We are sad to report the death of Michael Edols who passed away suddenly on Tuesday 3rd July 2018. Michael has been a respected member of the NSW branch of the Pioneers and has been internationally renowned for his work as a Cinematographer, Director of Photography and collaborator in the Film and Television industry. http://www.edols.com.au/thepitch.htm
Dear Cinema Pioneers, Sadly cinema industry doyen Maurice Scott passed away on Saturday after a long illness. He was arguably one of most respected and well known theatre managers of our time. He was also an excellent raconteur and ranks amongst the most entertaining speakers I have heard. Close friend Ross Campbell has prepared the…
John Politzer, a highly respected exhibitor and distributor who was an influential supporter of Australian films, died on Thursday 8th March 2018 after a long illness, aged 83. As Greater Union’s programming manager from 1979 until 1995, he championed dozens of local films including Sunday, Too Far Away, Caddie, Fran, Kitty and the Bagman, Bliss, Praise and Strictly Ballroom.…
We regret to inform the Society of the sad passing of member Ray Erenshaw, aged 88. Ray entered the industry via his involvement with the family’s Strand Theatre in Ashford (NSW). For many years he was the very proud operator of the Regent Theatre at nearby Delungra. He also operated picture-shows in Inverell and district,…
I’m sad to inform you that well known former Hoyts projectionist Brian Scott passed away Saturday morning. Brian commenced at Hoyts Padua Theatre in Brunswick in 1949 as a page boy, he was later given the opportunity to transfer to the bio box and commenced his training as an assistant projectionist. After becoming proficient he…
Dear Cinema Pioneers, Sadly Village veteran and long time Cinema Pioneer Frank Westaway passed away late last week. After many years working for the ABC, Frank commenced doing projection shifts for Village drive-ins and suburban twin cinemas. He spent some time at Boronia Twin and also worked at Frankston Twin, Knox Twin and Clayton and Croydon drive-ins…
Dear Cinema Pioneers, I’ve been informed that Hoyts veteran Ray Hasse passed away last Thursday. Ray commenced in the cinema industry with Watermans Theatres who were based in Adelaide. He later transferred to Melbourne as Concessions Manager for Hoyts when they purchased the Watermans operations. Ray and his wife Joan moved back to Adelaide when Ray retired. …
Sadly, we have been informed that Cinema Pioneer Marie Whitaker passed away on Saturday 7th October (2017) after a long battle with cancer. Marie commenced her career at Peninsula (Dromana) Drive-in. She worked alongside husband Lloyd and brother in law Paul for many years at the drive-in and the Rosebud cinemas. Marie and Lloyd participated…
Sadly former Victorian Branch President David Aalders passed away on 16th September (2017). David commenced his career as an assistant projectionist at the old Sunshine Theatre which was operated by George and Roc Kirby. David’s role grew with the company as the number of Village drive-in and hardtop theatres expanded through the 1950s and 1960s.…