Geoffrey Scott

Geoffrey Scott, MBE and OBE, oversaw government filmmaking body the National Film Unit for over 20 years, until his retirement in 1973. Scott began his film career playing piano over silent movies. During his command of the unit, the organisation won 141 awards. He died in May 2006, at the age of 97.

Everyone was astounded when we had a preview screening at the film Unit. [Robert] Muldoon came out. I said “Well you’re the Minister of Finance, it’s come within budget”. He said "I don’t believe it, I wouldn’t have minded if it had gone over a bit, I’m astounded". [Jack] Marshall at the end was in tears with emotion... Geoffrey Scott describes the first reaction from politicians to Expo film This is New Zealand, in an interview with Flicks & Pixs magazine