International projectionist (Jan 1943-Dec 1944)

Projectionists Urged to Remain on Their Jobs EFFORTS being made to have projectionists classified as in an essential occupation by the War Manpower Commission met with a partial setback at a recent Washington hearing when that agency showed it still feels classification of them is a matter for local selective service boards to decide. The committee's views were given when Louis Krouse secretary-treasurer, and Frank Murdock, attorney for the I. A. T. S. E., appeared before the Advisory Committee of the WMC in Washington to plead for an essential classification. The committee let it be known that it will not recommend an essential listing for projectionists so long as motion picture exhibition is not regarded as being essential. The delegation received assurance, however, that projectionists over 38 years of age will not be drafted. The I. A. T. S. E. officials feel that their recommendations received sufficient consideration by the committee to warrant various locals to go before their boards and ask for individual deferment if induction of a projectionist would mean the closing of a theatre. At an Advisory Committee hearing the morale value of the work done by theatres was highlighted, including their direct support of the war effort and the difficulties in replacing projectionists. Projectionists Non-Deferable Some weeks ago Krouse received a letter from the WMC in which it was stated that projectionists were not to be considered as automatically 1-A because their work was not on the non-deferable list. Projectionists were urged, in the letter, to hold on to their jobs. CoHis Stocking, associate director of the Bureau of Program Planning and Review, in a telegram to Abraham F. Myers, Allied general counsel, cited that projectionists should not change their jobs until specific need for change has been indicated. Stocking pointed out that while the WMC Committee on Essential Activities had not included projectionists as in essential jobs, nevertheless it had excluded them from the list of non-deferable occupations. Much confusion has existed — and still exists — regarding the status of projectionists, with resulting anxiety in the trade, but Myers regards their status as being in the "twilight zone." Efforts also are being made by the I. T. 0. of Ohio to have the WMC recon sider its classification of projectionists as non-essential. Pete Wood, I. T. 0. secretary, made the following statement: "We are informed that the Essential Activities Committee of the WMC has turned down the request of the I.A.T.S.E. for the listing of projectionists as 'necessary' men. In making this announcement Collis Stocking, chairman of the Essential Activities Committee, pointed out for the first time that the naming of motion picture production among the essential activities was definitely intended to exclude other branches of the industry. We hope the WMC will reconsider the matter to the end it will extend to exhibition at least the same treatment it gives producers." The discrimination by WMC has brought forth the thought that if producers are permitted to make films, including war shorts by the government, they will not serve any purpose unless there are projectionists available to place these pictures on the screen. WPB Cooperation Assured at Atlantic Coast Section Meet ASSURANCE of government cooperation in assisting theatres in keeping open for the duration was the theme of a paper read by A. G. Smith, Acting Chief of the Amusement Section of the War Production Board at the March 25th meeting of the Atlantic Coast Section of the Society of Motion Picture Engineers. Following the reading of the paper, "Activities of the War Production Board in the Motion Picture Field," in which Smith outlined a number of vital functions of his department and the manner in which it has been working with the industry, Dr. Goldsmith, Chairman of the Atlantic Coast Section, threw the meeting into an open forum in which vari ous points in the paper were discussed. Of particular interest to many of the members present at the meeting was Smith's statement regarding the servicing of sound equipment: "It has now been established with officials of the Office of Price Administration that motion picture sound engineers should receive consideration for additional gasoline rations. On March 15, 1943, the Office of Price Administration issued Rationing Order 5C, which specifically establishes the essentiality of this form of travel and authorizes supplemental gasoline rations. This means much to the motion picture industry in making it possible for the service engineer to maintain his regular schedule of calls in servicing sound equipment. It is suggested that the projectionist take every precaution in the repair and upkeep of his equipment in order that emergency travels to a theatre may be held to a minimum." This well attended meeting was the sixth of a series being held by the Society for the purpose of cooperating with the Government's Conservation Program to enable theatre owners, managers, and projectionists to get the best possible use of their equipment under the present unusual conditions. ASTORIA STUDIOS SCENE OF APRIL 29 S.M.P.E. MEETING Announcement is made by Dr. Alfred N. Goldsmith, Chairman Atlantic Coast Section of the Society of Motion Picture Engineers, that Colonel Melvin C. Gillette, Commanding Officer, U. S. Signal Corps, Astoria, Long Island, New York, has extended an invitation to hold the next meeting of the Atlantic Coast Section at the Astoria Studios, on Thursday, April 29. OFFER PRIORITIES PURCHASE PLAN FOR RCA PRODUCTS Forward-looking exhibitors may apply now for post-war deliveries of RCA sound and other theatre equipment which is not being produced during the war period. A "Purchase Priorities Plan" has been evolved by RCA Victor which offers a preferred position for a theatre owner on the "priority purchase" list, as well as a method of building up an interest-bearing cash reserve for the owner to apply against his post-war purchases. The plan is available to those who contemplate entering the theatre business as well as those already in the field. Have You Applied for Your RCA Purchase Priority? 12 INTERNATIONAL PROJECTIONIST