Film and TV Technician (1957)

154 FILM & TV TECHNICIAN November 1957 Organisers' Page OUR NUMBERS GO UP AND UP IT is always gratifying to watch any increase in membership of a Trade Union, and it is therefore most interesting to note the steady strides which A.C.T.T. is making. Since the beginning of the year approximately 1,000 applications for membership have come in. Naturally quite a considerable number, but by no means all, have come from the Television Studios, thanks to the efforts of Paddy Leech and his colleagues in Television. The flow of applications also indicates that the film studios are much more busy than is usual at this time of the year. The programme already envisaged by many studios suggests that there will be far fewer A.C.T.T. members not working than is usual at this season. Shepperton I understand that at last a start has been made on the roofs of the stages at Shepperton and this again, although it will probably be a long job, will have the effect of giving more studio space and therefore more work for our members. This is all to the good, as the most important thing in any Trade Union Organisation is a strong membership. With membership, however, there are of course responsibilities, and it is regretted that at times there are not sufficient members at a section committee or full meeting for points of vital interest to be discussed. One evening a month, or perhaps even not so often, is not a great deal of time to give to problems which are of paramount interest to your conditions and interests. New Studio in Eire We have received some interesting information of a new studio which is being opened in Eire, near Dublin. From what we have heard it seems that there is a possibility of quite a good-sized studio eventually emerging. What effect this may have on our membership it is as yet too early to say, but it would appear that there will be a call for a number of technicians. The Irish press, reporting on a press conference held by the pro moters, stated that already there had been applications from technicians at present working in this country. Head Office are watching the developments with interest and if any member has any useful information to pass to us we should be pleased to receive it. By FRED TONGE Earlier this year, as was reported in the August FILM & TV technician, a Conference was held, which Sidney Cole and I attended, to attempt to bring Paul Robeson to this country to sing and act. The slogan at this Conference was " Let Paul Robeson Sing ", and it was sponsored by a very large number of well-known people in the fields of art and culture, together with many prominent political and Trade Union leaders. As a result of the initiative of George Elvin and others a meeting has been held of representatives of unions within the entertainment industry. The one object of this committee is to attempt to bring still further pressure on the authorities in the United States to enable Robeson to visit this country, where it is certain that a great welcome awaits him. A Chance According to a message which Robeson delivered by Trans-Atlantic telephone when he spoke and sang to the Eistedffod organised by the South Wales miners he has now received permission to travel to any point in the Americas; it is assumed that this means that at last there is a possibility of Robeson being allowed again to visit other countries. I am sure that if we as an Association can assist in common with the other unions in entertainment to do anything in this direction it will be appreciated not only by A.C.T.T. members but by many, many other Trade Unionists throughout this country. Sir Tom O'Brien, on behalf of N.A.T.K.E., has promised his help, and the Musicians' Union, British Actors' Equity and the Electrical Trades Union also attended the initial meeting. Charles Bishop, former Secretary of the Art Section, has made unavailing efforts again to launch the Art Department Year Book. It is to be regretted that there was not sufficient response for the project to go forward. All members who had paid for the proposed book were circularised asking their wishes in the matter. The result was that the very large majority agreed that any outstanding monies should be used for some charitable object. At the last meeting of the section £13 5s. Od. was handed to the A.C.T.T. Benevolent Fund. Hearty thanks are due to Mr. Bishop for his efforts in this connection and to the members for this welcome contribution to the Benevolent Fund. Subs, in Arrears We spent quite a lot of time at Head Office trying to trace the comparatively few members who are in arrears; it is true to say that they are not many but it is all extra work. On occasions we get in unit lists and find names of members who have paid no subscriptions for some time. I would remind members that annual subscriptions are payable in advance and that it is the responsibility of the member to see that his subs are paid. On a recent location of about twenty members no less than half were found to be in arrears. In no case was it due to anything more than forgetfulness, but it does cause extra work. The work of A.C.T.T. has to go on and if the majority of members were as slack as the minority it would possibly create a serious position financially. Flash from recent location meeting. A discussion had been held on the type of generator to be used on the job. An A.C.T.T. member gave his forceful but impolite opinion on the type of generator. N.A.T.K.E. also said a few words from the angle of having to man-handle the thing into position. Comment from the E.T.u. representative : " it is a very good generator, the only thing about it is, it keeps going wrong."