Year book of motion pictures (1947)

Conservation Department THE Conservation Department directs fire pre\ention work in all exchanges of member companies in the United States. As a result of the system of self-regulation it has de\eloped in this field, there was a total of only 14 fires in member distributing company exchanges from January 1, 1926, to December 31, 1946. with a monetary loss of $4,954. Because of this record, A s s o c i a tion motion picture exchanges are ranked fust among all industries of the country from the standpoint of public safety. Departmental activities have developed along three distinct lines, each depending on the other for its success: (1) Field work which has its object the establishment of a fire prevention consciousness among employes, as well as maintenance of good housekeeping standards, brought about through a system of regular and thorough inspections. A collateral program of an educational and protective nature designed to reach these same groups within the industry is carried on by the Department. (2) Encouragement of the erection and maintenance of proper exchange buildings for the distribution of motion picture film. (3) Co-operation with fire protection groups. Trade Relations THE broad field of trade relations, trade practices, improved methods of theater operation and the structure of industrial organization in the exhibition and distribution of motion pictures is continuously studied by the Trade Relations Department. Effort is constantly made to bring about better and broader imderstanding of industry problems that arise between wiclely separated units of operation in the motion picture business and to assist exhibitor organizations in their activities and efforts to protect theater interests against unfair attacks, discriminating taxation and adverse legislation. In various ways the exhibitor is encouraged to develop a better appreciation and understanding of the problems of distribution and production and of the economic among which are the National Fire Protection Association, National Board of Fire Underwriters, National Fire Waste Council, National Safety Council, Bureau of Explosives and the Fire Marshals Association of North America in information and educational programs. Each of the 384 exchanges in the United States have been inspected monthly by a rotating committee of branch managers in each distributing center and have personally been inspected on three different occasions by the director of conservation activities or his assistant. Another phase of the protective activities of the Conservation Department is its continued survey of all non-theatrical institutions to obtain information on (a) Type of equipment used for the exhibition of motion pictures. (b) Type and construction of protec tion booths. (c) Experience of projectionists. Further, in the interest of safety all such places wherein motion picture films arc exhibited were required to have approval given by a recognized public or state fire official. Department of Studio Hollywood Alice Evans Fie THE fundamental purposes of the Department of Study and Public Service is to bring about honest understanding between the motion picture industry and the general public, to the end that: (1) The studios shall be upheld by public support in their willingness to provide fine fare for cinema audiences. (2) The public shall be encouraged to lend this support to the best product and shall be given a better understanding of the 821 Department principles involved in the operation of the business of distribution, which is noted for ttie speed and precision with which it functions. Every effort is made to assist trade associations of theater owners in developing in constructive ways their own usefulness and service to the local theater owners in their o^vn state and zone, to improve the standards of theater management and operation and to build good will for the local motion picture theater. Information and statistics on the business development of the industry are assembled, checked and supplied to units in the industry for various uses. Surveys and studies are made of exhibitor problems for the information of those concerned with such developments. and Public Service Office Id, Director problems that confront the makers and distributors of pictures. The activities through which this department operates are a previewing service, monthly surveys carrying material to key people, radio series, library contracts, constant supplying of material usable in clubs, church bulletins, schools. Briefly outlined, they are as follows: (1) PREVIEW SERVICE. Large committees chosen by eleven leading women's organi