Year book of motion pictures (1934)

Rumania Agitation — General depression in the economic situation of Rumania, very high taxes and import and exchange restrictions are responsible for the general crisis of the motion picture industry in this country. While in Bucharest the situation is less adverse, in the provinces many theaters have closed, others frequently change hands. Censorship — While in respect to political tendency (communism, nationalism of former enemy countries, etc.) the censorship is still rather strict, in other respects (erotic and adventurer subjects) it is si lightly more indulgent than it was. Competition — 50'/'' American, 30% German. 10% French and 10% other countries, (Austria, Italy, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, etc.). American films were able to maintain and even improve their predominant position in view of the fact that they are hampered by the existing import restrictions to a lesser degree than the German films and also on account of the boycott against German films in certain parts of Rumania. Copyright Relations — Member, International Union. By Presidential proclamation, May 14, 1928, President Coolidge issued a proclamation covering copyright reciprocity between the United States and Rumania. No change has occurred during the past year. Production — Practically none. No studios wired. Taxes — While in former years the amusement tax was assessed in a lump sum contingent upon the number of seats in the theater, since the beginning of 1933, the tax has been established at 26% of the price of the ticket. Other taxes weighing upon the motion picture industry are the turnover taxes, import duties, and import permit fees. Taxation is therefore considered to be very burdensome. Theaters — There are approximately 3S0 theaters in all of Rumania. Sound — Practically all theaters are wired for sound. Imports from U. S. A. — 1932— Positive, sound 615,146 ft. $12,302 1933 — First Six Months: 1933 — Positive, sound 257,897 ft. 3,656 DISTRIBUTORS AND IMPORTERS BUCHAREST Adria-Film, Str. Matei-Millo 1. Arta-FHm. Str. Oteteleseanu 5. Artistic-Film, Str. Doamnei 1. Astoria-Film, Bui. Maria 8. Balcan-Film, Bui. Elisabeta 6. Davidescu Jean. Cone. Gaumont-Franco-Film-Au bert, Bui. Elisabeta 36. Eforia-Film, Str. Doamnei 3. Fortuna-Film, Str. Carol 55. Frago-Film, Str. Carol 9. General-Film, Cal. Victoriei 42. Gloria-Film, Bui. Carol 22. Gold-Film, Str. Lipscani 110. Ivex-Film, Str. Sfintilor 25. Lux-Film, Str. Sarindar 16. Mar-Film. Sos. Dorobantilor. Mercur-Film, Str. Sfintilor 13. Meteor-Film, Str. General Florescu 11. Metropol-Film, Str. Coltei 1. Oer-Film, Bui. Elisabeta 51. O.F.I.R., Str. Brezoianu 25. Pan-Film, Str. Carol 20. Parfumelit-Film. Cal. Victoriei 39. Regal-Film, Bui. Elisabeta 12. Ricoli-Film, Str. General Florescu 21. Recom-Film, Str. Doamnei 21. Sarpic, Str. Raureanu 11. Sonor-Film. Bui. Elisabeta 15. Sud-Est-Film. Str. Coltei 1. Sylvia-Film. Str. Carol 88. Union-Film, Bui. Elisabeta 8. Urbis-Film, Str. I'nenaru Bordca 16. Vesca-Film, Str. Elex. Sihleanu 10. BRASOV Concordia-Film. Kro-Film. Matador-Film. IASI Trianon-Film, Cinema Trianon. ORADEA MARE Camara-Film. Kmericus-Film. Metro-Gold wyn-Maycr. TIMISOARA Filmcentrala, Dr. Des Gabor, Str. Gorove 7. Russia The following information covering Soviet Russia has been received in the Department of Commerce from sources believed to be reliable. The Department of Commerce, however, in no way assumes responsibility for any of the statements made herein, inasmuch as diplomatic relations between the United States and Soviet Russia were not maintained before November, 1933. Agitation — Motion picture industry in Russia is a Government monopoly. Censorship — Very strict. Competition — Mostly Russian, some German features. Copyright Relations — None. Production — From Riga motion picture sources it is learned that during the season 1933-34 there will be produced in Russia between 35 and 40 sound films. As far as can be learned the following are the principal film producing establishments in Russia, with date of establishment, when known: "Mezrabpomfilm", was established in 1923. "Sovkino", was established in 1925. "Goskinprom", was established in 1923. "Azgoskino", was established in unknown "Azgoskino" — unknown. "Armenkino", was established in 1924. "Uzbekgoskino", was established in 1924. "Turkmenfilm" — unknown. "Belgoskino", (*) was established in 1925. "Tshuvashkino", was established in 1927. "Vostokkino" — unknown. "Soyuzfilm" (*) — unknown. "Rossfilm" (*) — unknown. "Soyuzkinoexport", (*) was established in 1933 and produces only for export. "Vufku" — unknown. (*) Most important film producing enterprises in Russia. Taxes — High. Theaters — 2.000 regular theaters. "Economic Life", October 22, 1933, reports that the cinema theaters in the Soviet Union are now fully suppl:ed with equipment of Soviet manufacture, including sound apparatus. During the last nine months 950 projectors, and 450 sound apparatus have been produced. During the fourth quarter 250 projectors and 150 sound machines will be turned out. The GOMZ plant at Leningrad is manufacturing the first Soviet sound-registering apparatus. The first sample of a new type of sound producing mechanism, characterized by extreme simplicity and long wearing qualities, lias been produced. Sound— 2.000. Imports from U. S. A. — 1932— Positive, sound 207,931 ft. $2,970 1933— First Six Months: 1933— Positive, sound 47,951 ft. 480 1045