SASHA CLOSE – SOUTH AUSTRALIAN CINEMA PIONEERS OF THE YEAR Sasha Close is a highly regarded executive in the Australian cinema and screen industry, with over two decades of experience spanning distribution, exhibition, programming, and film festivals. She began her career at United International Pictures before moving into exhibition and programming at Village Cinemas, where…
SHANE FULWOOD – 2024 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN CINEMA PIONEERS OF THE YEAR Shane spent his teens during the 1980s in Mount Gambier. He had a couple of golden years when he was old enough to attend the Sturt Cinema on his own before it closed, a victim of the video boom. After finishing high school in…
PHILLIP BRANFORD – 2023 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN CINEMA PIONEER OF THE YEAR Phillip (Phil) started as a third boy at the Port Elliot Institute in 1965 (while still at High School), then followed his cousin to the Port Elliot Drive In as an unpaid assistant during school holidays and some weekends. As he was doing a…
BRUCE RICHMOND – 2022 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN CINEMA PIONEER OF THE YEAR Bruce Richmond was born on 13th September,1955 the first son of June Richmond (2017 SA Pioneer of the year) and John Richmond. Bruce showed an early interest in theatres and film projection and at the age of eleven started as assistant projectionist in the…
LORNA WALLIS – SOUTH AUSTRALIAN CINEMA PIONEER OF THE YEAR 2021 Lorna Wallis has been an integral part of Wallis Cinemas history within various roles not only at locations, but in supporting her late husband Bob Wallis in continuing his father’s legacy. It all started when she was working for Doug Wilson as a bookkeeper…
Born 1942, as a young lad Peter went to the Thebarton Theatre to watch movies and was fascinated with the light coming out of the porthole at the rear. He eventually worked as a tray boy at the theatre in mid 1950s earning One Pound 7/6 a week. Peter progressed to the projection room as…
Marlene Gregory (nee Shaw) began her lifelong love of the film industry in 1958 as an usherette at Greater Union’s Majestic Theatre in Launceston, Tasmania. She later transferred to the ticket box/booking office which was located in rather cramped conditions between two sets of marble stairs. Marlene relocated to Adelaide in 1961 and commenced work…
Brian Pearson was born on 25th May 1929 in Adelaide.When he was nine years old, because of his interest in films and picture theatres he was given a toy Japanese projector for Christmas. Following a visit to the Regent Theatre Adelaide, a lifetime of passion for theatres and in particular Hoyts Regent Theatres was formed. In…
June Richmond started her life in the cinema industry at the age of 17 as an usherette at Windsor Star Theatre, Hilton. In 1957 she moved to Port Pirie and was with husband John when he opened the Port Pirie & Kadina Drive Ins. Between having seven children she worked at the Sunset Drive-in at…