BRITISH FILMS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 242, 10 September 1935, Page 2

BRITISH FILMS.

British films are booming. Eight major producing companies are working to capacity. Some are making live films simultaneously, at a cost ranging from £(1000 to a maximum of £IOO,OOO Gcicll It is expected that 200 pictures will be completed and £2,500,000^ be spent on British films during 1935. More thousands have not been spent in consequence of the shortage of studios, stars, technicians, directors, writers and cameramen. Independent producers, who do not own studios, have great difficulty in securing floor space even at an average figure of £SOO a week, exclusive of lighting. , . .■ Mr Alexander Korda is using temporary studios, pending the completion of a £300,000 ’ structure in the midst of 165 acres at, Denham, Buckinghamshire. It will contain six studios, 1300 feet by 150 feet, or more than double the capacity of all the present studio space in the country. Mr Charles Boot, millionaire building contractor, proposes to erect four studios in Buckinghamshire, patterned on Hollywood, at a cost of £250,000. Older established companies are expanding in all directions. Fortunes are being offered to stars. Producers are no longer satisfied with Hollywood’s discards. One company is tempting an American actress, of average popularity, with an offer of £20,000. Cameramen are so scarce that one German expert in England is receiving £125 a week.