TV In N.Z. ‘More Exciting Ahead’

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31001, 5 March 1966, Page 16

TV In N.Z. ‘More Exciting Ahead’

Television in New Zealand still had its most exciting developments ahead of it, said Channel Three’s new producer, Mr M. Scott, in Christchurch yesterday.

This was one reason why he had decided to leave 8.8. C. television in London for his new position in Christchurch, which will involve both production and guiding other producers. “In London, television has become about as sophisticated as it can be, and it’s now largely a matter of going over ground which has already been covered.

• “It’s not stimulating any more. Over here, the most exciting developments are still in front of it,” Mr Scott said-

He had also come to New Zealand to write. His first novel, “Twenty-four Hours in London,” has just been finished and sent to a publisher. A television script writer is one of the eight characters through whose eyes the city is seen. “I would hope, after two or three years, either to regard England in a new light or to find something local to write about,” he said. “More Space" But his initial reason for wishing to shift to this country was, quite simply, “more space for the chldren”—a girl aged seven and a boy aged five. Mr Scott studied writing and direction at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, where Peter O’Toole and Albert Finney were also studying at the time. He then joined 8.8. C. television, staying for nine years. After work on the studio floor, he became a stage manager, and went to Northern Ireland. There he started directing—“the chores, to be quite honest.”

A chance to write as well as direct brought him back to the 8.8.C.’s presentation department in London, in which he turned out a series of films, including a background study of Simpson and Galton, writers of “Steptoe and Son,” and profiles of such notables as Sidney James. The next major step in Mr Scott’s career was when he wrote and directed the onscreen publicity for the introduction of 8.8. C.-2. He also produced its first live show, “Line-up,” which still runs seven days a week as “Late Night Line-up;” a survey on 8.8. C.-2, and people’s reactions to its more off-beat programmes; and wrote scripts for a number of documentaries. Before he left, he had dramatic outlines accepted by the 8.8. C. and Rediffusion, from which he will now write plays for television.

Mr Scott said he would stay in New Zealand for three years at a minimum—“and I would hope to stay considerably longer,” he said.