Dominion Filmed in Coloured Photography

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 26, 1 February 1937, Page 10

Dominion Filmed in Coloured Photography

SEARCH FOR TRAVELOGUES IDEAL CONDITIONS FOUND AUCKLAND, Jan. 28. For the first time New Zealand's scenic attractions and oddities will be transferred to the screen throughout tho world in natural colour when 1000 ft of film taken in the Dominion by Mr Len H. Roos, cinematographer for Warner Brothers’ Vitaphone Studios, is processed and distributed as one of a series known as E. M. Newman’s Colourtour Adventures. Mr Roos, who is an Associate of the American Society of Cinematography, and one of the few American photographers to hold a fellowship of tho Royal Photographic Society, arrived in New Zealand six weeks ago in the course of a world tour which yields material for the Colourtour series, and it at present visiting Auckland. Seeking tho unusual and the unknown in all parts of the Dominion, he has photographed about 5000 ft. of film and, although the travelogue itself is to bo only about 1000 ft. in length, he considers that many of the remaining pictures will be inclined in other newsreels and in an oddity series. Filming Maori Life. Maori life and customs, Mr Rods said recently, held a prominent place in his film, while the thermal wonders of Rotorua and Wairakci, the curious habits of the kiwi and of the gannets at Cape Kidnappers, would also be presented to theatre audiences the world over. The fame of Christchurch’s bicycles would be spread abroad and the mountain scenery of the South Island, together with films taken in all of the main cities, would be included. In Auckland, Mr Roos has secured pictures of small craft under sail in the harbour as well as glimpses of the business area and of the War Memorial Museum. Mr Roos was intrigued by a notice placed alongside the road over the Rimutakas near Featherston, which warned motorists of the wind, and he said this would amuse audiences in other countries although most Now Zealanders would regard it as a trite fact. Tho Dominion, in his opinion, afforded ideal conditions for cinematography as not only was there a wide range of material suitable for the screen but excellent light conditions prevailed. Preparation of Commentary

“Variety is one of New Zealand’s chief charms,” he said. ‘‘ln Christchurch wo find a piece of England, in the Sounds of the South Island you have tho equal of Norway’s fjords, tho mountains re-enact Switzerland, and the marvels of Rotorua are equivalent to the thermal resorts of the United States. There is an eminently suitaolo background for film work.”

The 5000 ft. of film which Mr Roos has exposed in New Zealand has been despatched to the United States accompanied by books and pamphlet matter which will furnish material for a commentary to be made. When the film has been edited this will bo interpolated by a radio personality and translated into other languages for use with copies which are distributed in nonEnglish speaking countries. It is anticipated that the processed film wll return to New Zealand, showing in theatres throughout the Dominion within about three months.