EMPIRE FILM QUOTA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23858, 12 July 1939, Page 14

EMPIRE FILM QUOTA

NEW SOUTH WALES ACT FIFTEEN PER CENT. OF PROGRAMMES (From Our Own Correspondent) SYDNEY, July 6. All exhibitors of motion pictures -in New South Wales must show_ 15 per cent, of Empire films on their programmes for the 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 earned on with (he 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 distribution 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 th^ ‘producing side of the industryj-p Australia:'- £ v

'i; ' Benefits from Quota, v, ,* . "Thfe qu6ta is fixed at 15 percent.-for -the-first-'year pnly, ■ .The; Filin - Commission will meet-during the year ylo fix the' Empire quota for-the 1940-41 :i?ear. The' quota may' ; be ■)retained, or increased, or, if there ; is any;difficulty voyep quality, reduced.- .-Great ■benefits to ■ the Australian and British film Industries‘v have been expected from a reciprocal.'arrangement foria , film quota; , ; ■■ ' “If : a" reciprocal arrangement ..-is reached, it wifi make a big difference to our revenue, and to that of British film producers,” said Mr Ken. Hall, of : Cinesound Productions Pty., Ltd. ;. “The blunging into force of als 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. TJie British •films have proved to the world that 'they are capable of fulfilling-the highr est - standards; ; J Promises . made by representatives, of Australian producers in England,, to" urge this legislation, have now been amply satisfied ”