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EVOLUTION
Eighteen months ago I stopped PROGRAM RELEASES because I thought the Program had outlived its usefulness to distributors and producers, and was a hindrance to exhibitors.
Last November, I closed out my BRANCH EXCHANGES.
The system of distribution through a chain of exchanges scattered throughout the United States, owned and managed by a New York or Chicago concern, is unavoidably and inherently WASTEFUL.
One company reports an expenditure for film DISTRIBUTION in 1918 of approximated FOUR MILLION DOLLARS.
If that company had thirty branches the average operating cost was $133,000.00 per branch, or about $2,500.00 weekly for each exchange, large and small.
Suppose each of these branch exchanges had been owned by its branch manager and a few of his assistants; suppose they had had for distribution the same stock of films.
Would the INCOME have been less?
Would the operating EXPENSE have been as great?
The answers are clear and point but one way.
The TREND OF DISTRIBUTION is toward the exchange OWNED either partly or wholly by those actively in charge. This rule is working as surely as the law of gravity. There are such exchanges in existence, hardly known to the
gentlemen who sit at the executive tables in New York, which are prosperous because they achieve the EFFICIENCY that comes through INTENSIVE work, INTIMATE knowledge of conditions and PERSONAL acquaintanceship with customers ; and most important, because they have the great INCENTIVE that comes from the OWNERSHIP of one's business.
I want to form a close business intimacy with an independent exchange in every principal city in the United States.
Where necessary I will assist in establishing new exchanges with films or cash.
In either case I want to be associated with experienced film men who are STRAIGHT, ENERGETIC and COMPETENT
Who will put every ounce of their ability into the running of the exchange
Who can be depended upon to be SQUARE with exhibitors as well as themselves.
I would prefer to deal with men who have sufficient means to partly finance the operating expenses of their exchange while it is being placed upon a sound footing, but PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS are more important than finances.
I have it in mind to acquire an interest in such exchanges.
In writing, mark letters "Personal and Confidential."
63 East Adams St.
Chicago