Independent Film Houses Want Protection

Chronicle (Levin), 19 June 1948, Page 6

Independent Film Houses Want Protection

WELLINGTON, June 18. The ease for the necessity for adequate protection of independent lilm exhibitors was submitted to the Pariia mentary film inquiry this niorning by Mr. C. E. Carleton, a representative oi tlie, -independent section of exhibitors oi New 45eaiand on tlie Film industry Board and an executive member of" the New Zealand Motiun Picture Exhibitors' Association. Mr. Carleton said exhibitor mon'opolies were inhereut in the industry and some coiisideration should be given, to their iiiuitation. liegulations should be made to stop major and independent exhibitors from competing for a new licenee in a situation which was at present lieid by oue or the otlier in a closed town. New liceuces and transfers of existing ones should be subjee; (o close scrutiny to ensure that the rights and livclihood of independent exhibitors were strongly protected. Complete control of New Zealand picture theatrcs in the hands of New Zealand and British nationals was str.ongly reconnnended by Mr. Carleton. He added restrictive licensing should continue and liceuces should be 'coii trolled by the proposed licensing tribuiial, Independent exhibitors generally bclieved the supply of films to them was reasonably good, but suggested that "roadshow" and 1 ' super duper" at tractions should be increased in num ber. Among witness's other submissions were suggesjtions that horror lilin.should be eliniinated as they were not lliought to be in -the best public interesx and that film production in New Zealand should be encouraged, particularlv in short subject films. Discussiug film hiring, Mr. Carlelon said the practice had grown up for film distrilmtors to exclude certain pictures from the servico contract and to demand greatly increased hires for them, even up tc> three times the previous noriual top hiring rates. Wliere in ereased rates were thought justifiable a case should be stated to the Pric-.-Tribunal, witness submitted.