Sound motion pictures : from the laboratory to their presentation (1929)

334 SOUND MOTION PICTURES in the promotion and distribution of a worth-while product manufactured in the United States. European producers should be permitted to familiarize themselves with our methods and should be given information which will permit them to acquaint themselves with the requirements of our markets. That, of course, may appear to be an unwise thing to do, but it is extremely valuable from the standpoint of encouraging and fostering a friendly international relationship that can result only to the advantage of the American motion picture producer if he continues to create the best article to be had. On the basis of so thoroughgoing a cooperation, the United States would in all likelihood continue to get its share of the world market. Such a cooperative spirit will result in a broader attitude toward the American motion picture by most countries. This may go further to remove the artificial trade barriers and obstacles that are being maintained than any attempt to meet the problem through stubborn aloofness. It might similarly be to the advantage of the American industry to be represented abroad by capable representatives who not only would devote their efforts to encourage the broader development of the motion picture, but would be a source of information to foreign producers as to American methods in production, distribution, and exhibition. Such a movement, if properly conducted, would eventually invite confidence and cooperation by foreign producers and countries. In the world markets American producers can afford to take a chance on obtaining their proportion of the business that their product and enterprise may merit. There is no longer any doubt, at any rate, about the place that the motion picture with dialogue will occupy in American entertainment. And, for the time being, in most instances, the foreign market must content itself with silent versions of the American dialogue motion pictures