The Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers

The Society of
AUSTRALIAN CINEMA PIONEERS
Please address all correspondence to
BRUCE LEONARD
National Honorary Secretary / Treasurer
9 Collins Crescent, Lapstone, 2773 (email – [email protected])
BULLETIN - OCTOBER 2015
OUR 75TH
NATIONAL PRESIDENT
ROBERT SLAVIERO
R
obert began his career in the Cinema Industry
at the then Cinema International Corporation
(C.I.C.) in May 1976 at the age of sixteen.
Shortly after the company became United International
Pictures (U.I.P.). He began is the Ad/Sales Department
wrapping posters, before moving to the Film Despatch
Department, and then to the Film Sales as a Junior
Booker. During his ten years with U.I.P., he was
promoted through several positions including National
Print Controller and NSW Branch Manager.
He left U.I.P in 1988 to take up the position of National
Sales Manager of the “original” Hoyts Distribution.
When Hoyts Distribution merged with Fox Columbia
Tri-Star, Robert continued with the newly formed
Hoyts/Fox/Columbia Tri-Star for the next six years as
National Sales Manager.
In 1995 he moved to Polygram to help establish a new
Film Distribution Company. This was a short but very
enjoyable period.
Then, in July 1996, when Fox and Columbia/Tri-Star
split, Robert returned to Twentieth Century Fox as
Managing Director of the stand-alone company. He
ran the company for five years and enjoyed many
successes during that period, including “Titanic”, “The
Full Monty” and “Moulin Rouge”.
In 2001, he left Fox to establish the “new” Hoyts
Distribution as CEO for Australia and New Zealand.
The Society of AUSTRALIAN CINEMA PIONEERS BULLETIN - OCTOBER 2015
Robert and his team built the company into one of the
leading independent Film Distributors in Australia
and New Zealand, with acquisitions ranging from the
very successful “SAW” series of films, “Dirty Deeds”,
“PS I Love You”, and the world-wide massive “Twilight”
franchise.
In 2009, in addition to his regular day job, Robert was
elected as President of AIDA (Australian Independent
Distributors Association), a position he still currently
holds.
In July 2012, Hoyts Distribution was acquired by
STUDIOCANAL, and Robert was appointed CEO of
the Australia and New Zealand, a position he still holds.
STUDIOCANAL is one of Europe’s leading companies
in production, acquisition, distribution and sales on
international feature films and television series. It is the
only independent studio that operates simultaneously
in three main European territories – France, Germany
and the United Kingdom – as well as in Australia
and New Zealand. STUDIOCANAL has already had
great success with the recent release of “Non-Stop”,
“Paddington” and “Shaun the Sheep”.
Robert considers he has been very lucky to have worked
with some great people, mentors and teams over the
past 37 years, and is very privileged and honoured to be
elected as National President of the Australian Cinema
Pioneers for 2016.
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STATE PRESIDENTS
OUR 76
th
NATIONAL PRESIDENT
ELECT
TIM READ as been elected 76th National
President Elect for 2016, and a full profile on
Tim’s career in our Industry will appear in
our next issue.
N.S.W. JOHN ROCHESTER
374 Leura Crescent, Turramurra, 2074
VIC.
KEVIN ADAMS
38 Festival Grove, Lalor, 3075
QLD.
TONY BURKE
10 Bateman Street, Geebung, 4034
S.A.
MAX BECK
4 Fiveash Drive, Pasadena, 5042
W.A.
JOHN POLMEAR
6 Matthew Street, Falcon, 6210
TAS.
YURIK CZYZ
56 Forest Road, West Hobart, 7000
OUR YEAR 2015
NATIONAL
“CINEMA PIONEER OF THE YEAR”
J
JOHN POLMEAR
ohn has had an illustrious career in the Western
Australian Cinema Industry spanning some 60
years.
He began his career in the Industry in 1951 in the
Despatch Department at Metro Goldwyn Mayer in
Perth. The following year, he moved to Paramount
Pictures as a Despatch Assistant. Here he gained
experience as a Film Examiner and Despatch Clerk
before progressing through to the Advertising Sales
Department to eventually become Head Booker for
theatres throughout Western Australia in 1961.
In February 1969, after eleven years with Paramount
Pictures, John resigned to take up the position of
Licensee of the Sandhurst Hotel in Carnarvon, on the
north-west coast of Western Australia.
Then in November 1969 he was approached by Alfred
Jarrett, the then Managing Director of Paramount
Pictures, and was offered the position of West Australia
Branch Manager, which he accepted. It was obvious
that John’s real passion lay with the Cinema Industry.
In a Press Release at the time, Alfred Jarrett said ...
“he was pleased indeed to welcome back John Polmear
into the Paramount fold, and believed that his long
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Industry experience equipped him ideally to manage the
company’s interests in Perth.”
John returned to Paramount Pictures in January 1970
to take up the position of WA Branch Manager. Then in
June that year, he was appointed WA Branch Manager
for C.I.C. (Cinema International Corporation Pty
Ltd), which was the merger between Paramount
Pictures and Universal Pictures. The company was
later to become U.I.P. (United International Pictures
Pty Ltd) which, in addition to distributing product
from the studios of Paramount and Universal, also
obtained control of product from United Artists and
Metro Goldwyn Mayer. As the WA Branch Manager,
John worked closely with exhibitors from both the
company chains and independents in programming,
film booking, buying, session times, advertising
budgets, merchandising, promotions and media
outlets, which included TV, radio and Press.
John remained the West Australian Branch Manager
for U.I.P. for 21 years, when in August 1991, he was
transferred to Despatch Services Pty Ltd, where he
remained until 1997. He then took up a position with
Reading Cinemas as Administration Manager at their
new complex at Mandurah, south of Perth.
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John retired from managing Reading Cinemas in 1998
to live in Mandurah, but did not bow out of the Cinema
Industry altogether. He had joined the Society of
Australian Cinema Pioneers in 1977, and was elected
Treasurer of the WA Branch in 1996. Then when
Arthur Stiles (one of WA’s leading Cinema Pioneers,
who held the position of President of the WA Branch
of the Cinema Pioneers) retired in 2007, John was duly
elected to the Presidency role. He still serves as both
President and Treasurer of the WA Branch today.
In 1987, John was elected as a Trustee to the Board of
the West Australian Motion Picture Benevolent Fund,
becoming Treasurer of the Fund in 1989. Then in 1997,
when the Benevolent Fund became a company limited
by guarantee, John became a Director at that time. In
2006, John was awarded the “Life Time Achievement
Award” by the Directors of the Fund.
In 1997, together with the late Col Porter, John received
the United International Pictures “Achievement
Award”. This was the first time this award had been
presented outside the United Kingdom. Then in 2002,
John was chosen as the WA Branch’s “Cinema Pioneer
of the Year”.
John considers it ... “... an honour and privilege to be
named National Cinema Pioneer of the Year for 2015,
especially when you peruse the names of those who
previously received this award.”
NEW SOUTH WALES
CINEMA PIONEER OF THE YEAR
WENDY PATERSON
A
s Wendy’s interests had always been in the
entertainment area, with Secretarial Diploma
in hand and the need for employment looming,
she set off for her Aunt’s house in search of a ‘phone (her
family didn’t have one at home) and promptly rang every
film exchange she could find in the phone book and asked
if they might have any jobs available. She was rewarded
the following day by a call from Warner Bros., who advised
something had just become available and would she like to
come in for an interview.
As it turned out, the job was not a secretarial one, but
one of a typist clerk, but there was always the chance of
advancement. What the hey, it was the Film Industry so
on February 1, 1965 she promptly took the job.
Within a year she was secretary to David Keg, the Print and
Release Manager, and thus began her first in a long line of
bosses. That is not to say that she changed jobs frequently,
rather that her bosses left her. In the 5 years at Warner Bros,
Wendy went through 12 Print & Release Managers.
It was during her time at Warners that she realised another
lifelong ambition – that of “treading the boards” -- as
Ron Steward introduced her to some friends of his who
were starting up a drama group. A 10 year association
with the Harlequin Players in shows such as “PRIDE &
PREJUDICE,” “PICNIC”, “ALL ABOUT EVE”, “STAGE
DOOR” and “HIGH SOCIETY” gave range to what talent
she possessed as they plied their trade in the St. James
The Society of AUSTRALIAN CINEMA PIONEERS BULLETIN - OCTOBER 2015
Playhouse in Phillip Street, Sydney.
She was to discover in later years that subsequent
workmates such as John Politzer had actually been to see
a couple of the shows (not necessarily because of her, but
because they knew other cast members).
Wendy’s association with Warner Bros. ended when
Roadshow took over the distribution of Warner Bros.
product and the majority the staff was retrenched.
Time out of the industry was short-lived for Wendy and
ended with a call from United Artists enquiring whether
she was still available, and if so, would she come and work
for them please? What better invitation could one have?
Luckily her reputation for getting rid of bosses had
not preceded her, and in December 1971, she became
secretary to the Managing Director.
She describes her time at U.A. as great - the was job
interesting, but the cockroach infestation from the lane
below was even more so. Even their overseas visitors
became accustomed to the sound of shoes striking walls
to ward off the little blighters. A thorough fumigation
finally cured the problem and it was on with the business
of getting film out to the masses.
Wendy was on her 4th Managing Director (who had
dubbed her the Mother Confessor of the office) at U.A.
when John Reid, (who had recently left U.A. to head
up the newly formed and named Greater Union Film
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Distributors) beckoned, and after 6 years at U.A., she found
herself heading to GUFD.
It was while she was at GUFD that she had the fortune/
misfortune of working for Allan Carr during all the hoopla
associated with the release and promotion of “CAN’T STOP
THE MUSIC”. It was an interesting time, shopping for
his friends in a chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce, cruising the
harbour, attending the premiere of the movie, sending his
endless reports on the Royal Tour currently underway in
Australia (Allan Carr was the official Royal correspondent
for several U.S. publications). This was in the days before
email or fax, and she had to rely on telex machines and
telex tape. John Hartman and Wendy stayed back in the
office one night until well after 11pm sending those telexes
for Mr. Carr. The tapes were so long they were used as
Christmas decorations that year.
Still, Mr. Carr had a sense of humour. Wendy remembers
sitting around a table in the Hilton Hotel with him, several
of the stars and GU co-workers, the morning following the
premiere of “CAN’T STOP THE MUSIC”, and having him
say that she hadn’t told him what she thought of the movie.
When she said that she had quite liked it and thought it
was fun, he told everybody that “That’s quite a rave you
know, because she’s very conservative”.
A great contrast to the flamboyant and heated persona of
Allan Carr was the quiet, gentlemanly nature of Edward
Fox and though Wendy’s association with him was shorter
than that with Carr, he was an absolute charmer.
Her days with GUFD were perhaps the most celebrity
involved, from finding dog carriers for Molly the singing
Dog, to giving Michael Palin an “Easter chook” (his words
before he promptly bit the head off the poor unfortunate
chocolate hen).
GUFD was winding down, both John Reid and John
Hartman had departed (Wendy’s reputation for getting
rid of bosses was intact), Roadshow was about to take over
the distribution of GUFD’s product, when Fox Columbia
and the chance of again working with John Hartman
beckoned. Wendy’s association with Fox Columbia lasted
until they amalgamated with Hoyts, and again half of the
staff was retrenched. At least she hadn’t gotten rid of any
bosses this time.
With the film industry seemingly shrinking, Wendy
despaired of being able to stay in the industry she loved
so much. A temp job back with Fox Columbia the week
after she left, followed by 2 weeks with the Motion Picture
Distributors Association were to keep her hand in. It was
as she was finishing up her first week at the MPDA that she
got the call from John Politzer at Greater Union, asking if
she’d “like to come and have a chat about a job”.
After 25 years in film distribution, she was crossing the
street and heading into exhibition.
Wendy spent a wonderful 19 years at Greater Union, one of
her main jobs being liaising with distributors and cinemas
to organise preview screenings around Australia.
Still, all good things must come to an end, and in 2008,
during a restructuring, at Greater Union it was determined
that Wendy was surplus to requirements and so sadly she
found myself out of the film industry after 43 glorious
years.
She was lucky enough to find volunteer work for a Wesley
Mission retirement home, which she loved, and only
stopped when the home closed down and they had to find
new homes for all the residents.
Many years ago, Wendy was invited to become a member
of the Council of the Motion Picture Industry Benevolent
Society of NSW, and although she is no longer “employed”
in the film industry, it has been, and she still regards it as
a great pleasure to continue in that capacity. For the past
almost 20 years, Wendy has also been fortunate enough
to hold the position of New South Wales President of the
Cinema Pioneers. She states that it has been a joy serving in
this role and although she recently handed over the reigns
to “new blood”, she looks forward to many more years of
camaraderie in this wonderful Society.
QUEENSLAND’S
CINEMA PIONEER OF THE YEAR
JOY STRANGE
J
oy is one of very few, if not the first nominee in
Queensland, to come from the Film Distribution side
of the Industry. Her early career was with a major
Department store in Brisbane as Manager, Promotions
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and Public Relations. In that role Joy was elected President
of the Institute of Sales and Marketing – an achievement
listed as one of her greatest honours.
The Society of AUSTRALIAN CINEMA PIONEERS BULLETIN - OCTOBER 2015
In the mid seventies, Manny Coe approached Joy to work
with him at United International Pictures (U.I.P.).Among
her many other responsibilities at U.I.P., Joy was privileged
to rub shoulders with Brisbane’s elite and some of the big
name movie stars of the time. She was responsible for
looking after visiting stars like Kevin Kline – “Silverado”
(1985), “A Fish Called Wanda” (1988) and “Fierce Creatures”
(1997), The fourth James Bond, Timothy Dalton – “The
Living Daylights” (1987) and “Licence to Kill” (1989),
and Leslie Nielsen – star of over 50 films including “The
Poseidon Adventure” and the “Naked Gun” films.
Joy attended not one, but two, International Movie
Conventions – one in Manila and the other at the MGM
Grand in Las Vegas. In conjunction with Pauline Parker,
she is also credited with running successful Academy
Award functions in various venues across Brisbane, with
the actual Awards ceremony screening on a big screen
throughout the event.
One of Joy’s most enduring memories is her involvement
with the 50th Anniversary promotion of “Gone with the
Wind” in the Brisbane City Hall. Everyone, including the
then Lord Mayor Sally-Anne Atkinson, got into the spirit
of the occasion and dressed in costumes of the period for
an event to be long remembered by those lucky enough to
attend.
Throughout her years at U.I.P., Joy made many friends in
high places and certainly ruffled more than a few feathers
with some of the promotional activities put she in place.
She incurred the wrath of the then Mayor of the Gold
Coast when she organised a promotion for the movie
“Jaws”. A plane flying up and down the coast’s crowded
beaches trailing a huge sign saying “Just when you thought
it was safe to go back into the water” seemed to upset the
Local Government Officials!!
Joy is also a big fan of the film “Shirley Valentine”, which
was released in Australia in 1990. So much so that, as the
promotional material of the time said, “in one woman’s
triumph over the ordinary”, she took herself off to the places
in Greece made famous by the movie, including the exotic
locale of Agios Ioannis Beach in Mykonos. This beach has
been nick-named the Shirley Valentine Beach!
As the promotional material of the time said “Who would
have thought she had the courage, the nerve or the lingerie”!
WESTERN AUSTRALIA’S
CINEMA PIONEER OF THE YEAR
GREG HARPER
G
reg started his career in the Industry with
Goldfields Pictures in 1960 at the age of 14,
as an Assistant Projectionist at the Broadway
Theatre in Victoria Park and the Astor Theatre Mt.
Lawley, experiencing all aspects of Cinema operations
of the 1960’s, involving both hardtop and open air
Theatres.
In 1963 he joined the Mayfair Theatrette Company on
Hay Street in Perth - the one hour News, Cartoon
and Travelogue format Theatre - as an Assistant
Projectionist. His duties included traveling to the
Bulwer Street Film Exchange by Trolley Bus each week
to pick up and return the programme reels, and also
the occasional shift as an Usher.
Greg joined MGM at the Metro Theatre on William
Street, Perth in 1965 as Assistant Projectionist for 6
months as temporary replacement for his brother
Peter who was taking 6 months unpaid leave. During
this time Greg learnt more about the importance of
The Society of AUSTRALIAN CINEMA PIONEERS BULLETIN - OCTOBER 2015
the presentation and technical aspects of professional
Cinema operations. Also whilst working at the Metro
he met Jan, his wife-to-be.
After leaving the Metro in early 1966, when Peter
returned from leave, Greg worked for City Theatres
at the Piccadilly and Grand Theatres in Perth, and
the Oriana Theatre in Fremantle as a casual Assistant
Projectionist. Here he worked with experienced
projectionists such as Reg Starr, who stressed upon
Greg the importance to study all aspects of projection
and electrical requirements in order to obtain his
Projectionists’ Licence which would further his career
in the Industry.
In April 1966, he joined Hoyts Theatres at the
Ambassadors Theatre on Hay St. as Assistant
Projectionist. During his years at Hoyts he also worked
in Perth City at the Paris, Cinema 1 and Cinemas 2, 3
and 4. When he gained his Projectionists Licence in
1969, Greg was employed as Projectionist at the Paris
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and Cinema 1. When it opened, he moved to Hoyts
Cinema 2 in Wanamba Arcade on the old Ambassadors
site. When Cinema 2 was twinned he was promoted
to Chief Projectionist along with Norm Carter. Greg
was involved with the commissioning of the Twin,
including the installation of projection equipment and
screens. When Hoyts bought City Theatres operations
in1989 he was promoted to State Chief Projectionist
for Hoyts.
During this time Hoyts were expanding into the
suburbs with the building of the Carousel Complex in
Cannington. These were hectic times for all concerned.
Greg was involved in the fit out and opening of Carousel
before deciding to leave Hoyts in 1990 to take a break
and spend time with his family.
After a short break, Peter Thomson from Coastal
Cinemas offered him a position as Manager at
Queensgate Cinemas Fremantle. During his time at
Queensgate, Greg was involved with the introduction
of computer ticketing at the Essex and Queensgate
Cinemas and the installation of projection equipment
at Coastal Cinemas’ new Rockingham Complex.
In 2001 Greg commenced work with Ace Cinemas
at Midland before moving to Ace Subiaco where he
enjoyed working for 6 years before leaving the Industry
in 2007 to start a new career at the South of Perth Yacht
Club, where he remained until his retirement in 2014.
During nearly 50 years in the industry Greg has made
many lifelong friendships. Greg considers the years
he spent in the Industry to be the most enjoyable and
satisfying of his working life and given the opportunity
again, wouldn’t change anything.
VICTORIA’S
“CINEMA PIONEER OF THE YEAR”
GRAEME HODGES
G
raeme believes that his love of the cinema was
born in him. From early childhood, he had a
fascination with attending his local cinema,
and even had his backyard cubby house converted to
“Regal Cinema”, where he would show his grandfather’s
old lantern slides to neighbourhood children for one
penny. When he was a little older, but still at school,
he obtained a job as Page Boy selling “Film Chats” at
the Waverley Cinema, East Malvern, decked out in a
burgundy uniform with brass buttons all down the
front.
His full time career in the Cinema Industry began
in 1954, when he joined Hoyts as Treasurer at the
Melbourne Regent Theatre. He remembers that, very
appropriately, the movie screening at the time was
“There’s No Business Like Show Business”.
The 3,253 seat Regent was still booming in the pretelevision era. The era of Theatre Orchestras has passed
by this time, but the Regent still had a Wurlitzer organ
with a permanent organist, Stanfield Holliday, and it
was an exciting venue to see a movie.
Although the coming of television badly affected the
Industry generally, particularly in the suburbs, the
city theatres kept going, and there were many exciting
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events and changes. The Plaza (situated below the
Regent Theatre in Collins Street, Melbourne) became
the home of the multi projector “Cinerama”, and
the Esquire was completely re-furbished to screen
an exclusive presentation of “Around The World in
80 Days”, on just eight performances per week. The
glittering Premiere was a huge event in Melbourne,
hosted by the film’s Producer Michael Todd and his
glamorous wife Elizabeth Taylor. Tickets throughout
the season were in great demand, and Graeme well
remembers many late nights balancing the sixteen
weeks advance bookings.
Graeme recalls an exciting departure from cinema,
when backstage dressing rooms, mirrors and lights
came to life again briefly at two of the Hoyts Cinemas
in Melbourne City for the Tibor Rudas presentations
“Ca C’est Paris” at the Regent, and “Snow White and the
Seven Dwarfs” at the Athanaeum. “It was certainly a
novelty to have statuesque topless females adorning the
stage at the Regent” says Graeme.
In 1969, Hoyts Melbourne Cinema Centre opened –
the first purpose built cinema complex in Australia.
A very hectic time followed when Graeme was
appointed a Manager to the Management team at this
The Society of AUSTRALIAN CINEMA PIONEERS BULLETIN - OCTOBER 2015
new cinema innovation, which was all run without
computers. These were exciting years for Graeme, as he
was involved with the Australian visits of many movie
stars of the time, including Cicely Tyson, Gregory
Peck, Joan Collins, Trevor Howard and Dame Anna
Neagle who, apart from appearing on stage in “Charlie
Girl”, helped her husband Herbert Wilcox to re-launch
his film classic about Queen Victoria – “Sixty Glorious
Years”
This was also the era of regular, glamorous, black tie
“Gala Charity Premieres”. The highlight of these was
the World Premiere of “Burke and Wills” in the presence
of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, which required
incredible protocol, security and organisation.
In 1986, Graeme became extensively involved in the
initial concept and development of multi-cinema
complexes throughout Australia, commencing with
the highly successful Hoyts Chadstone. This was an
extremely interesting and challenging time for him,
and involved overseas travel to assist with forward
planning, design and operations for the revolutionary
new era in cinema going.
It was quite a change for Graeme when he was
appointed National Operations Manager for Hoyts in
1989, and was based in Sydney. This position involved
a great deal of traveling around Australia as well as
traveling back and forth to his home in Melbourne.
In 1992, after 36 years with Hoyts, Graeme left to
become a partner in establishing Century Cinemas in
the Melbourne suburbs of Cranbourne and Boronia.
For the next five years, he enjoyed being back in front-
of-house where he had started so many years before.
Then when Village Theatres purchased the company
in 1997, Graeme had a short retirement until he was
invited to join Reading Cinemas, establishing their
programming and operations divisions. This was also
a busy and exciting time for him as their circuit was
rapidly developing.
According to Graeme, he has had a fabulous time over
forty-four years in the Cinema Industry, and enjoyed
meeting and working with so many interesting
people along the way. He established many life-long
friendships and has appreciated the support and
encouragement of so many people. He considers it
a privilege to have been involved with the Cinema
Industry Benevolent Fund, having served and a
Councillor for twenty-seven years and as its President
for two years. He was also a Trustee of the Fund for a
number of years, and a member of the Investigation
and Scholarship Committees.
Graeme’s other Industry involvement included the
Cinematography Exhibitors Association; a Board
Member of the Australian Industry Association and a
Member of the Board of Film Victoria for two years. He
became a member of the Australian Cinema Pioneers
in 1981, and served a President of the Victorian Branch
in 1997.
He considers it a great honour, after a very satisfying
and rewarding career, to have been elected as the
National “Cinema Pioneer of the Year” in 2000, and
now voted by his peers as the 2015 Victorian “Cinema
Pioneer of the Year”.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S
CINEMA PIONEER OF THE YEAR
GEORGE FALVEY
G
eorge first became interested in the Cinema
Industry in 1951, when he began working as
a casual Relief Assistant Projectionist for the
Star Theatre Circuit. In July 1956, he gained permanent
employment as an Assistant Projectionist at Shandon
Drive-In Theatre at Seaton, a western suburb of
Adelaide, which was operated by M.G. Henderson.
Shandon built another Drive-In at Warnambool in
south-western Victoria, which opened in December
1956, and this was closely followed by another Drive-
The Society of AUSTRALIAN CINEMA PIONEERS BULLETIN - OCTOBER 2015
In at Port Pirie, north of Adelaide. Then in May 1958,
George was offered and accepted the position of
Manager at the Shandon Drive-In at Elizabeth. But in
1962, he parted company with Henderson’s and the
Cinema Industry when he purchased a delicatessen in
Salisbury.
However, he missed the Cinema Industry so much
that in 1966 he applied for a Manager’s position with
Clifford Theatre Circuit (a subsidiary of Greater
Union). They had purchased both Shandon Drive-Ins
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at Elizabeth and Seaton. With his previous experience
in the rapidly expanding northern suburbs of Adelaide,
he was appointed Manager of the Elizabeth Starline
Drive-In.
In the early 1970s, George became Supervisor of
Greater Union’s Suburban and Country Drive-In
circuit, which included Alice Springs. In 1988, he had
the difficult task of closing down several Drive-Ins,
including Elizabeth Drive-In, which he had opened
back in 1958. He also spent some time at Greater
Union’s Cosmopolitan Complex in Hindley Street in
Adelaide City.
Like most, George has seen major changes to
the Industry, from 35mm nitrate film to digital
presentation, and the growth of the multi-screen
complexes. His love for the business doesn’t stop there
– he still has a continuing role on a very casual basis as
a volunteer at the not-for-profit Capri theatre (which
was formally Goodwood Star).
George has had a long and happy association with the
South Australian Cinema Industry, and is a worthy
recipient of South Australia’s 2015 “Cinema Pioneer of
the Year”.
82nd ANNIVERSARY DINNER
The Society’s 82nd Anniversary Dinner will be held on THURSDAY NOVEMBER 19 in
the Blaxland Ballroom at the SWISSOTEL SYDNEY (68 Market Street, Sydney – entrance
opposite the State Theatre) at 6:30PM. Dinner will be served at 7:30PM.
Members are reminded that they can bring their spouse, family member or friend to the
Dinner.
Due to the generous financial support received from within our Industry, once again the cost to
attend the Annual General Meeting and Dinner will be $60.00 for both members and guests.
Those members wishing to attend are requested to complete the separate Reservation Form
which accompanied this Bulletin if you are paying ...
(a) either by cheque or money order made payable to
“AUSTRALIAN CINEMA PIONEERS”
or
(b) by Direct Deposit to the Society’s Bank Account,
and send it to …
The National Honorary Secretary/Treasurer (Bruce Leonard)
no later than FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2014.
SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
IF ANY MEMBER OR GUEST ATTENDING THE DINNER HAS ANY SPECIAL DIETARY
REQUIREMENTS, PLEASE ADVISE FULL DETAILS ON THE REVERSE SIDE OF THE
RESERVATION FORM, EVEN IF THESE DETAILS HAVE BEEN PROVIDED PREVIOUSLY.
The National Executive Committee extends a warm welcome to all members of Interstate
Branches.
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The Society of AUSTRALIAN CINEMA PIONEERS BULLETIN - OCTOBER 2015
ADDITIONAL DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
State End of year Functions:• Queensland:- Luncheon on Thursday November 26 at Broncos Leagues Club, Fulcher Road,
RED HILL.
• Victoria:- Dinner on Wednesday November 11 at German Club Tivoli, 291 Dandenong Road,
WINDSOR, commencing at 6:30PM. Guest Speaker David Parker.
• Tasmania:- Luncheon on Wednesday December 9 at Wrest Point Casino Buffet and Coffee Shop, HOBART, commencing at 12:30PM.
• Western Australia:- Luncheon on Wednesday November 25 at the Barry Cable Room,
Domain Stadium, SUBIACO, commencing at 12 noon.
• South Australia:- Christmas Luncheon on Saturday December 20 at Kooyonga Golf Club,
LOCKLEYS, commencing at 12 noon.
REPLACEMENT OF LOST OR DAMAGED PHOTO ID
MEMBERSHIP CARDS
To replace a lost or damaged Photo ID Membership Card, all you have to do is send a new PASSPORT
PHOTO (no other type will do) together with a Cheque or Money Order for $20 (made payable to Australian
Cinema Pioneers), to the National Secretary / Treasurer, Bruce Leonard, at 9 Collins Crescent, Lapstone,
NSW, 2773, and he will arrange to have a new card made for you.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT
The Society wishes to sincerely thank the following supporters who made donations to subsidise the cost
of the 81st Annual Dinner:Amalgamated Holdings Limited, Jonathan Chissick, Deluxe Australia, Ray Edmondson, Hayden
Orpheum Picture Palace, Lynda House, Hoyts Corporation Pty Ltd, Terry Jackman, Catherine Knapman,
Natalie Miller, Paramount Pictures Australia Pty., Bob Parr, John Reid, Eugenie Tasker, 20th Century
Fox Film Distributors Pty Ltd, Universal Pictures International Australasia Pty Ltd, Val Morgan Cinema
Advertising, Village Roadshow Limited, The Walt Disney Company (Australia/New Zealand) Pty Ltd,
Robert Ward.
The Society of AUSTRALIAN CINEMA PIONEERS BULLETIN - OCTOBER 2015
9
IMPORTANT CHANGES REGARDING
COMPLIMENTARY ADMISSION TO CINEMAS
T
he President and Executive Committee are
pleased to advise that, Event Cinemas, Hoyts,
Village, Birch Carroll & Coyle, Reading Australia,
Wallis Cinemas (SA), Grand Cinemas (WA), and
IMAX Theatres (in Sydney and Melbourne) will
honour a Photo ID Pioneer Membership Card
by offering complimentary admission to a Pioneer
and one guest to participating cinemas on any day
(including weekends), now including 3D movies
and glasses.
Exceptions are as follows:- the Photo ID Pioneer
Card cannot be used on Saturday evenings after
6:00PM, on Public Holidays, Premium Seating,
and Special Programmes (e.g. Special Previews and
Premieres, and those programmes signifying “No
Free List” Tickets).
In addition, Hoyts has advised that exceptions
also extend to Hoyts La Premiere, Directors’ Suite,
Bean Bag Cinema, Xtremescreen and Hoyts IMAX.
To the best of our knowledge at the time of publication,
the following Independent Cinemas have also agreed
to honour our Membership Card:NSW and ACT
Roseville Cinemas, Hayden Cinemas, Randwick Ritz,
United Cinemas, The Empire Theatre Complex at
Bowral, The Lake Cinema at Boolaroo (Newcastle),
“The Edge” Maxvision Cinema at Katoomba, Mt.
Vic Flicks at Mount Victoria, The RAAF Theatre at
Richmond, The Crossing Theatre at Narrabri, The
Civic Cinema at Gunnedah, Majestic Cinemas at
The Entrance, Singleton, Inverell, Port Macquarie and
Nambucca Heads, Nelson Bay Cinema Complex, Roxy
Cinema at South West Rocks, Narooma Kinema, The
Picture Show Man Twin Cinema at Merimbula, Roxy
Cinema Complex at Nowra, Griffith City Cinemas,
Wagga Forum 6 Theatre, Orange Odeon 5, Tamworth
Forum 6, Dendy Cinemas Canberra City, Limelight
Cinemas at Tuggeranong (Canberra).
VIC
Carlton Nova Cinemas, Dromana Twin Drive-In,
Kino Dendy Cinemas, Sun Theatre Yarraville, Melton
Cinemas, Regent Cinemas Ballarat, Mornington
Cinemas, Rosebud, Sorrento and Warragul Cinemas,
Axedale/Lake Eppalock Open Air Cinema, Bainsdale
Cinemas, Healesville Cinema, Inverlock Cinema,
Mansfield Cinema, Maryborough Paramount
Cinema, Mildura Deakin Cinema Complex,
Mooroolbark Cinema, Portarlington & Tidal
River Cinemas, Hamilton and Port Fairy Cinemas,
Portland Star Cinema, Sale Twin Cinemas, Swan
10
Hill Oasis Cinema, Swanpool Cinema, Wonthaggi
Cinema, Yarram Regent Theatre, The Lunar DriveIn at Dandenong, and Palace Cinemas (comprising
Northcote Westgarth Cinema, Como Cinemas South
Yarra, Balwyn Cinemas Balwyn, Dendy Cinemas
Brighton, Brighton Bay Cinemas Brighton, and The
George St. Kilda).
In addition ...The Australian Centre for the Moving
Image is pleased to recognise the Australian Cinema
Pioneers and makes the following offer:On
presentation of a Photo ID Pioneer Membership Card,
ACMI will provide complimentary admission to a
Cinema Pioneer and one guest for ACMI Film Program
screenings, subject to availability.
However, this offer does not apply to external partner
film festival events.
QLD
Hyperplex at Loganholme, Cineplex Australia at
Hawthorne, Balmoral, Southbank, Nerang and
Victoria Point. United Cinemas at Indooroopilly,
Palace Centro Cinemas, New Farm Cinemas,
Limelight Cinemas at Ipswich, Gold Coast Arts Centre
Cinema, Hervey Bay Cinemas, Summergarden Twin
Cinemas at Bowen, Civic Theatre at Dalby, Cultural
Centre at Chinchilla, The World Theatre at Charters
Towers, Bribie Twin Cinemas at Bribie Island and
Warrina Cineplex at Townsville.
SA
Wallis City and Suburban Cinemas, The Nova and
Palace Cinemas in Adelaide City, Reading Cinema
Complex at West Lakes, Trak Cinema at Toorak
Gardens, Capri Theatre at Goodwood, Oatmill
Cinema at Mount Gambier, Flinders Cinema at Port
Lincoln.
WA
Ace Subiaco, Ace Rockingham, Ace Midland, Ace
Subiaco, Ace Rockingham, Ace Midland, The Cygnet
at Como (Perth), The Astor Mount Lawley, Grand
Cinemas at Armadale, Warwick, Currambine,
Bunbury, Joondalup, and Whitford Cinemas at
Hillarys.
TAS
Village Cinemas at Hobart, Glenorchy, Eastlands and
Launceston, The State Theatre North Hobart,
C Max Cinema Complex at Devonport, and Metro
Cinemas at Burnie.
NT
C Max Cinema Complex at Palmerston (Darwin)
The Society of AUSTRALIAN CINEMA PIONEERS BULLETIN - OCTOBER 2015
NEW MEMBERS
Our 74th National President, Michael Selwyn, has been pleased to welcome the following as members of the
Australian Cinema Pioneers during the past 12 months ...
EMMA ADDARIO
GERARD AIKEN
PETA ALEXANDER
GLENN ARROWSMITH
ROBERT BAULCH
JASON BINNIE
RONALD BOLITHO
ROBERT BOOKER
DAVID BOOTY
JAMES BRAMLEY
MICHAEL BRENNAN
MARK BROOKS
BRADD BUCKLEY
PATRICIA CARNEY
MICHAEL CATON
SUSAN CATTELL
HARRIET CLUTTERBUCK
JOANNA CODDINGTON
MARTHA COLEMAN
VINCE COLOSIMO
ANGELA CONTE
CLAUDIA CRUPI
HAYDN DALTON
BRUCE DAVEY
DANIEL DAWSON
CHRISTINA de PODLINSKY
ALLAN DENTON
SIMON DRAKE
MEGHAN DREW
ROBIN DUNN
NEIL FANNING
JIM FILIPOVIC
ANN FOLLAND
ANNE FOWLER
EDDY GARCIA-GRANT
IAN GOODING
PETER GRAHAM
BARBARA GRUMMELS
MAC GUDGEON
NIGEL HARBACH
ADRIAN HAUSER
JON HEANEY
DAVID HERZOG
JEFFREY HILL
BRIAN HOLMES
CHRISTINE IVANOFF
ALISTAIR JENKINS
NATASHA JOVICIC
VICTOR KASPAR
JOHN KATSOULIS
JUDY KING
CATHERINE KNAPMAN
KIRSTEN LA
HELEN LEAKE
BIN LI
ANTHEA MARLER
MIRIANA MARUSIC
ANDREW McEACHAN
KARLENE MEENAHAN
ANTHONY MICHAELS
DARREN MITCHELL
SANDIE MORRIS
BRAD NEWELL
BENJAMIN O’DWYER
SUSAN PARKIN
JOHN PARRAS
SHERYL PILKINTON
DIANE PIPER
FIONA PULFORD
ROB PURU
SHARON ROBBINS
GREGORY ROBINSON
JIM ROWSTON
JULIE RYAN
AVNI SALI
HANA SALI
MICHAEL SCHNEIDER
MATTHEW SLATTERY
ALICIA SLUSARSKI
JOHN SMITH
PAUL SULLIVAN
VICTORIA SULLIVAN
JOHN TITLEY
JENNIFER TOSI
VICTORIA TREOLE
ARLENE VALENTINE
GORDON WADDELL
DAVID WENHAM
SHELLEY WHITAKER
KIMBERLEY WILLIAMS
ANNE WILLS
STEPHEN WINDON
CARL WOOD
STUART WOOD
GEORGE ZAMMIT
HONOURING THOSE PIONEERS
WHO WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED
LEFT US DURING THE YEAR
ALFRED ABRAHAMS
DON ALBON
IRENE AMEE
PAMELA AUSTIN
LEO BOYLE
WILLIAM BUCK
NEIL BUSHBY
JOHN CHILDS
JOHN DANIELL
MAC DAVY
WILLIAM DI ROU
STUART EVERETT
JOHN GALL
COLINS GARRITY
RUSSELL HAISMAN
VALDA HARRY
TOM HAYES
ARTHUR HOLLIS
GLENN JENKINS
JOHN KIDD
ANDREW LESNIE
MAXWELL LONG
The Society of AUSTRALIAN CINEMA PIONEERS BULLETIN - OCTOBER 2015
FRANK LOVE
GRAHAM McGHEE
TOM MINEAR
PETER MOLONEY
RUSSELL O’REGAN
KEN PERRIN
DAVID PERRY
JOHN PHILLIPS
WILLIAM “TIFF” RAYNER
IAN RUSSELL
SONNY SCHATTLING
PHIL STANLEY
JOY STARKEY
OLIVER STREETON
GRAHAM STURKE
JOHN THOMPSON
JEFFREY TRUMAN
IAN WARD
LES WASLEY
MALCOLM WILSON
TREVOR WOODLANDS
MAURICE WORK
11
PAST NATIONAL PRESIDENTS
1934 George Clements
1968 Phil Jones
1994 Keith Moremon
1935 Stanley Wright
1969 Ken G. Hall, O.B.E.
1995 Ron McEwan
1936 Bill Szarka
1970 Herb Hayward, M.B.E.
1996 Les Woods
1937 Gus McIntyre
1971 Keith Moremon
1997 Bill Palmer
1938 Alan Williamson
1972 Ron Michaels
1998 Norman Sheedy
1939 Charlie Munro
1973 Rob McLeish
1999 Alan Rydge
1940 Alf Beszant
1974 Phil Budden, O.B.E.
2000 Allen Myers
1941 Dan Carroll
1975 Darby C. Jewell
2001 Wendy Paterson
1942 Arthur Gregory
1976 Billy Moloney
2002 Anthony Buckley, AM
1943 Monte Simmons
1977 John P. O'Callaghan
2003 Richard Parton
1944 Archer Whitford
1978 Wes Loney
2004 Noel Collier
1945 Clay Reid
1979 David Williams, AM.
2005 Ian Sands
1946 John Fuller
1980 Wal Granger
2006 Paul Johnson
1947 Tommy Greaves
1981 Allan Lewis
2007 Tom Jeffrey, AM
1948 Stan Crick
1982 Rod Gurr
2008 John Rochester
1949 Herc McIntyre
1983 John Neal
2009 Alan Rydge
1950 Ted Johnson
1984 Fred Crouch
2010 Ross Entwistle
1957 Gordon Ellis
1985 Laurie Russell
2011 John Kirby, AM
1958 Dan Casey
1986 David Joel
2012 Alan Finney, OAM
1960 Mel Lawton
1987 John Merrin
2013 Sue Milliken, AO
1961 Doug Lotherington
1988 Stanley Fitz-Alan
2014 Mike Baard
1962 Frank Barrett
1989 Mervyn Jones
2015 Michael Selwyn
1964 Colin H.C. Jones
1990 John W. Smith
1965 Les Andrews
1991 Murray Forrest
1966 Horrie Nagel
1992 Bruce Hawkins
1967 Tom Cadwallader
1993 John Reid
HONOUR ROLE OF NATIONAL "CINEMA PIONEERS OF THE YEAR"
This Award was originally known as the "National Film Man of the Year" until 1994, when it was changed to "National
Film Pioneer of the Year". Then in 1998, it was re-named again to read "National Cinema Pioneer of the Year".
1st
1969
Herc C McIntyre
17th 1985
John W. Smith
33rd 2001
Murray Forrest
2nd
1970
Ken G. Hall
18th 1986
Keith Moremon
34th 2002
Patricia Lovell, MBE, AM
3rd
1971
Roc Kirby
19th 1987
David Joel
35th 2003
Alan Stiles
4th
1972
Arthur Smith
20th 1988
Gordon Presland
36th 2004
Russell Boyd
5th
1973
Bert Cross
21st 1989
Greg Coote, AM
37th 2005
John Reid
6th
1974
Eric Porter
22nd 1990
Jack Gardiner
38th 2006
Bob Mason
7th
1975
Vic Webb
23rd 1991
Graham Burke
39th 2007
Alan Rydge
8th
1976
David Williams, AM
24th 1992
Terry Jackman
40th 2008
Robert Ward
9th
1977
Herbert Hayward
25th 1993
Peter Thompson
41st 2009
Bob Parr
10th 1978
Colin Jones
26th 1994
Len Webb, OAM
42nd 2010
John Daniell, AM.
11th 1979
Alf Daff
27th 1995
George Ruttle
43rd 2011
Theo & Margaret Goumas
12th 1980
Phil Budden
28th 1996
David Hannay
44th 2012
Natalie Miller, OAM
Jill Robb, AM
13th 1981
Anthony Buckley, AM
29th 1997
Richard Parton
45th 2013
14th 1982
Darby Jewell
30th 1998
Bill Carty
46th 2014
15th 1983
Tom Nicholas
31st 1999
Roy Tuohy, OAM
47th 2015
16th 1984
Arthur Stiles
32nd 2000
Graeme Hodges
12
Bruce Leonard
John Polmear
The Society of AUSTRALIAN CINEMA PIONEERS BULLETIN - OCTOBER 2015