Northland Film Gets Under Way

Northern Advocate, 19 December 1938, Page 3

Northland Film Gets Under Way

Action scenes and dialogue were the order of the day on Friday when a commencement was made on the pro-

duction of the big film. “Northland Romance,” which is being produced on behalf of Iho Northland Centennial Committee by Messrs Eppics Ltd,, under the direction of Mr Phillip Cross, of the Pan-Pacific Picture Corporation. London.

The photography is being carried out by Mr R. G. Harwood Manley, managing director of the company, who last year made the preliminary Northland film which is now being shown at Northland theatres and which has been favourably commented on wherever f: has been screened.

In securing Mr Cross’ services In the production of the film, Northland is indeed fortunate. He has long been recognised in international producing circles as a successful producer and has made and been . associated with the making of pictures in nearly every country in the world during the last 15 years. Mr Cross was born in Northland. and from his wide experience is quite confident that the picture “Northland Romance” will be equal to anything of it; kind produced in any country in the world. Northland has unique features not found in any other country. These will undoubtedly create intense interest in England and America particularly. Pastoral Scenes The shots taken at Waimate featured rural scenes of pastoral activities in which a number of prize-winning stock exhibits at the recent A. and P. shows at Wai'mate ard Kaikohe were pictured. The location was under and around the old oak tree (the oldest in New Zealand) which was planted on Mr W. Atkinson’s farm by the early missionaries when this was the only white settlement in New Zealand. A more ideal setting for the weaving into th’e story of the romance around which the picture will be made could not be imagined. The completed picture will be one depicting every phase of life and progress in Northland and the story will be written and pictured to give the desired interest and personal touch. None of those who assisted, with the exception of Mr Cross, had ever had previous experience of movie picture work.

Every assistance was given by the local stockowners for the shooting of the scenes at Waimate and Mr Cross expressed grateful appreciation of their co-operation, particularly that of Mrs H. T. Atkinson who prepared a buffet luncheon for all those assisting in the production of the picture. In the afternoon further shots were made featuring shearing operatiohs.