H—47

A considerable commitment which has been entered into is the production for the British Empire Games Organization of a 6,000 ft. film of the Games. This film will be widely distributed in New Zealand and overseas. It is intended to produce a colour film suitable to the occasion of Canterbury's Centennial in 1950, as well as a colour film giving a general conspectus of the life and scene in New Zealand. Other projects contemplated will depend on an improvement in the staffing position. 40. The commercial arrangements for the distribution of New Zealand film in 35 mm. include the disposal of the " Weekly Review " and short subjects through New Zealand theatres, and certain arrangements for overseas distribution which were made during the year. In the United Kingdom both the Rank and Metro Goldwyn Mayer organizations will distribute on a satisfactory basis. On the Continent, arrangements have been made for re-recording and distribution in France, Belgium, and Switzerland. The same recording will also be available for French-speaking Canada. In the United States of America, television is taking every " Weekly Review " as well as short subjects, and a considerable dollar revenue is being earned. Australia, with its system of double-feature programmes, presents special difficulties to the inclusion of New Zealand short subjects, but discussions towards this end are proceeding. 41. The opportunities for 16 mm. distribution are only limited by the capacity of the printing and processing plant. A commercial arrangement has been made for the theatrical and non-theatrical distribution in New Zealand of 16 mm. films, as well as for the outright sale of prints. The non-commercial distribution in New Zealand is in the hands of the National Film Library. Overseas, 16 mm. prints are exhibited by the New Zealand Government offices, the United Nations Organization, through the Government distribution channels in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, by large national organizations, and accredited lecturers. Prints are also made available to ships trading to New Zealand. A total of 1,035 reels were printed during the year. 42. A small unit for the production of animated cartoons was set up during the year, principally to produce films for health education. 43. Music for films is mainly taken by licence from records, but where a film warrants it, New Zealand composers are commissioned to prepare a suitable score, and arrangements are made for the music to be played by a section of the National Orchestra. 44. In cases where films for Departments are required to be produced by private contractors, the National Film Unit has the duty of preparing the detailed specifications and letting the contracts. Two such films were " Projects for Power " for the State Hydro-electric Department, and " There Are No Accidents" for the Transport Department. ADMINISTRATION 45. The Administration Section comprises the Information Officer and the Assistant Information Officer, clerical assistants, typists, and messengers. This Section is responsible for the general administration, programme, and control of the other subdivisions of the Information Section, and.for proper co-ordination and co-operation between these units." It is also responsible for arrangements for distributing films, accounting, staff problems, purchase of stores and equipment, and despatch.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (858 copies), £l4 10s.

By Authority: R. E. Owen, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 949. Price 6'cL]

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