Minutes of evidence taken before the Departmental Committee on Cinematograph Films (1936)

ANNEXES 59 12 May, 1936.] [i 'o-ntin %ed. ANNEX III. Approximate Statistics of Biutish Film Production during the Years 1928 and 1935-36, respectively. 1928. 1935-36. Number of Stages and Size No. of Stages. Total Area. sq. ft. 19 105,211 No. of Stages. Total . 1 n a. sq. ft. 70 795,557 Value of Studios and Equipment (less depreciation) ... ... ... £555,000 £1,414,500 Annual Salaries and Wages (exclusive of artistes salaries)... £197,250 £2,197,000 Number of feature films produced and their production cost Number. Cost. 91 £489,600 Number. Cost. 225 £5,344,500 Note. — The above totals have been compiled from a mass of statistics furnished by the various Production Companies. They do not include particulars of all the smaller studios, and in certain cases estimates have had to be made where the controlling companies have failed to supply details. Stage areas and values of new studios nearing completion are included. The figures are sufficiently accurate for the purpose of general comparison between the importance of the British Film Production Industry in 1928 and at the present time. No reference is made to Production Companies that have gone out of existence between 1928 and 1935-36. The figures relating to the latter period indicate the importance of production as it exists to-day. The approximate number and production cost of feature pictures made in 1935-36 naturally does not take into account the future production of new studios. It is obvious, however, that when in the near future these are in full production, the number of feature pictures to be made annually will greatly exceed the present output. It is noteworthy that the new studios at Denham, Sound City, Pine wood and Elstree, completed during the last few months, or nearing completion, more than double the capacity of the studios that previously existed in addition to being of a most up-to-date type. No account is taken of the important sums paid annually to Film artistes, the majority of whom are, of course, British subjects. THIRD DAY. Tuesday, 19th May, 1936 (Morning Session). PRESENT : The Rt. Hon. Lord MOYNE, D.S.O. {Chairman). Mr. A. C. CAMERON, M.C., M.A. Mr. J. S. HOLMES. M.P. The Hon. ELEANOR M. PLUMER. Lt.-Col. Sir ARNOLD WILSON, K.C.I.E., C.S.I. C.M.G., D.S.O. , M.P. Mr. W. H. L. PATTERSON {Secretary). Mr. Paul Rotiia, representing the Associated Realist Film Producers, Ltd., called and examined. The Committee had before them the following memorandum of the Associated Realist Film Producers, Ltd. : — The purpose of this memorandum is to place before the Departmental Committee appointed by the President of the Board of Trade the view of Associated Realist Film Producers (see Annex 1) on the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927, with particular reference to the production and distribution of Documentary Films. Summary or Points. 1'art A. — The Effect which the Quota Regulations of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927, have had on the Production, Distribution and Exhibition of Documentary Films. Part B. — Ways in which the Administration of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927, in Relation to Documentary Films, might be Improved within the Terms of the Act. l'art C. — Ways in which the Position of Documentary Films might be Legitimately Improved under any new Cinematograph Films Act which may be passed upon the Expiring of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927. Annex I. — Constitution of Associated Realist film Producers Ltd. Annex II. — Definition of a Documentary Film. Annex III. — Excerpts from Newspapers relating to Documentary B^ilms. Annex IV. — Data relating to Documentary Films referred to in the Memorandum. Summary of Points. Part .1. — Discouragement of the Present Yet '<< Documentary Film Production and Exhibition. 1. Difficulties of interpreting the term "special exhibition value". 2. Lack of representation of Doeimien Film interests on the Advisory Committee of the Hoard of Trade. :i. Shortage of " short " films for quota requirement . 3G452 B 2