FILM QUOTA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 4 August 1928, Page 7

FILM QUOTA

BILL BEFORE THE HOUSE SAME AS LAST YEAR PROVISION FOR REGISTRATION (By Telegraph.) (From "The Mail's" Parliamentary Reporter). WELLINGTON, 3rd August. The provisions of the Cinematograph Films Bill, introduced in the House of Representatives to-day are substantially the same as last year's measure, which was not enacted. It is proposed to 'appoint a Registrar of films, which office may be held in conjunction with that of censor or any other office in the Public Service. All films must be registered saving those which have been exhibited in the Dominion before the passing of the Act. The Registrar is empowered to demand such particulars as he may desire before granting registration of a film. If after registration the length- of a film is altered to the extent of more than 5 per cent, notice of the alteration must be given to the registrar. The film quota provisions are the same'as were provided last, year. Film renters and exhibitors must, be licensed. In the year 1929 renters are required to acquire at least 7i per cent of New Zealand or British films and this quota is to be increased by. 2£ per cent, annually until 1936 when it will remain at 20 per cent. Exhibitors must show at least 5 per cent, -.of New Zealand and British films in 1929-30, the quota rising.' by '2£ per cent annually' until 1937, wlien it is to remain at 20 per cent. '■•;>• '•■"■<

A.jfilm hire tax is to be levied on licensed film renters assessed at 5 per cent, oh the '-' gross receipts • derived from the renting of New Zealand films during the preceding year, 7i per cent, in regard to British films and 12J per cent, in respect to foreign films. For the purpose of advising him on matters of administration the Minister is empowered to appoint an advisory committee jjonsisting of not more than two representatives of renters, ,an equal number of representatives of exhibitors and not more than three other persons having no pecuniary interest in any branch of the film industry, one of the latter to be chairman. The Billi repeals the Cinematograph Film Act of 1916 and re-enacts that law with minor! alterations in order to have all' the law relating specifically to cinematograph films included in one statute. Provision is also made for securing the safety of the.public and of property from dangers arising from the storage, transport \ or projection of cinema film. ..''',