Motion Picture Herald (Jul-Sep 1956)

WHEN and WHERE On the 0J( onzon OPTIMISTIC PRODUCER Expressing optimism for the future of theatrical motion picture production and exhibition if costs to film-maker and theatre operator are contained within "possible profit levels," James H. Nicholson, president of American International Pictures, has announced the projected release of 90 features within the next three years by his 20-month-old distribution company. Formed originally by Mr. Nicholson, Samuel Z. Arkoff and Joseph Moritz for the release of Roger Corman's independent productions, AIP (originally incorporated as American Releasing Corporation has scheduled at least 20 feature motion picture releases for its 1956-57 year, which began July 1. A release program of 30 features is planned for next year, with an increase to 40 scheduled for the third year of AIP's augmented release program. See details of a production spurt on page 13. RESEARCH Elmer C. Rhoden's report of the National Theatres circuit's survey of comparative publicity apportionments by American newspapers proves, in addition to other vital truths, the virtue of conducting statistical research at first-hand. ASK MEDIATION Hollywood locals of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees will ask the international crafts union, which will hold its biennial convention in Kansas City August 20-25, to settle a jurisdictional imbroglio over film production for television. The IATSE locals are currently having jurisdictional disputes with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers concerning filming TV shows. The IBEW, it is said, points out that it recognizes the IATSE claim to filming for motion picture theatre exhibition, but since the DuMont Electronicam has been put into operation in filming for television exhibition, the IBE says that it now has the right to act as collective bargaining agent for workers using this new equipment. WRITERS GUILD CONTEST Members of the Writers Guild of America will be requested to submit their best television and radio scripts of 1955-56 this month for judging by the organization. A plan is being considered whereby winning scripts will be published in book form in the Fall. The guild announces that there will be eight categories for TV writers and four for radio authors. Members will be allowed to enter one script in only one of the divisions, whether TV or radio. MORE OPTIMISM In tune with the optimistic spirit of the week (see pages 12 and 13) Leonard H. Goldenson, president of American Broadcasting-Paramount Theatres, Inc., reported that for the first six months of the year his company rang up a net operating profit gain of 25% over the same period in 1955. Here are the figures: For the first six months of 1956 profits amounted to $4,202,000, which is equivalent to 97^ a common share ; for the same period in 1955 profits were $3,355,000, equal to 77^ a common share. In the second quarter of 1956, profits were $1,632,000 or 37^ a common share, compared with $1,438,000 or 32^ a common share for the same quarter of 1955. AND MORE OPTIMISM After accepting investorbacking for his first 11 features, and returning the investors a reported 100 per cent on their money, producer Roger Corman, only three years in the producing field, will use his own funds, exclusively, in financing his 12th, "The Undead. " It is three or four de'des since producers used their own money for their productions, and it was when the August 13-20: Executive board meeting of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes, Hotel Muehlebach, Kansas City, Mo. August 20-24: Biennial convention of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes, Hotel Muehlebach, Kansas City, Mo. September 19-25: Annual convention of Theatre Owners of America, in conjunction with the annual convention and trade shows of the Theatre Equipment Dealers Association and Theatre Equipment and Supply Manufacturers Association at the Coliseum, New York. September 28-30: Third annual national convention of the Women of the Motion Picture Industry, Dinkler-Plaza Hotel, Atlanta. October 7-12: 80th semi-annual convention of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers, scheduled to be in Los Angeles. October 15-16: Annual regional convention of Independent Exhibitors of New England and The Drive-In Theatre Association of New England, Winc'hendon, Mass. October 22-24: Allied Theatre Owners of Indiana, meeting at the Marott Hotel, Indianapolis. October 28-30: Annual convention of the Motion Picture Theatre Exhibitors of Florida, to be held at Roosevelt Hotel, Jacksonville. November 25-27: 44th annual convention of the Theatre Owners of North and South Carolina, Hotel Charlotte, Charlotte, N.C. November 27-29: Allied States Association, Fall boord meeting and annual convention, to be held at Statler Hotel, Dallas. February 26-27: Annual convention of the Kansas-Missouri Theatre Association, Pickwick Hotel, Kansas City, Mo. fundamentals of the motion picture's success as commercial entertainment were laid down. If the business is back again to those comforting manifestations of confidence, its 1956 horizon may be brighter than it seems to be to the unaware eye. William R. WeaverLawrence J. Quirk— Jay Remer MOTION PICTURE HERALD, JULY 21, 1956 9