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Tape 1, side 1
Discusses the formation of NZ Radio Films, mentions working with Smith-Wylie. Mentions the advent of television and how this affected the development of his sound experimentation. Mentions Kerridge Theatres. Discusses North Cape to the Bluff. Goes on to discuss his sound experimentation and interest which went back to 1910. Discusses other groups’ experimenting with sound recordings, mentions Wisemans, Hayward and the technicalities of sound. Discusses Hayward’s 1937 production of Rewi’s Last Stand made with the sound camera he made in 1931. Explains how the camera worked. Talks about working with De Forrest films 1926-27. Mentions the vitaphone, explains difficulties with latter. Mentions The Strand and going back into the projection business. Discusses the development and patent of the weighing machine.
Tape 1, side 2
Discusses the technical details of sound system and the experiments that took place. Mentions Bishop Cleary’s funeral and gives a description of the dark room. Talks about working with Eric Platt and other work he did with Hayward, Gault and Welsh and working on Hei Tiki with Alexander Markey. Discusses the beginnings of Coubray-Tone News and talks about the truck.
Tape 2, side 1
Discusses the extent of involvement he had with the Publicity Department and the interest by Government Film Studios in their sound equipment. Discusses The Romance of Maoriland and how it came about, mentions Teddy Brown. Mentions filming on Mt Mangere for Romance of Maoriland. Mentions rack and tack system. Recalls the beginnings of CoubrayTone News, mentions some of the items they produced; Queen St, Wharf, Cleary’s funeral and the Ellerslie Racecourse riots, gives details of the latter.
Tape 2, side 2
Discusses Coubray Tone News in depth. Talks about getting a deal to make industrial films. Talks in depth about advertising and making advertising shorts, mentions Rudall Hayward. Talks about the economic reason for doing Hei Tiki, also mentions On the Friendly Road. Goes on to talk about working with Beaumont Smith, making The Adventures of Algy with Frank Stewart. Goes on to talk about his 3D system (1941 - 60). Discusses the making of the first feature doco with colour.
Recorded 14/07/1980.