N.Z. FILM PRODUCTION

Evening Star, Issue 21811, 29 August 1934, Page 4

N.Z. FILM PRODUCTION

COMEDY TO BE PRODUCED IN DUNEDIN That the old country is not fast asleep iu regard to the possibilities of .her possessions overseas serving as a background for the making of talkies, is shown by the fact that scenarios have been produced in India, Malta, Ceylon, and Jamaica, and now New Zealand is to have its turn. A small but enthusiastic band of New Zealand pioneers in cinematography have, for many years past, been groping along in a quiet way, making scenic films and news reels, and these have been marketed in various parts of the world. This marketing process has been something of a nightmare to those responsible, as up to the present the matter of distribution has been a very difficult one. This great handicap has' now, to a great extent, been removed, as a British film organisation is prepared to handle and distribute a talkie film made and produced in this country, subject naturally to the story being up to the same standard of photography and sound as samples already submitted. Incidentally, it is gratifying to learn that the sound recording referred to is the invention of Mr Jack Welsh, of Dunedin. To make certain that the first effort of producing a story production shall not be lacking in equipment, four cameras and accessories wdl be used, valued at nearly £7,000. Mr Leo Hill, who has served an apprenticeship in many parts of the world, will act as production supervisor, whilst Mr Welsh will naturally be in charge of his own sound equipment and laboratory processing. There is no intention in the first instance to attempt anything in the nature of a super-film; in fact, the first effort is to be directed to making a good sample of what can be done and achieved in this country. A large modicum of praise is due to Mr Stewart Pitt, who for many years has taken a very live interest in encouraging New Zealand-made pictures, and it is largely through his efforts that negotiations have reached this interesting stage. For four years Mr Pitt ran a local weekly news reel at his theatre in the old silent days, and recently ran a local talkie news reel for over a year. His services will be available in the present undertaking. Mr 11. L. Grant, personal representative of British International Pictures, Elstrec, hopes to arrive in Dunedin during the production, where his personal and supervisory experience will be of the greatest value to all concerned. It is stressed that there will be nothing in the nature of a so-called “ beauty contest ” in regard to this venture. There will be nothing to stop ladies and gentlemen from applying for a “ sound and picture test,” but these will bo held by appointment, without aspirants having to make.

humiliating exhibitions of themselves in public. Notice of when and where auditions will be held and how to make application will be advertised in the near future.