FILM INDUSTRY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 58, 25 July 1947, Page 3

FILM INDUSTRY

ENGLISH TECHNICIANS FOR AUSTRALIA $ They don’t say “Join the Navy and see the world” any more, according to a report from Britain. Now it’s “Work for Ealifig Studios and see the Empire,” for if ever anyone was determined to put the unseen and unknown Empire territories on the film map it is Ealing’s Michael Balcon.

He gave us last year the first of real-life Empire filmh—“The Overlanders,” a true war-time Australian story. Now, with units in the Antarctic, Belgium, Prague and another huge one in Australia again, this is the real beginning of our knowing each other.

There’s a long-'term plan for Anglo-Australian films in the making. Arthur Ptank, Michael Balcon and Norman Rydge, of Australia, are setting the opening stages in the already established Australian Pagewood and Cinesound studios. ' *

These are to be re-equipped and will “kick-off” with Harry Watts’ new production “Eureka Stockade,” which will be followed by that classic Australian story “Robbery Under Arms.”

Chips Rafferty, who became famous overnight in London by his acting in “The Overlanders,” will play lead in “Eureka Stockade,” and practically the same team which made the first picture will work together again on the second.

Apart from all that, there is another significant prospect. Of- the unit going out—and others to follow as production gets into line and studio® are built—those who like are to be encouraged to stay in Australia and become film diggers, so to speak.

During the first year the nucleus of technicians going from Britain to Australia will work with an Australian team, showing them the newest technique in picture making. Newest type cameras and studio equipment are on their way. Among those going with the first bunch will be Eric Williams, Leslie Norman, Harry Watt, and writer T7:fi r;r Greenwood. Walter will i dor:, i ghiy enjoy Australian--society, for he is as easy-spoken' and easygoing as they are. His wit and charm are well known, and he is one c the most likeable fellows 1:i the film business, the report conelu^js.