PICTURE PRODUCTION

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 86, 2 July 1927, Page 13

PICTURE PRODUCTION

PROTECTION NEEDED AMERICAN COMPETITION Press Association. WELLINGTON. Thursday. A request for definite assistance by way of Government protection for British films exhibited in New Zealand was made to the Prime Minister today by a deputation representing the New Zealand Film Productions. Ltd. The chairman of directors, Mr. Butler, said the company was now in operation and aimed at producing a series of New Zealand-made pictures, and I,oooft. a week of industrial, travel and scenic film, covering all parts of the Dominion. The managing director, Mr. Montague Thacker, said they asked that the quota of British films to American required to be exhibited in New Zealand should be fixed at 10 per cent. They wanted to establish a big picture industry in New Zealand, but they must have protection. Mr. Coates referred to the proposals in the British Bill, where it was proposed that the percentage of British films to be shown should be gradually increased until 1935. It was understood that the quota provided for in the Bill was 20 per cent, to start with, and New Zealand was a long way ahead of that now. The British proposals would be considered in due course, and he would be able to inform them whether he proposed to bring down legislation. Mr. Thacker said that at present the production of coloured scenic slides exhibited to advertise forthcoming films was controlled by an Australian monopoly. They wished to have a quota fixed in regard to them also. Mr. Coates said they would see his reply when legislation was introduced.