PICTURE PRODUCTION

Hokitika Guardian, 20 April 1926, Page 4

PICTURE PRODUCTION

-- PROGRESS IN AUSTRALIA. y t WELLINGTON. April 10. it Air Edwin rteacli. managing direejor of Union Theatres, Sydney, arp rived in Wellington by the Alaunganui on a living visit to the Dominion. After inspecting the firm's (l interests here, he will proceed to e Auckland, ami return to Sydney by g the Niagara at the end of this month, o Questioned concerning the progress {. of Australian picture production. Air t Geaelt was enthusiastic about the- miini tier ill which tile business was being tackled.

It was generally admitted, be said, that- Australia bad excellent climatic possibilities for cinema production, and his firm, after many years’ pioneering olfori in the production of picture? of local colour and atmosphere on ai paying settle believed ii was now on the high road to success. No less than £50,600 had been invested during the past- year in the purchase of ti big studio at Bondi. Sydney, and at the present time no loss Ilian three companies were on location producing pictures ol purely local interest.

Only rocontlv the well-known prize novel, “The Pioneers,” dealing with life in (jippshmd in the old days, had been produced, and it was said to be* itt ovorv way equal in standard to the best American pictures. It would probably be screened in New Zealand scion. Another production which was worthy ol note was a typical Australian bush drama, entitled “Tall Timbers:” Ibis would also bo shown in New Zealand. The firm was now negotiating lor llie production of the well-known hook. "For the Term of His Natural Lib-:’ should arrangements be concluded satisfactorily. this sictry would be produced regardless oi cost.

“Strange as it may appear. cuteluded Mr Goa eh. “with all the youth and beautv we have in Australia, ii is very difficult to secure the right tvpc of gii-ls for film production. However. in view of llie fact that- it is a new business Ibis no doubt will be redilied i" time."