New Talkies To Be Filmed In Australia

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1076, 13 September 1930, Page 27

New Talkies To Be Filmed In Australia

Fox-Hoy t Merger Has Interesting Outcome A plan to make 12 pictures in Australia in 18 months was revealed recently by Mr. F. W. Thring, one of the joint manag-ing-directors of Hoyts, Ltd., Australia, in announcing details of the merged interests of the Hoyts and Fox companies. Hollywood is to supply the production experts, and the Fox world chain of theatres will use pictures of quality produced. Mr. Thring said he intended to make short feature pictures of 40 minutes’ duration. The present programmes in picture houses were too long. He thought that a four-reel picture to support the main picture would be appreciated. “Desirable” Move Mr. Thring’s statement tvent on: “I have disposed of the majority of my share interests in Hoyts Theatres, Ltd., to the Fox Film Corporation. I have undertaken to remain on the board of the company as a director, and still retain a considerable share-holding interest. “I have taken this step sincerely, feeling that the appreciation of a powerful production company such as the Fox Film Corporation with Hoyts Theatres is eminently desirable, and in the interests of all the shareholders. “The sources from which quality film productions are procurable have become fewer each year, and, without an alliance such as is now brought about, we were in the position of not having any security of supply to present in the theatres. “It has for some time been my desire to embark on the production of Australian pictures. Support From Fox “I will now be free to devote the whole of my time to the establishment of a comprehensive organisation for this purpose, and I am confident of success. The Fox Film Corporation has given me every assurance of its support—the Hoyts circuit of theatres will open to release the product. Technical experts from the Fox studios in Hollywood will be loaned to train our operators in the latest developments of successful picture-making. “In addition, the Fox organisation, which controls large circuits of theatres throughout the world, will guarantee . a release through these channels for any suitable product.” The following official statement has been issued by the general manager of Hoyts Theatres, Ltd., Mr. M. G. Sloman: “Hoyts Theatres, Ltd., announce that an arrangement has been concluded whereby the Fox Film Corporation has become closely associated with the company. “Under the arrangement the company will be assured of a permanent supply of high-grade film productions produced by the Fox Film Corporation and its subsidiaries, which will be of great benefit to the company’s various interests throughout Australia. “Two additional directors will be appointed to the board of Hoyts Theatres, Ltd.- —Mr. Clifford Minter, solicitor, of Sydney, and Mr. Charles E. Munro, also of Sydney. “Hoyts Theatres, Ltd., and subsidiaries control over 100 theatres in the Commonwealth, including the leading picture theatres in the capital cities.” Mr. Munro has been connected with the industry in Australia for 25 years. He commenced with Cook’s Pictures in Sydney, in the touring days. For six years he has been a director of Fox Movietone and Fox Films.