MANY NEW ZEALANDERS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19128, 24 September 1936, Page 12

MANY NEW ZEALANDERS

AUSTRALIAN FILM COLONY

CAPABLE YOUNCi PEOPLE

"Beginning with introductions to a host of executives, artists and technicians associated with the production of the Columbia Picture, "Bangle River," at National Studios, I'agewood, Sydney, I. received my first surprise at meeting so many New Zealanders," writes Mr. P. Vinsen, manager for -New Zealand, in a letter lo (In* editor of the Herald. "That our people are. making names lor themselves iu the local film world there is no doubt.

"'Georgina Sterling lias been in the news very much of late following her highly satisfactory test some weeks ago when the Hollywood director, Clarence Badger, selected our starlet from some hundreds of pretty and talented girls for a prominent part in the picture. Georgia, is pretty and vivacious. What, impressed the writer most was her air of supreme confidence, and perfect diction. With qualifications such as these, Georgia can. look to a future full of promise. Iter screen debut iu 'Hangle Uiver,' is to be brought to the attention of Hollywood producers and easting executives, and every chance for a .Hollywood contract will be given this clever young Auckland girl. She is the daughter of Mr. H. 11. .Sterling, a former commissioner of railways for New Zealand.

"Meeting a young man who is very popular with the studio folk and who acts as 'shadow' for Victor Jory in the person of Hon Thomas, 1 learned that he hails from I'ahiat.ua and was educated at Canterbury College;. His official status on the lot is that of 'stand-in' for the star.

"On (he technical aide I met another popular and capable New Zeaiander, Frank IMcKeehnie, it. Dunedmite. This young fellow has had considerable experience in the, U.S.A., where he worked with a news reel unit and the men whoso job it is to 'get the picture' under all circumstances. I. have, been informed that he was Ihe only English cameraman to work with an American outfit, which bears excellent testimony to his capabilities. Since his .return to Australia, Frank has been connected with the Fox Movietone News Reel outfit. At National Studios lie is doing excellent feature picture work under the leadership of Errol Hinds, chief cameraman, w r ho was sent here with the Gaumont-British Production Unit last year. "The studios, in an immense surrounding space are only 15 minutes' drive from the heart of the city and yet are practically isolated from the sight and sound of other industry and traffic. The studio buildings are in blocks and are as completely equipped as anything in Hollywood, according, to my guide.

"One factor that boars out the contention that the motion picture industry is now firmly established here .is the knowledge that National Studio is the first studio in Australia and New Zealand specially built for motion picture production, that is, it is not a. converted theatre or warehouse."