PUBLICITY

Hokitika Guardian, 5 January 1929, Page 7

PUBLICITY

NEW ZEALAND FILMS. AUSTRALIA FOLLOWING SUIT. SYDNEY, Dec. 27. A special series of publicity films is b ing shown in many centres in Australia under the auspiecs <;( the New Zealand Government agents and they have been favourably reviewed hy the Press. The films ha-ve been acclaimed as remarkably fine advertisements for the Dominion, and when they were shown before a crowded audience at the Sydmv Town Hall they must have gone a long way towards serving the purpose for which they were intended. There are indications that the tourist traffic from Australia to New Zealand this year will be greater than ever. This, of course, cannot be attributed to the films, which have scarcely had time to have such an effect.

National propaganda through the medium of moving pictures lias now jheon accepted as a very potent influence in modern life. What America has gained in this direction it is impossible to estimate. Australia has failed to establish a picture industry worthy of the name, and New Zealand is in the same position. Both countries, therefore, are dependent upon '»nie special effort. New Zealand’s effort is quite in keeping with the attractions it advertises. Picture-goers in Australia are accustomed to a series of pictures made for consumption at home and aboard, lmt known locally as “Know Your Own Country.” “Australia Day by Day” is the title of another series about to bo issued under the auspices of the Development and Migration Commission. The photography of these films is> perfect, and it is clear that expense has not been spared in making them as attractive as possible. For instance ,a film showing the mustering of cattle is remarkably interesting and the transport of the cal tie is story-wise in a fashion that must be of great value from a publicity point of view. Tn another picture the breed-, ing and training of a thoroughbred is followed through from its carefreo days as a foal to the excitement and. thrill of the sunlit course and the exiling finish of a big race. The building of Sydney’s groat harbour bridge with its gigantic girders and huge pylons, is shown in yet another series and here - the artistry of tile photographer, or the direc'or, in choosing the correct angle for pictureque effects is pleasingly evident. These films, in their technical quality and subject, reveal more than ever the possibility of the films.