International projectionist (Jan 1963-June 1965)

IATSE Convention from page 4 convention took the following action: Put LA. on record as favoring elimination of the remaining Federal admissions tax of 10 per cent on prices over $1; Voted support of a bill now in Congress which would require film producers to label their films made or acquired outside the U.S. with the country of origin; Voted down a proposal to expand the executive board by the addition of two vice presidents, one of whom would represent east and west coast film studios, and all of whom would be elected by regional district caucuses, instead of by the entire IA convention, as at present; Referred a resolution opposing the election of Sen. Barry Goldwater as President to the leadership of IA for implementation through the AFL-CIO Committee on Political Education (COPE); Approved action against student workers at universities' stagings of professional shows; Passed a strong resolution asking the IA administration to study the legality of the individual projectionist's right to refuse to run non-IA films. The convention adjourned shortly after the conclusion of one of the most dramatic sessions in its long history. A growing campaign to overturn a 1963 videotape agreement signed by Walsh and motion pictureTV studios in Hollywood, by six Hollywood locals, exploded in the waning hours of the convention on a report by the Grievances Committee, chaired by Vice President E. J. Miller, which supported Walsh's aclion. The complaining unions hit the floor for one hour of statement stressing in all their presentation that Walsh had gone beyond the authority of the Constitution in unilaterally signing a contract without involvement or approval by the interested locals. Opponents of the president's action included John W. Leyners, Film Editors; Herb Aller, Cameramen; Don Haggerty, Film Technicians; Hefry Villardo, Makeup Artists; Clayton Thompson, Scenic Artists; Russell Ashley, Sound; G. Erickson, Makeup Artists; and Ernest Bachrakh, Still Cameramen. Hollywood spokesmen stated that the Grievance Committee hearing preceding full convention consideration, which disallowed verbatim transcript of the proceedings, outlawed additional observers beyond five from each local, and foreshortened statements by interested parties, were part of improper procedures. Points of order were raised which questioned conduct of the hearing, and also asked that President Walsh relinquish the chair during the ensuing debate. Lehners referred to the contract as a "secret tape deal," an allegation which Walsh was later to stoutly deny in his 30-minute reply to the Hollywood spokesmen. "He acted in the name of expediency," Lehners charged. "We do not question his motives, but his authority." Walsh replied by reiterating his firm belief in local autonomy, which he stressed would be preserved. Quoting I. A. bylaws to support his action in what he characterized a special situation requiring the direct intervention of the LA. president, Walsh cited his 22 years of service to the Alliance and asked dramatically whether he had ever abused his authority to the detriment of the Alliance? Stoutly denying that he had signed the 1963 videotape agreement in secret. Walsh asked the convention for its vote of confidence and was supported by more than 10 to 1. In other action the LA. approved a bylaw which strengthens jurisdictional definitions, and arms the LA. for future possible conflicts over jurisdiction with other internationals. The convention, at the request of President Walsh, retained its so-called "special laws" which were initially devised eighteen years ago to root out subversives among the membership. Although several delegates spoke against that portion of the President's Report which sought the retention of the "special law" because of the apparent stigma which it implied, the convention heeded Walsh's request. In closing the convention, Walsh, speaking directly to the Hollywood locals of District Two, spoke of working harmoniously and cooperatively with them, and promised to work out their problems amicably and in the best interests of the LA. His final remarks did much to cool down the rancor engendered by the heated debate which had transpired earlier in the afternoon. It was announced that the 48th Biennial Convention will be held in 1966 in Detroit. iP Geodesic Dome For Las Vegas Cinerama House The world's first "stressed-skin" aluminum dome designed for a motion picture theatre will soon be built in Las Vegas, Nev., according to Cinerama President William R. Forman. The Mahon geodesic dome was developed by the western division of the R. C. Mahon Company, steel and aluminum fabricators, in Terrance, California. The company will start construction of a 1000-seat theatre for exhibitor Harry Nace later this month. Predicting that Mahon Dome will be "the shape of things to come," Forman said that the geodesic structure is the most practical form of exhibition for Cinerama. A partial sphere offering a self-supporting building with maximum column-free floor space, it affords an unlimited versatility potential for attractive interiors. The new engineering principle of a sphere within a sphere offers an interior acoustical dome which also supports fixtures and fireproofing. Forman pointed out further that its unique safety factors give the dome a considerable edge over the conventional theatre. Its light weight construction and resiliency reduce earthquake inertia loads on supports, preventing collapse or shattering. Its spherical shape and high tensile strength make it resistant to hurricane winds of over 125 miles per hour. Its redundant construction gives it greater fire resistance; a large portion of the dome could be destroyed without total collapse. It is designed for 40 pounds per square foot loading making it impervious to snow as deep as four feet. The weight of the entire structure is one-thirtieth of the only other Cinerama dome in existence, a precast concrete structure at the corner of Sunset and Ivar in Hollywood. "We envision many of these Mahon Dome Cinerama theatres," said Forman. "Supporting its own weight without space-wasting, vision-inhibiting pillar or suspensions, it is the ultimate in design and beauty for Cinerama, and is one of the most economical buildings in motion picture history." Perry Neuschatz, AIA Architect, designed the projected Las Vegas structure for Nace. It will be contracted by the E. L. Parmer Construction Company of Phoenix, Arizona. iP 10 International Projectionist August, 1964