Re: Should/Could TARS buy S&A Film rights


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Posted by Mark on February 24, 1998 at 19:36:17:

In Reply to: Should/Could TARS buy S&A Film rights posted by Phil Winterbourne on February 24, 1998 at 13:04:20:

Phil has an interesting idea that could be explored further.

Actually, getting the film rights would probably be rather complicated.
Although the film is not being distributed in Britian, it is readily available
in the United States in NTSC format. Obviously, the film owner sells
distribution rights in specific areas. Phil mentions that they are already
owned in Britian by WH Smith. As far as ownership, my copy of the film
describes it as "An EMI film, A Theatre Projects Film Production" Republic
Pictures is the American distributor. The beginning of the film says,
"Nat Cohen presents for Anglo-EMI Film Distributors LTD" and the copyright
is also Anglo-EMI.

I think what we might want is the right to be a distributor, but not the sole
distributor. That would probably involve too much cost and work at the present
time, but might be feasible later when/if the owner sees the film as no longer
profitable to market.

If Tars did have the distribution rights, we could at least add a disclaimer,
so that people could accept the film for what it is and not accept it as an
accurate depiction of Ransome's writing and story. There will always be the
question of how good a film it is.

The story is streamlined in some places, and downright incorrect in others, like
having the Swallows almost run down by a steamer on the way to the island. There
are also problems with some of the main characters. John is too young, Nancy looks
right but seems bored instead of hearty, Captain Flint wrong AND living on a sort of
cruiser instead of the houseboat.

On a positive note, the music and settings are excellent. So are most of the
characters. Susan and Peggy, two characters who often seem less developed in some
of the books, seem quite real in the film. I do feel that as long as people realize
the film's shortcomings, it is an excellent way to see where the lake books took place,
as well as the period in which they are set.

It certainly wouldn't hurt to investigate some sort of distributorship
or eventual ownership for the future.

All of this is less a problem in the United States, at least right now.
Video tape films usually sell for about $12 to $24 US. Swallows and Amazons,
the VHS NTSC U.S. version is available at Suncoast Video, a national video
chain store. It sold for about $8 US last fall, (about 13 pounds sterling).
It may be a few dollars more by now. If anyone out there would like a copy,
I could probably buy one or order several on my next trip to town, and
arrange shipping for you. Remember this is the NTSC version, not playable in
Britain.


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