N.Z.-made feature films?

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32970, 17 July 1972, Page 1

N.Z.-made feature films?

A Government-backed feature film industry in New Zealand could be a booming success, the Australian stage, television and film actor, John Bonney, said in Christchurch yesterday. Mr Bonney, who is one of the stars of the comedy. “Move over Mrs Markham,” said in an interview that New Zealand’s scenery was unique its climate equable, and there was obviously enough local talent to make a major film industry worth while. “Within one thousand miles you can provide the kind of location for any kind

of film —and I do mean any kind —that you’d care to select,” he said. If New Zealand, as was rumoured, was short of overseas funds, then a properly promoted film industry was a must, given support from the Government and private industry. A grant of s2m would be all that was required to get four major films off the ground, Mr Bonney said. “Once the Government got distribution rights overseas, which I’m sure with its influence it could do, then over a period of three years, say, the return in overseas funds on that original investment would amount to more than sloom.

“It could be a booming industry here for another reason. You don’t yet have the union problems here that beset most movie companies in the United States, for example. This would be very attractive to overseas producers.”

Mr Bonney, who was star of the television productions “Skippy” and “Contrabandits” said that it was often too easy to overlook acting talent in Australia and New Zealand. “Perhaps we under-sell ourselves, but I’m convinced the talent is there. I’ve certainly seen some good material in my two months here,” he said.