FILM INDUSTRY.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20238, 23 February 1934, Page 4

FILM INDUSTRY.

Committee of Investigation Appointed. WIDE ORDER OF REFERENCE. Per Press Association. DUNEDIN, February 22. Following an announcement made recently by the Minister of Industries and Commerce, the Hon R. Masters, regarding the Government’s intention to set up a committee to investigate difficulties that had arisen in the film industry, the Minister advised to-day that the Government had decided to appoint as a committee members of the recent Industries and Commerce Committee of the House to conduct an inquiry. The personnel of the conv mittee is as follows; Messrs A. Harris, P. M’Skimming, P; A. de la Perrelle, A. E. Ansell, C. A. Wilkinson, H. Holland, Hon J. G. Cobbe and Hon A. D. M’Leod. The order of reference has been made as comprehensive as possible, and will indicate to the committee the more important features of the industry which require special consideration. The order of reference is as follows; (1) Whether the present forms of contract used by film exchanges are reasonable and equitable, and as to the desirability or otherwise of the provision of a standard form of contract and the terms and conditions of such contract. (2) Whether any amendments are desirable in regard to the amount or form of taxation to which the industry is at present subject. “ Blind ” and “ Block ” Booking. (3) Whether the present system of blind ” and “ block ’ booking should be continued, and whether provision should be made for statutory rejection rights, either additional to those j at present operating under the Cinej matograph Films Act, or an alterna- ! tive to such rights, or whether special j rejection rights, should be providid , with respect to “ block ” booking, and j whether differential rejection rights as 1 between exhibitors should be permit- | ted or prescribed. i (4) Whether the hiring of films by any exhibitor in respect of any theatre : under his control should be restricted | to such number of films as is reasonj ably necessary for the effective operai tion of such theatre, and whether i special provision is desirable for the | division of the “ service ” of individual j renters between competitive theatres j under equitable conditions. (o) Whether the proposals of the Exhibitors’ Association - with reference to insurance against loss or damage to films is reasonable as an alternative to the condition insisted upon by renters under the present contract and, if so, whether provision should be made for giving effect to such proposals. Minimum Charge Provision. (6) Whether the clause in contracts requiring a minimum charge of Is for admission to theatres is reasonable, or whether a modification is desirable in certain cases in the public interest. (7) Whether any restriction on the erection of licensing of additional theatres or on those already existing is desirable, in the interest of the in dustry or in the public interest, to prevent economic waste. (S) Whether any amendments are desirable in the present provisions of tfie Cinematograph Films Act or regulations. (9) Whether any provision is desirable for setting up a board or committee for the internal control of the industry and settlement of difficulties which may arise as between renter ana exhibitor, also the constitution of such board, and whether Government representation is desirable. The sittings of the committee will begin early next month. It is proposed at a later date to send formal notice of the time and place of meeting to the various interests and persons associated with the industry, but the inquiry will be open to any person to submit information which will be of assistance to the committee in its deliberations. Evidence submitted must be in the form of a written statement, with a statutory declaration as to its correctness.

INQUIRY WELCOMED.

Committee Will Have Every Assistance. (Special to the “ Star.”) WELLINGTON, February 22. After a fortnight’s visit to New Zealand, w r hen he was closely in touch with leading people concerned in the film industry, Sir Victor Wilson, president of the Motion Picture Distributors Association of Australia and New Zealand, has returned to Sydney, where he will at once busy himself in the film inquiry now proceeding Sir Victor, who a few years ago was the most prominent figure in the antagonism of the trade to the change in taxation methods imposed on film distributors, is unable to appear before the coming New Zealand film investigation, but he informed a “Times” correspondent that the Distributors Association has made arrangements to be represented.

“We welcome inquiry at all times,” declared Sir Victor. “Reasonable investigation of the industry is welcomed, and every possible assistance will be given to the committee by the persons we have selected to represent us. Wherever possible the Australian and New Zealand Association leaves the domestic affairs of New Zealand to its members in the Dominion, and it is all wrong that impression abroad that we try to govern the industry from Australia. I have always made a firm stand that wherever practicable the responsibility rests on the men in the industry in this country.”