Reframing early Australasian cinema: Trans-Tasman exchanges during the silent film period

Abstract

The histories of New Zealand and Australian film production, distribution and exhibition have been characterized by significant exchanges in terms of culture, technology, creative personnel and policy approaches. Despite forming a persistent characteristic of the film industries of both countries, these connections have so far been either ignored or under-examined. This article investigates the technological, industrial, economic and cultural factors that influenced the relationship between Australian and New Zealand filmmaking during the early period of cinema until the 1930s. During this period, film production and distribution in New Zealand and Australia was conceived as an Australasian initiative characterized by both extensive labour mobility and an integrated film market. Early Australasian filmmakers moved seamlessly across the Tasman, producing films both in Australia and in New Zealand and contributing to both national cinematic traditions. This article argues that to fully grasp the histories of Australian and New Zealand film, it is essential to consider the contribution that these Australasian filmmakers made to the cultural, technological and industrial development of both national cinemas.