BRITISH FILMS

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 61, 14 March 1927, Page 9

BRITISH FILMS

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

BILL TO AID INDUSTRY

OBLIGATIONS ON RENTERS

(United Pross Association.—Copyright.) LONDON, 11th March!

The Government's Cinematograph ilms Bill relating to so-called "feature films," or films depicting dramas, requires that all such films should be registered by the Board of Trade, and restricts the so : called "blind" booking and advance booking. .

It imposes an obligation on i enters to acquire a minimum length of British films as compared with the total length of films handled. The quota is fixed at 7-i per cent, in 1928, increasing 2* per cent, annually until it reaches 25 per cent. Exhibitors are under a similar obligation, except that their quota is not operative before 1929, while the quota is calculated not merely on length of film but on the total'feet of film multiplied by the number of times it is'exhibited and the normal hours of the ordinary programme. The Act comes into force on Ist October, and does not apply to Northern Ireland.

The Bill defines British film—namely, it must be made by British subjects or a company constituted under law of some part of the Empire. Studio scenes must be photographed within the Empire unless the Board of Trade permits photographing elsewhere in order to secure a British atmosphere. The scenario or w.ork on which it is based must be written by a British subject. Finally, at least 75 per cent, of the salaries and wages paid in respect *of the making of a film, exclusive of producer's fee or one "star," must be paid to British people or porsons domiciled within the Empire.