N.Z. FILMS

Hokitika Guardian, 5 September 1927, Page 4

N.Z. FILMS

WORK OF PUBLICITY OFFICE.

WELLINGTON, September 2

August was a bumper month in film production by the New Zealand Government Publicity Office. A total of 60,000 feet of film was taken by tlio Department’s photographers during the month, and some idea of the magnitude of these operations is gained from the fact that the average American feature films eontan from 8,000 to 12,000 feet. The two principal films upon which the Departments photographers have been engaged have been a comprehensive picture of the dairying industry of tlio Dominion, and a special picture of the meat industry in all its phrases, to he used by the Aleut Board for propaganda work at Home. In addition tlio month’s programme has included films of fife in- Samoa, AYest Coast scenery, and Whale Island. This month also marks the screening of the first pictures sent to America under contract between the Government and the Mctro-Goklwyn—Meyer Corporation and which are to be broadcasted throughout the United States. At present the publicity photographers arc working at Alount Cook and Tongariro National Park. On completion of this work they embark upon a comprehensive series ■of pictures. Auckland City will shortly he filmed find Christchurch is to bo taken a second time. On this occasion the Department intends to atempt to take the city from the air. As soon as the orchards are in blossom the orchard areas of Hawkes Bay are to he pieturised and the remainder ul that province will be filmed at that time.

One of tlso Department's few failures nas been Dunedin. The southern city was photographed fast year at the time of the Otago University Capping celebrations. The wintry weather conditions, however, were against the production. and shortly an attempt will he mndo to produce a picture more worthy of the University City.