Will Onda set up Preston Film Service in about 1910. By 1915 it employed some 80 people in film making and distribution. The outbreak of World War in 1914 resulted in 40 of his employees joining the army, including his own son Carnie, a manager of Will Onda’s Pictures.
Faced with labour shortages, Onda found it necessary to employ girls as operators during the war.
I am keen to find out exactly who worked for Preston Film Service and trace the women who worked for him. If anyone has any information about a relative who worked for Will Onda, I would be very pleased to hear from you.
Please leave a comment via this blog or contact me at e.l.heslewood@preston.gov.uk
