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Feb., 1945 STATEMENT ON TELEVISION BROADCASTING 125
based upon the best available information. The average cost of a grade A feature production in monochrome is in the neighborhood of $700,000, varying between $400,000 and $2,000,000. The average cost of single-reel shorts or a grade B or C feature, per reel in monochrome, is approximately $30,000, varying between $10,000 and $80,000. This 20 to 35 per cent higher cost for color is therefore a substantial increase in the cost of such productions.
In addition to the initial higher cost of production of color pictures, the cost of the release prints is also a major economic factor. The average cost per foot of a monochrome film is approximately !J/2 cents, whereas the cost per foot of a color film is approximately 6 cents. On the basis of an average of 250 positive prints per feature and short, and 725 prints per newsreel being required, this increased film cost is a major item.
The above facts and figures are submitted to assist the Commission in its determination of factors involved between monochrome and color Television Broadcasting. From the above it will be noted that the Motion Picture Industry was established and became a large industry even though up to and including the year 1932, all of its presentations were in monochrome. In 1932 their gross income amounted to $1,100,000,000. Color was commercially accepted in 1933 and it is of interest to note that even as late as 1943, only 13 per cent of the total feature pictures produced were in color. Public acceptance of theatrical motion pictures prove, by the above facts, that it is not based upon whether such pictures are in monochrome or in color, but are based upon the entertainment value of the contents of the pictures. The majority of the features which have won acclaim by the public and received the Academy of Motion Picture Arts Award, have been in monochrome.
My personal opinion is that the Television Broadcasting Industry has more major problems to solve than whether their transmission should be in monochrome or in color. One of the first and most important problems confronting the Television Broadcasters is the economic factor, and the addition of color will only make this factor worse. The second most important is to develop the technique to produce, whether by live talent or by film subject, the proper type of program material which will meet public acceptance from an entertainment value and meet the advertisers' requirements, warranting them to sponsor the program.
The Television Industry, whether it is Television Broadcasting or