The Film Renter and Moving Picture News (Jul-Aug 1922)

August 26, 1922. THE FILM RENTER & MOVING PICTURE NEWS. 15 WHAT INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS ARE DOING. Turning Out British Pictures suitable for the American Market. DETERMINED — attempt A is being made by the International — Artistes’ TFilm Company, Ltd., to produce films in England which will rank with the best the world can produce. They consider that the English film in general has been retarded in its progress through producers’ hands being tied in the matter of money. In an interview with the Firm Renter, Mr. Mark Sabine, general manager of the International Artistes’ Film Company, Ltd., declared that big pictures must command perfect photography. Every shot can be made perfect if only the money + is at hand to back up the work. Mr. Sabine went on to say that, of course, money spent lavishly but without thought will not produce good films. But it is necessary to spend a great deal of money judiciously to obtain perfection. When this is done British pictures will make money all the world over. On the question of the American market Mr. Sabine’s answer is that no boycott need be feared. He reports that Messrs. J. T. Williams, First National, Selz nick and Goldwyn say in effect: ‘‘ If you will bring us good British productions we can sell them,”’ ALAN S. BUTLER _(Governing Director). American-trained Producers. ‘* Now it. is generally considered,’’ says Mr. Sabine, ‘‘ that producers in America have learnt how to spend money wisely on big pictures." Bearing this in mind, the International Artistes’ Film Company, Ltd., have engaged Mr. Donald Crisp, who is well known through his association with Griffith and the pictures which he produced for Famous Players. Without slighting in any way the English producers Mr. Alan S. Butler (Governing Director, 1.A.F.C., Ltd.) decided to engage producers who had reputations in America. It is hoped that their names will be the ‘Open Sesame”? to the American market and DoxaLtp Crisp. Digitized by Goc gle that British films will establish a footing there. Tt should be remembered that Donald Crisp is not merely an American import—he is English born, ‘‘Tell Your Children.”’ Donald Crisp has produced the film ‘ Tell Your Children,’’ which is based on Rachel Macnamara’s novel, ‘* Larksgate.”’ Mr. Sabine claims for this film that the strong dramatic appeal which it makes cannot be classed as mere propaganda. It contains a message unique in films. A very strong cast includes Doris: Eaton (of the Zeigfeld Folly), Walter Tennyson, Mary Rorke, Cecil Morton York, Gertrude McCoy, Robert English, Warwick Ward, and Margaret Halston. Scenes of the English countryside, of Egypt and of New York were all made on the location by Donald Crisp. This picture has been sold toGaumont. Martin SABINE (General Manager). ‘* The Gipsy Cavalier.’’ In the second enterprise the International Artistes’ Film Company, Ltd., brought together Stuart Blackton and Georges Carpentier. The latter has proved himself an . exceedingly clever screen artiste. There will be a Press showing and luncheon on the day before the Carpentier picture is screened to the trade. The Future. Mr. Sabine has had 12 years’ experience in America and is sure that America will be interested in British films in which the dresses, effects |§ and lights are perfect. He does not]f tend towards a love |} of the spectacular—j§ but will insist ont% accuracy of detail. American buyers will |§ take British films if they are equal to the American ones in technique. The Inter|§ national Artistes contemplate makin g]y three other big productions in the near future, Sruart Buackton. Original from NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY