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Salient: Victoria University Students' Paper. Vol. 29, No. 2. 1966.

Film in trouble

Film in trouble

Victoria's student-made film is in serious difficulties following its failure to win a subsidy from the University Council.

Just over two years ago the executive unanimously approved in principle a proposal to make a documentary film on student and university life. The object in producing such a film was mainly for public relations uses.

In April of 1965 Derek Morion, a WNTV1 [unclear: technician], took over control of the technical side of the work, assisted by two students, Neil Whitehead and Charles Bagnall.

On their own initiative the film-makers obtained a grant of £25 each from Glaxo Laboratories and from Tasman Vaccine Laboratories. With a Students' Association grant of £50 the total income to date is £100, while the budgeted expenditure for completion, expected initially for March, 1966, is £270.

This budget will not have to be exceeded, but because of a "show me" attitude on the part of most business firms in town no further funds have been procured.

Financial standstill

With the film at a financial standstill in November of 1965, it was decided to approach the university council for a grant of the remaining £170 required for the completion of the film.

In December of 1965 Roger Lawrence, then secretary of the Students' Association, attended a meeting of the executive committee of the Council, at which he showed extracts from the film and explained the object of the association in making this film.

Liaison officer

The committee deferred consideration until they had obtained the opinion of the Liaison Officer, Mr. Hogg, upon the proposal. Mr. Hogg recommended that, while he had considered for some time that a documentary film of university life would be of considerable value within our own country and of some publicity value abroad, anything short of a fully professional job could possibly do more harm than good.

On the basis of this recommendation the Council resolved that it regretted it was not able to support the association in the making of a documentary film on student and university life.

Executive acts

Executive recently considered the Council's decision not to support the film.

Mr. Morton, the film maker, stated that professionals would charge at least £6000 for the film, which he was producing for £270.

He explained it was possible to do this by concessions in the use of facilities which he had access to.

Executive viewed a screening of the film in its present state.

Not yet edited

Mr. Morton explained that the film was not edited, shots were out of order and that the final product would not have the scratches apparent at this stage.

Public Relations Officer. Ian McKinnon, following the screening, said that the film "should go ahead."

With some reservations other executive members expressed support for the project.

The question of finance, however, stumped executive.

Mr. McKinnon moved that "£205 be allotted from student funds to complete the film."

Mr. Shand, the treasurer, stated that the association did not have the funds.

Mr. Hassed, sports officer, suggested that the film be "commercialised."

This proposal, Mr. Morton pointed out, was not technically possible.

Referred back

Eventually the capping controller, John McGrath, pointed out that the finance committee should handle the matter.

The chairman, Murray Boldt, agreed, banged his pen on the table, and moved to the next item on the agenda.

"When you've read it—eat it!"

"When you've read it—eat it!"