Kinematograph year book (1935)

230 The Kinematograph Year Book. The question of the control of "non-flam" exhibitions has been raised by the L.C.C. and other local authorities. In the House of Commons, the Home Secretary declared that the subject was under consideration in connection with the proposed general revision of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1909. One of the points to be dealt with, he said, was the relaxation, in favour of slow-burning films, of certain requirements necessary for fast-burning films. Alarm at the proposed regulation of so-called " non-flam " stock has been expressed by local branches of the Film Institute and by educational bodies. DISC PERFORMING RIGHTS. The High Court decision, reported last year, which established the copyright of gramophone disc recording companies to the performances in public, their records has led to unexpected results. Following unsuccessful negotiations with the C.E.A. on the subject of royalty fees a scale of licences was drawn up by the British Phonographic Industry, representing the disc companies. As a result the executive of the C.E.A. advised its members to cut out the performance of records, and eventually entered into an agreement with the Synchrophone Co., Ltd., which was outside the ring, for the supply of records to members. In return for a guarantee of 75,000 records per annum — an average of 30 records a year taken by 2,500 kinemas, at 3s. a record — an immediate supply price for performing rights was made available. An advisory committee was appointed to assist in the selection of the numbers to be recorded. Subsequently Phonographic Industry issued a tariff of licences for use during the entrance and exit of audiences and for interludes between films. These ranged from 70s. annually for a house of £15 capacity per performance to £58 per annum in respect of a house with a money capacity of over £300 per performance. Protests by municipal authorities at the demands of the P.R.S. in all probability will be considered and submitted to the copyright convention at Berne in 1936. Co-operative action by the C.E.A. in this connection is being arranged. An important decision was given in May when the Appeal Court ruled that there was copyright in such incidental music that might be recorded in a ceremonial or other " shot " taken by a newsreel. It is proposed that a small licence fee shall be imposed by music publishers for the use of their copyright work in newsreel items. TRADE ASSOCIATIONS. The various associations identified with the technical side of the Industry have done valuable work. The activities of the British Kinematograph Society have included the successful launching of the Polytechnic Course of Kinematography. The subject of the preservation of film stock and the consideration of the standardisation of sub-standard equipment have also been considered during the year. Two new classes of members have been introduced — student and PROPRIETORS! _ ^ _ _ _ MANAGERS! JOSE BROOKS CINE-VARIETY AGENCY (Licensed L.C.C.) Can supply you with every type of ARTIST — BANDS — PRESENTATIONS, alto CABARET ACTS for Cine Restaurants, Advertising " Stunts," etc., etc. Experienced, reliable, quick service. 'Phone: JOSE BROOKS, GERRARD 3460, 49, POLAND STREET, W.1. Telegrams: "Showorld" Rath, London.