The Archers Manifesto
As outlined by Emeric Pressburger & Michael Powell in a letter to Wendy Hiller
to explain why she should join them for
The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp.
One, we owe allegiance to nobody except the financial
interests which provide our money; and, to them, the sole responsibility
of ensuring them a profit, not a loss.
Two, every single foot in our films is our own responsibility
and nobody else's. We refuse to be guided or coerced by any influence but our
own judgement.
Three, when we start work on a new idea we must be a year ahead,
not only of our competitors, but also of the times. A real film, from
idea to universal release, takes a year. Or more.
Four, no artist believes in escapism. And we secretly believe
that no audience does. We have proved, at any rate, that they will pay to see
the truth, for other reasons than her nakedness.
Five, at any time, and particularly at the present, the self
respect of all collaborators, from star to prop-man, is sustained, or
diminished, by the theme and purpose of the film they are working on. They
will fight or intrigue to work on a subject they feel is urgent or
contemporary, and fight equally hard to avoid working on a trivial
or pointless subject. And we agree with them and want the best
workmen with us; and get them. These are the main things we believe
in. They have brought us an unbroken record of success and a unique
position. Without the one, of course, we should not enjoy the other
very long. We are under no illusions. We know we are surrounded
by hungry sharks. But you have no idea what fun it is surf-bathing,
if you have only paddled, with a nurse holding on to the back of
your rompers.
We hope you will come on in, the water's fine.
