Viewing page 128 of 136

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

10

(Our earlier contract with CBS News, over a three-year period, led to only two one-hour specials being telecast.) The producer who has repeatedly been brought to our attention is David L. Wolper, associated with many prime-time commercial documentary specials through the years, including the National Geographic Specials.

8. [[underlined]] Question: What does the Wolper contract propose? [[/underlined]]

[[underlined]] Answer: [[/underlined]] Wolper would produce three, four, or five television specials a year for four years beginning next fall (the 1973-74 television season) to be aired on prime-time, network television and subsequently distributed through syndication. Smithsonian will receive as a royalty 7 1/2% of the first $350,000 gross received by Wolper and 10% on all receipts above that. In addition to an advance upon signing, Smithsonian will receive certain minimum guaranteed payments when the programs are telecast. Smithsonian will not license another producer to make Smithsonian films or commercial or educational television during those four years, though we may produce noncompeting television programs for the growing market for children. Wolper will assume full financial responsibility and may not hold us responsible for any costs arising out of the contract. Wolper will also bear the costs of any extraordinary demands made upon the Institu-