BRITISH FILMS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 152, 30 June 1927, Page 3

BRITISH FILMS.

REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE,

GOVERNMENT PROTECTION SOUGHT.

DEPUTATION TO PRIME MINISTER.

.. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. A request for definite assistance by way of Government protection for British films exhibited in New Zealand was made to the Premier to-day by a deputation representing New Zealand Film Productions, Ltd. Tho chairman of directors, Mr. Butler, said the company was now in operation, and aimed at producing a series of New Zealand-made pictures and a thousand feet weekly of industrial-travol-scenie film, covering all parts of the Dominion. ' The managing director, Mr. Montague Thacker, said they asked that the quota of British films to American required to be exhibited in New Zealand should be fixed at 10 per cent. "But you have got 10 per cent already," observed the Premier. Mr. Thacker said they asked for a definite 10 per cent quota. "I know you were in favour of that when you were in England." They wanted to establish a big picture industry in New Zealand, but they must have protection.

Th.' Premier referred to proposals in the British bill where it was proposed that the percentage of British films to be shown should be gradually increased until 1905. It was understood that the quota provided for in the bill was 20 per cent to start with, and New Zealand was a long way ahead of that now The British proposals would be considered in due.course, and he would bo able to inform them whether he proposed to bring down New Zealand legislation. Mr. Thacker said America had all the money at present, and they found it difficult to get anything done. Mr. C'oates: Suppose we made tho British quota 25 per cent. You could not get it; the pictures are not there to get. Mr. Thacker pointed out that they were increasing. Mr. C'oates: Oh, yes. It would be necessary for all the pros and cons to be considered. The .Government wanted to act with its eyes open. Mr. Thacker said that at present the production of coloured scenic slides exhibited to advertise forthcoming films was controlled by an Australian monopoly. They wished to have the quota fixed in regard to them also.

The-Premier said they would see his reply wlien legislation was introduced.