Ealing Studios Will Probably Make Films In New Zealand

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 13, Issue 8, 15 October 1948, Page 3

Ealing Studios Will Probably Make Films In New Zealand

“I am delighted that we are going to get some continuity of production in Australia,” said Harry Watt the other week, following the Ealing announcement of further film-mak-ing there. “That’s what we always wanted,” he said—even in the face of i the difficulties he and his associates encountered in producing films in Australia. Watt was speaking at a Press conference in Sydney before leaving by air for a Hong Kong holiday on his way back to England. A joint statement by Watt and Eric' Williams, Ealing’s chief executive in Australia, announced tfiat Sir Michael Balcon (Ealing’s production chief) had authorised permanent headquarters, at Pagewood. t Ealing’s production plans would probably include fijms to be made in New Zealand, said Watt. Balcon had decided that the next Australian production would be a modern comedy, which (subject to exigencies) would begin shooting in March to May next,.Watt told pressmen. It was hoped to star English comedian Tommy Trinder in it, with Chips Rafferty. “Robbery Under Arms” would be made after that. Watt, who was here for most of four years, during which he directed “The Overlanders” and “Eureka Stockade” said. “It was the hardest work I have ever done.”