FILM INDUSTRY.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19508, 3 January 1929, Page 7

FILM INDUSTRY.

VAST CAPITAL EMPLOYED. The wonderful development of the British film industry and the rogue of sound films were discussed at Auckland by the Hon. Mr Marks, M.L.C., of Sydney, who is returning to Australia by the Aorangi, after investigating tho film industries of the United States and Great Britain on behalf of the Commonwealth Government. He has taken a prominent interest in the Australian film industry, and framed the recent legislation dealing with it. He will furnish a report to the Government on Mb return. "The talking film has created extraordinary interest in America and in England," said Mr Marks. "It has oome to stay and cannot be side-step-ped." Mr Marks said in 11 weeks the Fox Film Company erected a studio at Fox Hill at a cost of £1,800.000 for the making tf talking films. All the other companies, including those in Great Britain, were falling into line. "I made a thorough investigation of the film industry in Great Britain, and there is no doubt the old lion is shaking itself and coming fully to life in this direction," said Mr Marks. "I found the studios were well equipped, while for the first time perhaps the companies have sufficient money to carry on. The Elstree studio—the Hollywood cf England—is situated in' 72 acres of land, and £50,000 Was recently speut in erecting a sound-proof studio for the making of talking films. Four companies were producing big films when I was there." Mr Marks conferred with practically every producer in the. United State*, and 'met all the prominent film actors and actresses. He also addressed by request a gathering of some 10 film' censors, placing before them Australia's idea of film censorship. "Film censorship-is a very Ifve question in the United States just noWj" added Mr Marks. "They are finding in 'Mr Will Hays, ex-Postmaster-General for the United States, who gave up that position to take over the control of the film industry, a man who is sincere in his endeavour to get cleaner films. His ideal, however, is yet to be achieved, and therefore the Australian Board of Censorship must stand in the meantime " Mr Marks was amased at the power of the industry in the United States. The sum of £300,000,000 was invested in it, and every year some £25,000,000 was spent in making about 900 pictures. The industry also maintained 266,000 permanent employees.