The Moving picture world (February 1920-March 1920)

March 27, 1920 THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD 2159' Effect of Export Situation on Trade Is Now Being "Grossly Exaggerated By GUS SCHLESINGER Manager of the Department of Foreign Film Sales, Inter-Ocean Film Corporation OF the many important and perplexing problems with which the motion picture industry has had to contend since the cessation of hostilities, undoubtedly the most pressing and acute is the present outlook in foreign film circles. While everywhere the cry is being made for the stabilization of foreign trade between the United States and other countries, the present economic upheaval has caused a radical depreciation of foreign exchange and according to some exporters is threatening to strangle the very life of commercial enterprise. In fact, the exchange has reached such an astounding low rate that a feeling of grave uncertainty is held by many in financial circles. While speculation is rife as to the outcome of the problems that at present beset the foreign market, it is obviously apparent that the situation is only temporary, and that in due course of time conditions will return to normal. While the export situation is in a critical stage, its effect on the trade has been grossly exaggerated. I arrive at this conclusion after a thorough study of the foreign market and on the counsel of merchants who are financially involved in other commercial pursuits and who have experienced the same difficulties in exports. Our Films Will Always Predominate. Foreign exchange, according to its financial definition, is the bridge over which payments for trade between different countries is effected. The bridge to my mind has had to bear a larger burden than it could safely carry and consequently has bent beneath the strain. As soon as the bridge is rebuilt things will assume a different aspect. We are at present going through the reconstruction period and must continue to do business as if the bridge were strengthened. American motion pictures will never be supplanted by native product entirely. There is no need of worry on this point. While no one questions the reports that have been received from foreign territories regarding increased production in these countries, the fact remains that American pictures will always predominate and be greatest in demand. The American producer is better equipped technically, artistically and financially to make finer productions than his European and South American confreres. The reason for this is obviously apparent; during the war the American producer continued producing while his European friend was forced to shut up shop. This placed America four years ahead of any other country. The facilities for production in America are also greater, and accessible to all producers. In other countries, however, production is still in its experimental stages. Should Continue Exporting. I personally believe that we should continue to export motion pictures, and the fact that Inter-Ocean Film Corporation is doing as large an export business now as ever in its history, confirms my belief in this respect. I do not believe that the foreign outlook is as terrible as it has been painted and I repeat that, while I am cognizant of the fact that we are passing through a critical period, I am positively certain that it will soon be over with and that exports will resume their natural course. Partly counterbalancing this abnormal situation are the statements from American producers that they will make fewer and bigger productions during the year of 1920. This necessarily means that the motion picture supply will be materially reduced. Better pictures will undeniably insure a permanent markfet for the American product. Faith Is Needed. If it is true that the export market is suffering from a relapse in foreign exchange, then the thing to do is to' extend a helping hand now. Nothing could better demonstrate the unshakeable faith of America in its hope for the expansion of foreign trade, and the only tangible method of emphasizing this faith is by continuing to export motion picture films in larger quantities than ever before. Engaged Players for (National Film. Walter Miller and Grace Darmond, twowell-known film players have been engaged for parts in "The Invisible Divorce," according to Harry Rapf, West coast production manager for the Selznick interests. These two players have been engaged to support Walter McGrail and Leatrice Joy, the two leading players in this third National Picture Theatres production. All of the principals of the cast for this production have been selected, although there area number of minor parts yet to be filled. Tom Mills is directing the picture. Selznick and Republic Make Changes in Office Locations IN order to establish a closer relationship between Select and Republic executives and to insure a greater efficiency in various departments, several important department transfers were made last week in the home offices in New York of the two organizations by Lewis J. Selznick. The Republic executives moved their offices to the Select home office building,. 729 Seventh avenue, and a number of the departments which were formerly in thehome office building are now occupying the offices given up by the Republic officials, which are at 130 West Forty-sixth street. The transfer of these departmentsis the result of a plan which General Manager Sam E. Morris has contemplated for some time. Briton N. Busch, president of Republic,, and George Meeker, Republic sales manager, now have offices at 729 Seventh avenue. The Select auditing department, under Comptroller M. C. Howard and the purchasing department, under C. C. Ryan,, have been moved to the Forty-sixth street building. The suite of rooms formerly occupied by the legal department, Konta, Kirchwey, France & Michael, will be used for executive offices and the law staff has been assigned the suite of rooms on the sixth floor of the Seventh avenue building. The advertising, art and still departments, havebeen moved to Forty-sixth street. Cutting Hammerstein Picture. George Archainbaud, Selznick director, is supervising the cutting and titling of the latest Elaine Hammerstein production, made by Myron Selznick. This production was finished a few days ago and is titled; "The Shadow of Rosalie Byrnes." Two typical scenes from Pathe'.s latest production starring Blanche Sweet.