DUNEDIN ENTERPRISE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22354, 30 August 1934, Page 7

DUNEDIN ENTERPRISE

FILM TO BE PRODUCED For several years a number of local enthusiasts have interested themselves in film production, confining their attempts, for the most part, to local newsreels and scenic films. The newsreels were regularly screened at a local theatre, but difficulty was experienced in making contacts with distributing agencies. Recently, however, there has been a growing recognition of the value to Imperial relationships of producing films which have backgrounds in overseas possessions. Films with backgrounds in India, Malta, Ceylon and Jamaica have been produced, and now information has been received that British International Pictures, Elstree, is prepared to handle and distribute a “talkie” film made and produced in this country, subject, of course, to the story being of equal standard to the samples of photography and sound recording which have been submitted. The sound tests referred to were recorded by the process which was invented by Mr Jack Welsh, one of the pioneers of local kinematography, and during the production of the film he will be in charge of this portion of the work. Mr Lee Hill, who has served an apprenticeship in many parts of the world, will act as production supervisor. ■ Equipment and four cameras, totalling in value nearly £7OOO, will be used in the making of the film, which will not be of an unduly ambitious nature, the purpose behind the effort being to produce a good sample of what can be done in New Zealand, The story at present under Consideration is a comedy. It is largely through the efforts of Mr Stuart Pitt that negotiations have reached this interesting stage. Mr Pitt has for many years taken a lively and practical interest in all local efforts of this nature. For four years he ran a weekly newsreel at his theatre before the invasion of the talkies and, more recently, a series of local sound newsreels ran for over a year.

Mr R. L. Grant, personal representative of British International Pictures, hopes to be present in Dunedin during the production, where his wide technical experience will be of the greatest value. Teats for aspirants to film fame will be conducted privately at a later date, but it may be stated that nothing in the nature of a “ beauty contest ” will be attempted. Fuller particulars will be advertised shortly.