8mm Forum: Did Blackhawk get subsidy from the Govt?

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Posted by Winbert Hutahaean (Member # 58) on March 16, 2009, 01:45 AM:

quote:
Sure, 13 dollars was worth more back then, but that's still a bargain price. I remember digests (such as Star Wars) going for 59.00 dollars or more (400ft) no matter whether the quality was worth it or not.

The above quote was from Osi's comment on my other topic and has triggered my other curiosity. That's why I chose to start another topic instead of continuing in the previous thread.

Since Osi compared the price of Blackhawk releases compared to other companies' price which was far different, do you think this company got subsidy from the government according to the economic condition during that time.

John Black who has an expertise in Blackhawk things may do some research and respond here.

But let's see the characteristics of subsidy that could happen to Blackhawk's releases. These below characteristics are general terms for subsidized products that still apply to date.

1. It has to use local content as much as possible (in this regard, Kodak stock)

2. It has to push domestic interest (in this regard, it was only American (read: Hollywood) artists)

3. Can be asked for Government's purposes/interests (in this regard, Government's propaganda)

4. Marketed largely for domestic purposes (i.e Exporting the subsidized products will not be allowed)

If the below questions can be answered "Yes" then I will put down my thesis.

a. Did you find any of Blackhawk on AGFA Gavert stock, although AGFA has a very good B/W stock?)

b. Did you find any of Blackhawk releases with non-American artists?

c. Did Blakchawk not have government propaganda releases?

d. Did you get Blackawk releases easily outside American land?

This is not a political issue, but juts an interesting matter that can also revealed why Walton (UK company) mainly used AGFA or Fuji stock instead of Kodak.

cheers,

Posted by John W. Black (Member # 1082) on March 16, 2009, 09:48 AM:

Blackhawk never recieved any government assistence.As far as stock,Bonine Labs in Des Moines,Ia did most of the prints and the choice of stock was theirs.Blackhawk pricing was comparable to other companies,but remember,for years,black and white stock was cheaper than color.Also,since the labs were in Iowa,they didn't have to pay New York or California prices on lab work.The Hal Roach films were not available overseas due to the agreement with Roach,who had an agreement with Walton for the UK.

Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on March 16, 2009, 03:50 PM:

Awesome info there, John, and I really look forward to part two of your Blackhawk history in the Reel Images Magazine!

Posted by Bill Brandenstein (Member # 892) on March 17, 2009, 12:18 AM:

Since I keep a library list of titles and data, it was easy to check -- of about a dozen Blackhawk titles I have or have projected, all of them are on Eastman stock from late 1960s to 1981, with one exception. W. C. Field's "The Dentist" is on Agfa.

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