Motography (Jan-Jun 1918)

June 8, 1918 MOTOGRAPHY 1079 Ralph Ince, Sawyer and Lubin to Produce JOIN HANDS FOR MAKING OF BIG FEATURES CONTRACTS have been entered into between Ralph Ince, Arthur H. Sawyer and Herbert Lubin, it is announced, whereby a series of big special feature attractions will be produced, marketed and exploited, bearing the brand name of "Ralph Ince Film Attractions." In addition to the three mien mentioned above, the name of one of the leading figures of the industry, which is withheld for the present, will be linked prominently in all of the activities of the newly formed combination. The agreement between these leaders brings together the much discussed angles of production and distribution in the closest kind of contract, effectually bridging the wide gulf at present between these elements. Many Pictures to Be Made The plans of the new combination are comprehensive. They embrace the production of a series of screen versions of celebrated stage successes and the works of famous authors, bearing the stamp of Ralph Ince's name, with the resultant guarantee which this will carry to all exhibitors. When the details attendant upon the first offering are made public, a surprise is in store for exhibitors and public alike, inasmuch as they will disclose a startling innovation in the type of attraction and the method of staging. In addition to assuring the success of these productions with the guarantee of Ralph Ince's name, and the use of vehicles universally known to fans and patrons of the "legitimate" drama alike, the plans of the new combination call for the use of all-star casts, embracing the names of film and stage favorites whose talents and personalities are a byword on the tongues of amusement goers. The men responsible for the new organization have been quietly perfecting their plans for several months and every detail will receive minute attention before a crank is turned on the initial film. The names involved are ones to conjure with in the matter of production and distribution and it is believed the new organization will offer a solution of the most difficult problem confronting exhibitors large and small: Feature attractions of an assured box office value which can be rightfully exploited as such. Name of Ince Well Known The name of Ralph Ince is familiar to the public by reason of the innumerable successful screen productions to which it has been attached as director, and also because of his long connection with the Vitagraph Company of America, during which time he achieved fame as actor and director. Prior to becoming one of the foremost producers of the business, Ince was a film player of note, appearing in the leading roles of many Vitagraph pictures. His characterization of the immortal Abra Roy Stewart in' his latest Triangle feature, "The Red Headed Cupid." ham Lincoln is considered one of the classics of the screen and to him belongs the distinction of having been the first actor of the films to portray this great figure in American history. During his several years with the Vitagraph Company, Ince directed such successes as "The Juggernaut." "A Million Bid," "The Wreck" and "413." More recently he has to his credit the making of "The Eleventh Commandment" and "Ninety and Nine," both presenting Lucille Lee Stewart in the stellar roles; "To Day," starring Florence Reed; "The Woman Eternal," starring Elaine Hammerstein: "Fields of Honor," starring Mae Marsh; and a series of specially supervised pictures featuring Madame Olga Petrova. Labin a Leader in Trade An acknowledged leader in the field of distribution and intimately familiar with the industry in its many ramifications, Herbert Lubin bears an enviable reputation as exchange man, state rights specialist and organizer of big financial projects. The former holder of the Metro franchise for the Dominion of Canada for several years, Mr. Lubin possesses an exact knowledge of the exhibitor's problems and requirements. He has been responsible for many innovations in the field of state rights distribution during the past twelve months. A member of the firm of General Enterprises. Inc., which scored a notable success in its handling of "The Warrior" and "Mother," he is known to practically every showman in the United States and Canada. In addition to his activities in the fields mentioned herein, Mr. Lubin also negotiated and consummated the contract whereby Madame Olga Petrova, the famous Polish actress, became the head of her personal organization. He is conceded to possess one of the keenest minds in the entire industry and has blazed the trail for manj' radical departures in distribution. Sawyer a Pioneer in Businest Arthur H. Sawyer is one of the pioneers of the picture business, having been prominently identified for the past fifteen years with every branch of the industry. Originally an exhibitor and afterwards owner of one of the first chains of picture theatres in the United States, Mr. Sawyer became interested in production about ten years ago. After making an intensive study of this field, he was responsible for the organization Continued on page 1108