THE FILM INDUSTRY.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20269, 11 August 1937, Page 7

THE FILM INDUSTRY.

IMPORTANCE TO BRITAIN. ALLEGED BOYCOTT IN AMERICA. GREAT EFFECT ON TRADE. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. LONDON, August 10. The Motion Picture Daily states that the United States already estimates her foreign trade in films equipment at £25,000,000 a year, of which £4,000,000 is accounted for by projection and photographic goods. The United States Secretary for Commerce, Mr D. C. Roper, is reported to have commented on the indirect benefit accruing to the United States from the exhibition of American films in foreign countries, and to have stated that it was of still greater importance to the general export trade. In a letter to the Times, on the subject, Mr W. A. Wayland, of the British Films Advancement Council, says: “This is a sidelight on the importance of a flourishing film industry which Britain cannot afford to neglect. We cannot be expected to Increase our indirect marketing until British films have won fair recognition in the United States. It is not impossible ttiat the alleged boycott of British films in America has been prompted by wider interests than the American film Industry alone, and we should encourweapon at its disposal to correct such a stale of affairs. We have not only the British film industry to consider in the struggle for cinematic supremacy, but the interests of British trade as a whole.” Mr Wayland adds: “Through its films, America hopes for larger of household articles, automobiles, industrial machinery and clothing.”