No more 'doling out' to independent film-makers

Press, 26 August 1977, Page 11

No more 'doling out ' to independent film-makers

By

KEN COATES

The old system of doling out large sums of money to independent film-makers with commissions to make films for television is not favoured by TVl’s head of information programmes (Richard Thomas').

He says it is important for the growth of filmmaking that television channels and independents work hand in hand. His recent attitude had been that film-makers should work with television, and several had worked on specific productions, including Wayne Tourell. Keith Hawke, and Sam Pillsbury.

Richard Thomas alst emphasises the importance of TVl’s developing its own skills in film-making,

and indicates that this is to be given priority. But, he says, Pacific Films has $45,000 worth of contracts in view, and Telenion Productions, of Christchurch, had $50,000

worth of work this year. “If an independent filmmaker comes up with an idea I could not do myself, I would consider it.’’ he says. “If I can possibly squeeze the money for it, I will.” Only one proposal from an outside company had been declined in the last few months. But it would have been irresponsible to spend money needed for

films and for training on a documentary made overseas by an independent company.

“We will look at every proposal very carefully, but no outside film company has an automatic right to money from TVI,” he added. There would always be the film-makers with unique styles, such as Hanafi Hayes, who worked better outside large organisations. and whose work would always be in demand. “There will be things we cannot do ourselves because of the nature of our film-makers.” he said. “The kind of people who make natural history films, for example, could

produce material we would not do ourselves and which could be bought, provided it is the goods.’’

Richard Thomas, a former 8.8. C. man, is strongly behind moves to increase the expertise of New Zealanders engaged in production.

Three staff from South Pacific. Television and four from TVI are at present attending a six-week workshop at the Australian Film and Television Schoo! on directing documentary films. Further training is

planned, and Thomas himself will be a lecturer at the school from time to time.