FILM SCENARIO CONTEST

Southland Times, Issue 23228, 17 June 1937, Page 13

FILM SCENARIO CONTEST

MR SPENCER COTTON’S SUCCESS

(United Press Association)

CHRISTCHURCH, June 16. A mild and jocular difference of opinion in the household of Mr C. H. Cotton was in the first place responsible for his son, Spencer Cotton, winning the Government Publicity Department’s film scenario contest. When the contest was advertised, Spencer Cotton asked his father how he would set about writing such a scenario as the conditions laid down. Mr Cotton gave his views on the subject and his son considered that he was on the wrong track altogether. “Very well, then,” said Mr Cotton, sen., “if you know so much about it, have a shot at it yourself.” On the following morning Spencer Cotton produced for his father half the scenario which he completed on the following evening. This scenario, with a number of minor amendments, was sent to Wellington and it has now been chosen first of the 135 entries submitted. From the 135 entries four were selected as outstanding. Of these three were written by North Island entrants and the fourth by Spencer Cotton. These were sent to Sydney for expert criticism before the final award was made. Today Spencer Cotton was advised of his success in the competition.