Paramount Around the World (1931)

Page 6 THE BATTLE IS O IN! Two of Last Year’s Winners Grab first Quarter Lead Ad Sales Revenue May Prove Deciding Factor in Race Souhami Gets Jump on Schaefer in Continental Clash hey’re off! The biggest and grandest quota push in Foreign Legion history has started with a proverbial bang. As usual, the first set of standings, printed on the adjoining page, is full of surprises and “believe it or nots.” Of the twentyseven divisions participating — Colombia is the latest addition— nine are over quota by comfortable margins. There has evidently been no diminution in effort and energy and enthusiasm among Harry Novak’s “Panamanians,” for the Canal Zone bunch are sitting pretty at the top. And if anyone had the idea that David Souhami’s “Galloping Gauls” would be satisfied to rest on their last year’s laurels, he has another think coming, for France is up with the potential winners. By the way, we certainly have to hand it to Harry Novak for the tremendous pace his entire territory has set. You will notice that his other two offices, Colombia and Guatemala, are in third and fourth place respectively. One of the outstanding sensations is the fact that Argentina, second prize winner last vear, is next to last. And to discover Italy in the cellar position is also considerable of a shock. However, we are confident these two will improve their standings appreciably in the very near future. There are two very important points to remember in connection with this initial set of percentages. First, it reflects the standings of the offices in the first quarter drive only, based upon the quotas assigned for the first three months. Secondly, it includes not only film sales revenue but ad sales revenue as well. Mr. Seidelman has already advised all offices that this year, for the first time, ad sales revenue will be taken into account, so be sure, when sending in your monthly cable, to include your ad sales business in your total figure. The decision of your executives to credit ad sales in the contest is not only striking recognition of the importance of this branch of our business, but is also a powerful incentive to every office to increase its efforts along those lines. It is a certainty that where several offices are closely bunched, a difference of a few extra dollars in ad sales revenue will very often give one office the advantage in position. Build up your ad sales revenue! It’s more vital than ever before! In the first skirmish for supremacy on the Continent, the forces led by David Souhami scored a clean-cut victory over the battalions headed by Gus Schaefer. Mr. Souhami’s “White Division” had a percentage of 1 12.08 against the 83.16 per cent of Mr. Schaefer’s “Blue Division,” as of January 24. The nicknames “White” and “Blue” are only temporary ones, until Messrs. Souhami and Schaefer choose permanent suitable ones. Again we want to remind all division leaders that we are interested in the local inter-exchange contests. Please send us your house organs and bulletins, so that we may keep track of your progress. By the time you receive this issue, the first quarter will be almost gone. Are you satisfied with your efforts? FIRST PRIZE ^ FOREIGN 'legion S 1930 STUDIO-SPONSORED CONTEST AWARDED TO THE FRENCH DIVISION (5n cam/rnimmaJ^i cLl Aon iffoxt it di AlA _ m couM dam anmi mmquii di iaynmiu:ijWL6. WlA PISfSiO&N DAVID SOUHAMI AD»INISTf>ATeUf)-D£LEOU£ THE WINNER'S PLAQUE! Ixeprodurlion of ihe design and lettering that appear on the plaque to he airarded the French Division for ivinning the 1930 contest. The Paramount and Pi/bli.v trademarks, not shown above because they were jihotographed separately , will be featured at the top, one on each side. Similar plaques will be presented to the Argentine and Canal Zone Divisions, the other two prize winners. IT insur.es A I BANNER YEAR