FILM CONTRACTS..

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 303, 18 November 1930, Page 6

FILM CONTRACTS..

OBJECTION TO NEW CLAUSE. Per Pre93 Association. WELLINGTON, Nov. 18. Very little business has been done in film circles since the acting Prime Minister, Hon. E. A. Ransom, made the statement early last week that the dispute between the Government and the distributors had come to an end. For a day or two after that announcement the film agencies in Wellington awaited instructions from their head offices in Sydney as to recommencing business, but even when the essential word was given there was no rush of showmen desiring to book the films which had been accumulating on the shelves of the renters in this country. When this matter was inquired into it was found that there was an obstacle in the form of a new clause which exhibitors signing new contracts were being asked to subscribe to, its nature, it is said, being such that exhibitors have hesitated to make contracts which are not wholly binding upon the renter. On the renters’ part, this clause is claimed to be a safeguard against possible developments or adjustments in .taxation as the result of the inquiry promised to the trade for March next. Members of the executive of the Motion Picture Exhibitors’ Association met yesterday morning to discuss matters in connection with the clause referred to, and as a result negotiations are to be opened up with the distributors with a view to having the proposed clause el f , her wholly eliminated or modified in such a way as shall be acceptable to the exhibitors.