CLAUDE FLEMMING’S NEW FILM SCHEME

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 182, 22 October 1927, Page 23 (Supplement)

CLAUDE FLEMMING’S NEW FILM SCHEME

BRITISH COLUMBIA STUDIO 1 THE CANADIAN HOLLYWOOD PLAUDE FLEMMING is now u on the way to realise his ambition, the establishment of Empire films. As the result of his efforts, Victoria, British Columbia, now has hopes of becoming the Canadian Hollywood. The Australian actor has been successful in persuading the city council of Victoria to assist in the formation of a huge motion picture studio. The city is responsible for £50,000. There was no power in the corporation to undertake such a scheme, but Mr. Flemming persuaded the council to obtain it from the people by means of a referendum. After a strenuous civic fight, there was an overwhelming majority in favour of the studio. The civic guarantee is contingent upon Mr. Flemming’s raising £ 100,000 in England, together with a signed contract for the release of pictures. Mr. Flemming is now in London negotiating for this money, and he anticipates no difficulty once it is generally understood that the City of Victoria is behind him. While in Australia Mr. Flemming tried to interest people in a scheme of large dimensions, but Australian opinion was too apathetic for him to remain there and persevere. However, it is hoped that once the Victoria studio is a going concern, he may be able to link up the Dominions of Canada and Australia. The supply of technicians and a reciprocal exchange of artists is in his mind. Renee Adoree’s Selection There are not many who know that Renee Adoree’s first screen appearance was made in one of Claude Flemming’s productions. She was at the Tivoli in Mel- \ I

bourne when he selected her. Conditions ore ideal for the establishnHTit of a molion picture industry in Victoria, writes a correspondent. The climate is equable; the visibility good. Victoria is only two and a-half days’ journey from Hollywood, and thus stars can easily be obtained.

The British film quota legislation will give an impetus to the film industry within the British Empire. The decision to establish a motion picture in British Columbia is an outcome. Similar industries will be established in other parts of the Empire, and the first in the field will possess distinct advantages. Air. Flemming, adds the correspondent, is enthusiastic as to the prospects of his scheme. At a public meeting held to discuss it, Alderman Holmes referred to Air. Flemming as an actormanager of the highest standing and wide experience. The majority of the people were soon wholeheartedly in favour of the establishment of a studio.