The Film Renter and Moving Picture News (Jan-Feb 1923)

pe FTTETECDETDEOTOR OH EETEPOTDE PEELE EET TSTEDT TEEPE ETE PTET EeEE e E eea The Film Renter and Moving Picture News [TTT eee ee DUDANEFAUADSADDSTAC ESR SEEINY je 4 HEE LONDON Phone: Regent, 1468-9. ‘Telegraphic Address: “*Wrightads, Piccy, London,” MANCHESTER Phone: Central, 5987. No. 483. SATURDAY. FEBRUARY 10, 1923. SIXPENCE. An Ominous Cloud. hibitors held during the past few days through out the United Kingdom must have been impressed by one topic of discussion that seems to arise on every occasion, and upon which a great deal of oratory has been expended. The subject we refer to is that of the contract, and it is not too much to say that at the present moment it is provocative of more discussion than anything in trade circles. Whether it be the C.E.A. or the C.P.M.A., at each and every one of their meetings lately there have been protracted arguments and fierce denunciations of the present form of contract, which it is claimed by exhibitors is utterly unfair and entirely unworkable. It does seem, therefore, that an ominous cloud is on the horizon which must be cleared away if good business relations between exhibitor and renter are to ensue. What is the position exactly? At the present moment there is not a standard form of contract in existence, as the Cinematograph Exhibitors’ Association, by their somewhat rash and arbitrary conduct, have already given notice to the K.R.S. to determine the length of the old contract, with the result that renters have accepted their decision and are using their own contract to do business with their customers. Thus, a deadlock has been created, and it is undoubtedly causing hard feelings to arise. Whilst there is not any actual stoppage of business there are threats from some of the militant exhibitors that they will refrain altogether from booking. A NYONE who cares to study the meetings of ex Is this a good thing for the industry? Surely every member, whether he be exhibitor, renter or manufacturer, will agree that such a state of affairs can only result in chaos and consequent loss of business. Unfortunately, whilst there has been a good deal of discussion upon this vexed question, not a single constructive argument has come forward from the exhibitors’ side whereby the position of things could be altered. In the main, at almost every meeting, one only hears slashing attacks upon renters who, apparently, possess not a single virtue. The C.P.M.A. have already prepared a form of contract containing but a very few clauses, which has been sent to several of the renting houses for their approval, and has generally been turned down. At least it can be said that this Association have moved in the matter, and have taken a definite step towards removing the deadlock. On the other hand, the C.E.A., whilst uttering dire threats of what they are going to do, have not yet made any move to come into the open and argue this question out to finality with the renters. Both sides have a grievance, but nothing will be accomplished while they stand aloof and do not get together. What is the remedy? As we have said in these columns time and again, the contract question is one that if tackled by a small committee of renters and exhibitors, with an impartial chairman, could be satisfactorily solved in a very few hours. Undoubtedly, the contract is, in its present form, far too unwieldy and a more simple form with a half-a-dozen clauses at most will easily meet the case. It is no use exhibitors attempting to put in their contract clauses which will seriously hamper the renter in his business. It is only through this sheer obstinacy in the past that the present trouble has arisen. At the same time, renters ‘have a genuine grievance in so far as the payment in seven days’ clause is hardly ever adhered to. It must be admitted that if exhibitors only paid their accounts a little more promptly they would be able to dictate far better terms. The principal grievance that exhibitors have is the hawking of contracts, and their demand that they shall be signed simultaneously is one which, if met, would do away with a great deal of the present trouble. How far off are both sides from agreement? We venture to say there are at most three or four contentious clauses over which there is likely to be any argument. In the interests of the whole of the trade, is it not desirable that this trouble should be remedied at the earliest possible moment? Stiff-necked pride and obstinacy will get neither side anywhere. The Renters’ Society have, in their chairman, a man who is singularly fair-minded and can be relied upon to meet the C.E.A. and .C.P.M.A. members in a spirit of reasonableness which will go far to remedy any grievance that they have. There are equally among exhibitors men who can be relied upon for a square deal. Let three exhibitors and three renters meet round a table with an impartial chairman, such as an eminent jurist, to see that the legal points are kept in mind, and the whole of this business would be disposed of in a very short time. At the present moment the contract question is an ominous cloud on the horizon which threatens trouble at any moment. It is not good for anyone in this business to have such a state of affairs existing, and we appeal to the C.E.A. and K.R.S. to sweep aside their differences and get down to business. By so doing, they will remove all possible friction and a far better feeling will be engendered. After all, there are many matters upon which both sides must be in considerable opposition to each other, but when it comes to a question of what should be, after all, one of the minor questions in this trade, it will be far easier for the whole of this business if any trouble is quickly remedied. We know that all the vague threats that are indulged in will be swept away if the matter is tackled quickly, provided there is a desire on both sides to produce a contract that wil be acceptable to everyone in the trade.