Explains the work of the New Zealand Film Archive and shows conservators Cushla Vula and Julian Millar, cataloguer Sarah Davy and composer Dorothy Buchanan at work. Contains excerpts from films including Down on the Farm, Flying School at Kohimarama, Don’t Let it Get You, Jack Welsh Sound Test and the Adventures of Algy.
Commences with a film excerpt with a seated gentleman speaking: “Ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure in introducing to you the Welsh Sound System of sound recording on film ... devised ... by Mr. Jack Welsh of Dunedin”. This is captioned “1930. ‘Welsh Sound System Test’ ”. Voiceover tells us “moving pictures are nearly 100 years old”. Title: “New Zealand Film Archive. Ngā Kaitiaki O Ngā Taonga Whitiāhua.” Caption on excerpts from ‘Mana Waka’ / ‘Canoe’: “1990. ‘Mana Waka’ ”. Voiceover explains this footage has been “preserved by the New Zealand Film Archive ... The Archive receives material from many sources; individuals, families companies, collectors, film producers ... sometimes even a lucky chance discovery.” A metal film reel canister is opened and the film lifted to the light to display imperfections. Voiceover:“ Some of it arrives in very poor condition.” A Film Archive “technician” in white coat and gloves is shown repairing film at her workbench. The voiceover continues as she works: “Before 1950 all 35mm film was on nitrate [which] because of its chemical composition ... is unstable and highly flammable. As it ages it becomes increasingly prone to rapid decay. There’s little chance of any surviving nitrate film continuing to exist beyond the year 2000. Transferring it to safety stock is an urgent priority.” Excerpt of hand-tinted coach and horses footage captioned “1910. ‘Across the Mountain Passes of New Zealand’ ”. Followed by excerpt of hand-tinted dancer captioned, “1985 ‘Annabelle Serpentine Dance’ ”. Another member of the Archive’s Preservation staff is shown wearing a gas mask as he works on film. The voiceover explains the “recently identified” problem of “vinegar syndrome” with the decomposition of acetate or safety film. The camera moves along aisles of the Archive storage shelves for print material and film. Voiceover: “For quick access a video copy can be available”. Videotape labelled “All Blacks 1924” is taken from library shelf. Excerpt of this footage appears onscreen. Excerpt of - as captioned - “1935. New Zealand’s first talkie, ‘ Down On The Farm’ ” followed by excerpts of “1966. ‘Don’t Let It Get You’ ”. Access of the Film Archives’ “computer records” (green text on black screen) to find “a particular item” is demonstrated [by cataloguer Sarah Davy]. The Archive has a “reference library” and “viewing facilities for film and video.” Excerpt from - as captioned - “1917. ‘Flying School at Kohimarama’ ”. Voiceover: “The Archive’s material can also be used commercially - as in the ANZ Bank’s ‘Magic Minutes’ ... Exhibitions and displays have always been a feature of the Film Archive’s activities.” The front of a British Leyland Mini car from ‘Goodbye Pork Pie’ forms part of the Archive’s display on the film. Excerpt from said 1981 film. Footrot Flats exhibit and excerpt from “1986. ‘Footrot Flats - A Dog’s Tale’ ”. The Archive’s “Composer in Residence”, Dorothy Buchanan (seen in headshot while playing piano keys) “is responsible for music to accompany the silent images [as with] her first major score for the Archive, ‘The Adventures of Algy’ ”. Shot of this film reel being lifted from canister. Ticket holders file past purple neon sign reading “Auditorium”. Voiceover: “Public screenings have always been high on the Archive’s list of priorities.” Hands positioning film on projector. Pianist Buchanan and cello player in position in auditorium. The projector starts up. Audience heads from rear watching ‘The Adventures of Algy.’ Excerpt from same captioned “1925 ... ” Ends with camera irising-in on Algy. End Titles: “New Zealand Film Archive. Ngā Kaitiaki O Ngā Taonga Whitiāhua”, “Produced By Marmalade Video” and “Thanks to Turangawaewae Trust Board. Prelude - Rowan Prior, Jonathan Pritchard.”
The title “Living Images” does not appear in the footage.