BRITISH FILMS

Taranaki Daily News, 3 September 1929, Page 3

BRITISH FILMS

A “TALKIE'’ CENTRE. WEMBLEY’S NEW ROLE. London. July 11. Plans are being completed for a vast sound film production organisation which will have its headquarters at Wembley, on the site of the old exhibition grounds. The syndicate which is backing the venture is composed entirely of British and American film intrests, and aims to give this country a place in the sun with regard to extensive production of talking films. If ti e plans materialise studio space sufficient for twenty films to be produced simultaneously will be laid down, and facilities will be available for independent producers to make films by means of the two leading American systems which have proved themselves most reliable. The promoters have decided that tho key to success in talking films lies in England, where are unartists with perfect speaking voices. It is understood that the syndicate itself will not produce, but will be prepared to finance to a certain extent productions which they feel will enhance the prestige of this country in the matter of talkies. Co-operation rather than home competition is the idea underlying their scheme. When the studios are completed at the cost of more than £1,000,000, they will be the largest and most up to date in tho world. Arrangements are being made to produce sound films in various languages with an eye to the world market. Linked u>p with the production unit is an organisation which will call on the services of some of •the best know authors. Contracts have already been made with stage stars to feature in projected sound films, and work on the new studios will begin almost at once, while a picked staff, drawn from America, Germany and this country, will be immediately installed. The scheme is the most extensive ever launched in connection with the film business, and should provide employment for considerable numbers of people.