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Y.M.C.A. MOTION PICTURE BUREAU 177
11. Responsibility — Every precaution is taken to safeguard the films, but we assume no liability for damage, destruction or loss of film other than the amount which we may be able to collect for regular filed claim for damage or loss caused by common carriers or exhibitors. (Films are covered with fire insurance while in our exchanges.)
Date
In accordance with the above terms
will provide prints of
to be distributed from our exchanges, and within 30 days after their receipt will
forward check to the amount of $ on the basis of $35 per reel per year
to cover service charge.
Director (Motion Picture Bureau) Secretary Countersigned
Per.. ..
Comptroller
The production costs of the negatives and the working prints of films supplied to the Bureau ranged from $500 to $30,000 for a complete story. A majority were produced for between $2,000 and $5,000. Cooperating companies usually retained the film negative and supplied the Bureau with the requested number of prints. Not more than 10 prints of 35 mm. width (noninrlammable stock) and 6 prints of 16 mm. width were accepted for 1929 distribution. The minimum number required was 2 prints in each size. In some cases, the film owner limited the number of available prints, and likewise their distribution. The Bureau operated 12 months during the year, and as a result was able to give each print between 60 and no showings annually. The life of the average subject was approximately 4 years, although those films entirely devoid of any style element enjoyed a much longer period of use by print replacement.
Over a period of years the Bureau had found that $35 per reel, per year, adequately covered the cost of distribution. This fee had not been changed since its adoption in 1920. If the Bureau experienced an annual profit free from the incumbrance of a previous debt, such surplus was used to purchase new equipment. Since all distribution contracts were for one fiscal year only, the Bureau could either raise or lower the fee it was charging upon the order or recommendation of the controller of the National Council of the Y.M.C.A.
The introduction of synchronization in 1927 apparently had little effect on industrial and educational films at that time. In 1929, however, there was a noticeable trend toward the use of synchronization in such films. The Fox Film Corporation, for