EMPIRE FILM QUOTA

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 July 1939, Page 9

EMPIRE FILM QUOTA

NEW SOUTH WALES ACT. SYDNEY, July G. All exhibitors of motion pictures in New South Wales must show 15 per cent, of Empire films on their programmes for th© next year. An announcement of this followed on a decision of the State Cabinet that the quota should be proclaimed immediately. Under amending legislation passed last year, a 15 per cent, quota for Empire films was agreed to, but this section of the Bill was not proclaimed until this week. It was decided to withhold gazettal as a. bargaining weapon while negotiations were carried on with the British Government to secure reciprocal treatment for New South Wales films entering that country. Legislation passed in England last year made it impossible for an Australian film to be accepted as a British quota film for distributioan purposes. Negotiations are proceeding for British reciprocity and the bringing into operation in New South Wales of the Empire quota will be interpreted' as a gesture of sincerity by Australia. The New South Wales quota legislation was aimed at American producers who took heavy revenue from Australia without returning anything to the producing side of the industry in Australia. The quota is fixed at 15 per cent, for the first year only. The Film Commission will meet during the year to fix the Empire quota for the 1940-41 year. The quota may be retained, or increased, or, if there is any difficulty over quality, reduced. Great benefits to the Australian and British film industries have been expected from a reciprocal arrangement for a film quota. “If a reciprocal arrangement is reached, it will make a big difference to our revenue, and to that of British film producers,” said Mr Ken. Hall, of Cinesound Productions Pty., Ltd. “The bringing into force of a 15 per cent, quota for British films in Australia is the. end of a long effort by Australian producers,” said Mr Frederick Danieel, one of the representatives of the Australian producers, who have been pressing for the legislation. “It is significant that the urge for this legislation was commenced by the Imperial Conference in 1926. There never was a time in the Empire’s history when there was a greater need for the interchange of British atmosphere in motion pictures. The British films have proved to the world that they are capable of fulfilling the highest standards. Promises made by representatives of Australian producers in England, to urge this legislation, have now been amply satisfied.”