DOMINION-MADE PICTURES.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17498, 5 July 1922, Page 14

DOMINION-MADE PICTURES.

o . MISS KELLERMAN AT WORK (SPECIAt TO "THE TRESS.") NELSON, .July 4. Additional information regarding the Annette Kellerman film was given by Mr J. R. Sullivan in an address before the Chamber of Commerce. Dealing with events leading up to the choosing of Nelson as the scene of the production, Mr Sullivan earJ that, while in Christchurch soon after his arrival in New Zealand, he was asked to make a picture. He travelled the Dominion to gain the necessary information, but was of the opinion that it could not bo done. Mr P. H. Climiu, secretary of the Canterbury Progress League, urged him to see the West Coast, and he had found that there was too much rain thero to do anything. Then he came- on to Nelson, and was greatly impressed with the climate, and after tho local support Ibat had besn given him, it decided him to commence operations here. In this connexion he wished to thank the City Council, Messrs Crequer, Surrell, T. Neale, and the president of the Chamber (Mr A. Gilbert). Ho was satisfied that a picture could be made in Nelson for £,IOOO loss than anywhere else. With the climate and assistance already offered, he was satisfied that he could turn, out a good picture. Mr Sullivan gave some interesting information concerning the advertising of tho picture in America. As it proceeded newspaper articles would be sent, which would bo widely distributed. There were 18,000 picture theatres in America, and Miss Kellerman's pictures wejo shown in about 4000. Everything in the picture must be of the best, in order to compete with the/American productions, and he might want the assistance of the public in this connexion. .The company did: not want anything for nothing, but wanited the heat. For tho submarine scenes special ; apparatus was being obtained from America, and some these scenes would be taken at Takaka, where preparations were already in progress. Two sailing ships and steamers would he rcauired, end also a larger liiwr for some of the scenes, He wanted to do overvthing in Nelson, and leave the money in the place. A lot of people would he needed, and business firms had met him very liberally in tha matter of obtaining tho large amount of material neceraary for the production. Mr Sullivan indioated that on the result of the picture might depend the setting up, of permanent studios in Nelson, as pictures could bo produced here) cheaper than in England, on account of tho better climatic conditions, whiijh were an important factor. Mr Sullivan ah>o stated that the making of pictures brought a.lot of visitors to the town, which would further help to ndvertiso it, as well as leaving a good deal of money behind them. The president said ho hoped the picture wouH he such a success as would warrant a permanent industry being established in Nelson. • . ' ■ Mr H. R. Duncan was of opinion that Nelson was extremely fortunate'in having the picture taken in- Nelson, and the promoters should have every support accorded them.. Referring to Mr Sullivan's remarks as to the climatic conditions of Nelson, Mr F. Q. GIbDS mentioned that Mr Evershed some years ago, who was in Nelson in connexion with the establishmg of an observatory, had given it as his opinio.i that Nelson had the best climato for the purpose in the world. Mr Gibba went on to say that he was now using articles which had recently appearod in the Press to the production, of the picture to impress upon those concerned th* •dvnhtagefl Nolfon possessed for the establishing of an observatory, which was contemplated by an American University. One of those "present appeared to he rather sowitical as to the report that porpoises and oetopi were to be used at the reservoir [ in maHn* the picture. Mr fluHiwre: Th« ootopi -and porpoises are going up there'all right, t dnn't know how, but thev are going to get there somsbow. (Laughter,)