N.Z. producer wants three-film deal on Bagley books

Press, 16 May 1985, Page 10

N.Z. producer wants three-film deal on Bagley books

NZPA special correspondent

A package of three films based on books by the adventure writer, Desmond Bagley, is being discussed at Cannes by the Wellington producer, Grahame McLean.

Mr McLean says he recently acquired film rights to “Snowtiger,” a Bagley story set in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. The rights to two other books by the English author, who died three years ago, have been taken out by film companies in Sweden and Norway. “I am having discussions with the Norwegian producer and a distributor regarding the possibility of packaging the three films together, so investors can spread the risk,” Mr McLean said. He is confident he will have his film project sold

by the time he returns to New Zealand from Europe.

“Snowtiger” is about a mining town destroyed by an avalanche. The cause of the avalanche is alleged to be the mining company’s decision to clear trees on the mountain slopes above the settlement. Mr McLean said locations for the movie had already been scouted in the South Island. Provided there is enough snow and the script is complete, he could begin shooting in September or October.

Meanwhile, the producer is selling two low-budget pictures here which were shot back-to-back in 1984. They are “Should I be Good?” a thriller with a Mr Asia background set in Wellington, and “The Lie of the Land,” a mystery romance set in rural New Zealand of the 19205. The latter film features Roberta

Wallach, the daughter of the American actor, Eli Wai-. lach.

Both films were produced, directed and largely ." writted by Mr McLean.

For several days last . week, it seemed that the;,. Wellington producer might'., not be able to conduct the hard selling, campaign he " had travelled to undertake.

Seven cartons of publicity material, sent first-class air freight from New Zealand’' in mid-April, field to ap-*' pear. Eventually, the con- ’ signment was traced to Paris, and landed at Cannes soon after.

Mr McLean believes that - the future market for feature films rests in video and home entertainment outlets. However, it was,, still necessary to seek some ’■ form of theatrical release?, as a promotional “window” for such sales, he said.