DOMINION FILMS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23431, 22 August 1939, Page 14

DOMINION FILMS

ONLY SHORT'PICTURES MR. ADOLPH ZUKOR'S VIEW OBSERVATIONS ON TRAVELS THE AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRY Economically it docs not appear sound to produce feature length films in New Zealand, said .Mr. Adolph Zukor, head of the Paramount Pictures organisation, yesterday, when lie passed through Auckland by the Monterey on his way hack to California after a visit of three ■necks to Australia. There was good reason, however, for the production of short films like news reels and publicity features, showing the natural wonders of the country., Mr. Zukor said he would m>t be surprised if some of the large American companies took advantage of New land's attractions for tho making of backgrounds for some of their lilms. The little ho had seen of the Dominion was enough to convince him that it was all he had heard it was, and he had been hearing about such things as Rotorua and the Waitomo'-Caves almost all his life. Need of Education Speaking of New Zealanders and Australians as possible film players. Mr. Zukor said there seemed to be no reason why each country should not have representatives from time to time in the American industry. Ho had noticed, for instance, that the children were just as well built and educated a;> in England or the United States. "Jt takes that to mako the grado these days," he said. "Jn the old silent times, maybe, a player could be used who had no education, but now to have just looks is not enough. They have to have a fair education as well." Mr. Zukor said ho had seen something of the young Australian film industry. The stage it had reached was the one the United States industry was in 2(5 or 27 years ago, but its advance would be more rapid, because it had in front of it the United States' experience, developments and precepts, while the United States had in the old days to blaze the trail and grope in the dark. Those in control in Australia seemed to know how to go about the work in the right way and the business appeared to be operated with sound judgment on a practical basis. Hollywood's Assistance Much depended, of course, on the talent at Australia's command. He did not know how the industry stood in this regard, but he thought it would have no trouble. Hollywood would always lie ready to assist Australia and would be glad to let the Commonwealth industry have an artist for any picture. What success the Australian pictures would have in other countries he did not know. So much depended upon the story and the cast.