FILM OF EARLY DAYS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19883, 9 March 1939, Page 5

FILM OF EARLY DAYS

NEW ZEALAND PROPOSAL

STARS FROM HOLLYWOOD

COLOUR TRAVELOG UES

(Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. Plans for the production of films in New Zealand on a scale not previously attempted were announced last evening by Mr. C. P. Brown, the managing director of the International Film Corporation of New Zealand Limited. He said that he intended, during the coming year, to make an historical film of the early days of this Dominion for world-wide release. It would feature two famous Hollywood stars. He said that he .had arranged with leading American, film producers for two stars to be sent to New Zealand, together with a co-director, who would assist Mr. Brown in the preparation of a flllm and. would guard- the interests of the stars.'

The film would be in colour and of full feature length. The minor parts would be taken by New Zealanders and he was already engaged in seeking for talent. He had discovered two young girls, either of whom he thought likely to prove highly successful on the screen. In addition he planned to make two colour travelogues for overseas release, not as tourist propaganda but purely on their interest and entertainment value. Trade and advertising films and other. commercial screen work would also be included in. the company’s programme. Among other things he contemplated were bright short films on subjects such as the Bluff ‘‘oyster derby,” or the Tory Channel speed boat whalers, both unique New Zealand subjects. Mr. Brown has been more than 30 years in the film business and has participated in film production in America and England. He played a pioneer part in the English talkies, having directed the first Engilish-made talking picture, “Fighting Fool.”

He said that his cameramen were starting production this week with the shooting of part of a trade film: of the history and development of commercial flight in New Zealand.