BRITISH AND GERMAN FILMS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 4 February 1928, Page 4

BRITISH AND GERMAN FILMS

DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT An agreement for the exchango and distribution of liljus, between tho loading British and German interests, was announced last month by the London “Financial News.” On tho English sido the: contracting party is tho group comprised under the banner of the Gaumont-British Picture Corporation, while the German film interest concerned is the Ufa Company, which also controls the Doulig, the Deck, and certain other companies. Germany is tho only country outside tiie United States, which approximates to Great Britain in importance as a film market, and the two companies may to some extent bo regarded as counterparts in their respective territories, particularly as their'capitals aro about the same, running into millions sterling. The most significant feature of the agreement is that while German films, and the Ufa product in particular, have had considerable circulation in England in the past, hitherto English films have never been able, except in a few instances, to obtain a market in Germany. In future the Ufa Company will acquire a definite proportion of tho British films belonging to the Gaumont British Corporation or its affiliated companies for distribution in Germany, and will handle them on sharing or percentage terms similar to those upon which the German films will he distributed in England and subject to substantial advance payments and cash guarantees. Subject to a definite minimum in each case, both companies will have the right of rejection in regard to films unsuitable for their respective markots. The mutual agreement permits the GaumontBritish Company to have a voice in consultation on the production activities of the German company, and to bo present in the studios during production ; vice versa, the German company will advise if required on the English company's studio and technical matters. It is planned also from time to time to exchange artists, so that British artists may learn the German technique and acnuire “box office” or “star ’ value in tooth countries, and vice versa. The companies intend to operate to mutual advantage in several other countries, particularly m tho Central European States, where British fdms at present seldom, if ever, penetrate. The agreement is a trading agreement purely and sole!', and involves no financial merger or joint capital interest. It is, however, a portent of the utmost importance in regard to the future of British films, says the “Financial. News.” Above all. it is the first occasion since the war on which British films have secured a definite foothold in the Continental market, with every promise of building up a remunerative trade over the period of years for which the agreement runs.