The Film Daily (1946)

Wednesday, September 25, 1946 iHE 11 DAILY uohnston Against UNESCO Financial Aid (Continued from Page 1) discussion of the problem is scheduled for today. Agreement was reached that the [ask UNESCO can be accom plish=5=nly through integration of igoverhiViental and international jelfort with the existing commercial media. In the case of films, this means through both commercial enftrtainment and commercial educational films. It was agreed also that liie commission shall attempt to set up "guideposts" for commercial ;iiedia people to follow in order to increase the effectiveness of their i o-operation. Function Is To Encourage Eric A. Johnston, MPAA president, insisted that the UNEiSCO function should be "to encourage other countries to help themselves." Although he had earlier refused to answer the question by Judge Justin Miller, head of the National Association of Broadcasters, whether American film producers would object to UNESCO subsidization of foreign film production, Johnston insisted UNESCO should confine itself to providing technical assistance, coun.^el to private business interests anxious to take over, contacts with loreign investors who might be willing to put in time and money. If UiNES-CO were to provide the capital, he said, it would be difficult 10 set any limits. Whitney for Financial Aid Col. Jock Whitney, on the other liand, declared that if the funds can be made available UNEISCO should be prepared to offer financial assistance to provide both radios and transmitters, or projectors and studios, in those countries where there are now no funds for such things — but where there is a demonstrable need. Johnston, however, insisted that "backward nations want the opportunity to go ahead, but do not want to be forced." Those countries that want to proceed with film or radio facilities should be encouraged and helped, he said, but not with money. Johnston spoke also of MPAA plans for educational films revealing that the current budget of $150,000 for research in the subject may be enlarged next year. Still to be decermined, he said, are such questions as whether color or black-and-white is most effective, whether the teacher should be in the film, narrator or ill the flesh, what subjects can best be handled through films. MPAA aim, he said, is to make of the film a powerful educational medium both domestically and internationally, and to make educational films available "in the humblest rural school at no more cost than for a blackboard and chalk." AFL "Ciariiication" Mapped Walsh Sends Sharp lATSE Protest to Green (Continued from Page I) tion of every-day language to deiine j that the Cincinnati directive was a as meanmg the word 'erection' 'assemblage'." The letter concludes: "On behalf of the lATSE, I vigorously protest this recent action of the Executive Council and of the three individuals, who, unlike their subscription to the original decision, do not even sign their objectionable statement as a committee. Because of the circumstances bringing it about, this action reflects discreditably upon the AFL as a whole. It is a complete nullity and shall be ignored by us, as will any future gratuitous interpretations which have for their purpose the deprivation of the established and recognized jurisdiction of the lATSE under the Dec. 26, 1945 directive. We shall expect the producers, the Executive Council, the labor organizations and all other parties to comply fully with the Dec. 26, 1945 decision as originally rendered — that was their agreement in Cincinnati, and they must live up to their word. The carpenters, no more than the Alliance, should be permitted to eat their cake and have it too. "In conclusion, let me say that it was, of course, recognized by me startling and unusual procedure in the AFL— !but the lATSE agreed to abide by that directive — to show our sincere desire to establish prompt and permanent peace in Hollywood, and in the justifiable expectation ;.hat, when the Executive Council directed that the committee's decision (to be made within 30 days) was to be 'final and binding,' the Executive Council meant exactly what it said, and that at least the Executive Council itself would abide by its own agreement. Now, however, an attempt is being made, nearly eight months later, to modify the decision — and that attempt is not even honestly and directly made, by way of specific amendment, but is being made dishonestly and indirectly by way of a so-called 'interpretation' or 'clarification.' I regret to say that that attempt has made a mockery of the directive, and has shown to me that the novel procedure adopted by the Executive Council in Cincinnati for adjusting this jurisdictional dispute has proven to be an utter failure — and, primarily, if not solely, because the Council itself seems to be ready to ignore or violate its own determination." UNESCO to Help Break Free Pix Flow Barriers Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Joint action by UNESCO to help break down international barriers to the free flow of films and at the same time to stimulate quality in pix was proposed yesterday during the second day of the three-day session of the national Commission for Educational Scientific and Cultural Co-operation. The first point was suggested by Edward Barrett, executive editor of Newsweek Magazine and former head of the OWI overseas branch, speaking as chairman of a special committee of consultants which has prepared a detailed report outlining possibilities for UNESCO use of pix, radio, the press and other media of mass communications. Also on the committee were Col. John Hay (Jock) Whitney, Thurman Barnard, Ferdinand Kuhn, and Don Francisco. i The report calls for constant effort I by UNESCO to break down barriers to international exchange of information, but differentiates between commercial entertainment films and educational product. UNESCO should, the report stipulates, advocate "that all restrictions on the free flow of educational and nonprofit motion pictures be eliminated, and that UNESCO give every assistance in the establishment of criteria for educational films in certification of their educational nature." Questioned yesterday about the obvious categorizing of the two types of films, Barrett and Benton both said they do not see much hope for startling progress by UNESCO _ in the immediate future in the project of breaking down commercial film barriers. State Dept. Watdiing "Tougli" Bill in B. A. (Continued from Page 1) trafficking in import licenses, it was learned yesterday. The State Department has taken no official position on the contemplated Argentine bill, since it is only in the wi-iting stage and is not believed to have the backing of the Feron government. Ofosei-vers pointed out that if President Peron wishes to place "tough" restrictions on import of U. S. and other foreign films he would do so in the form of a government decree. State Department sources yesterday said the proposed bill has two main features. One section outlines a 20 per cent import quota, but no "base" da'.e has as yei been established. Another clause, and by far the most restrictive, would allow all importers producing films locally two import licenses. State Department spokesmen believe this would lead to native importers selling these licenses to the highest bidder, thus sending prices skyrocketing. It is believed that American companies would find it financially unsuitable to have to produce two pictures in Argentina in order to acquire two import licenses. CSU Meets Tonight; May Take Strike Vote Ampa First New Season Open Meeting Oct. 1 Ampa will hold its first open meeting of the new season at Sardi's Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 12:30 noon. Joe Costa, NPPAA president, will be main speaker on the topic: "How Press Photographers Work With You." George Gomperts is chairman of the luncheon arrangements commit1 Analysts set a $10-a-day fine for tee and reservations can be made by non-picketing if picketing is estabcalling him at MUrray Hill 3-1093. lished. (Continued from Page 1) studios placing blame on the producers for not complying with the Aug. 16,_ 1946 directive and stating that their only alternative was to fight. Story Analysts and Set Designers Guilds have pledged full support to the carpenters and painters. The 0»RE*^EyCHTs LOS ANGELES IMMEDIATE RESERVATIONS on Deluxe Douglas Airliners with complimentary meals and stewardess service. Airliners certified by the C. A. A. ^ ■ ^V^^PLUS TAX CALL: (COLUMBUS 5-1036 / : 0 FIFTH