles. Mac Lean Stars in Three Other productions are "The Brotherhood of Hate," featuring Frank Keenan, "When She Marries," and "Someone to Love," starring Madge Bellamy; Douglas MacLean stars in three — "Bellboy Thirteen," "Sunshine Trail," and "The Man of Action." (Scenes from Mr. Ince's eight big specials for the 1922-23 season are published in a full page layout on page 81.) H. J. Werner AmericanPhotoPlayer President Completes Coast to Coast Trip. A CERTAINLY there has been the usual summer calm in the theatre business but that has not knocked the optimism out of the motion picture industry. You have that statement on the authority of H. J. Werner, president of American Photo Player Company. The organ manufacturer knows whereof he speaks for he has just completed a Coast to Coast inspection of the company's branches. He said that he was impressed by the optimistic tone prevailing in the industry. Although a good many theatres have closed for the summer, President Werner said that it was surprising to find that the number of houses remaining open exceeded those of former years for the same calendar months. President Werner said he was enthusiastic over the reception accorded the Robert-Morton installations in the Princess theatre, Springfield, Mo., the Tuxedo. Highland Park. Detroit; Majestic, Louisville, Ky., and in other theatres in the Middle West. Rockett Makes Lincoln Picture at Springfield (Special to Exhibitors Herald) SPRINGFIELD, ILL, July 18.— Ray R. Rockett, general manager of Rockett-Naylor Productions, Inc., the company recently organized to film the life of Abraham Lincoln and other American historical and world subjects, is here arranging for the use of the historical locations, relics and documents to be used in photographing the Lincoln picture. Signs Dorothy Gish (Special to Exhibitors Herald) NEW YORK, July 18.— Dorothy Gish has joined Inspiration Pictures and will olay opposite Richard Barthelrness in his forthcoming production, "Fury."