Page 20 - CinemaRecord #11R.pdf

I still find it difficult to believe that 20 years have slipped by since our first screening, also the various societies,
clubs and even a special show for the Low Vision people, which is a division of the Blind Society. We had
special hearing aid equipment so as the audio describers could inform the audience what was going on, this by
the way, was a first for cinema in Victoria. Now a bit about the furnishings of this theatre.

I was fortunate to be known around the traps, and a very good friend, who was technical supervisor for Greater
Union Theatres, helped me no end. I obtained all my carpet from the Odeon Theatre Bourke Street. This
theatre having just closed, seats also came from there. Since then I have had 2 changes of seats, the second
change came from HOYTS "ESQUIRE" in Bourke Street- both the first and second sets of seats were of vinyl
covering, then in 1997 I was fortunate enough to obtain my favourite seats from the FORUM (State) in Flinders
Street, which was the icing on the cake. Another good friend supplied me with aisle lights.

The screen curtains are the original 1929 gold ones complete with the gold tassels that hang on either side of
the curtain, the photo of the Wurlitzer with Frank Lantarman seated at the console, and the Exit sign, house
phones are also from the Forum (State). The door into the theatre came from the BARCLAY in Russell Street,
this has a one way glass, which I find quite handy.

The ticket stub collection box is from the CHELSEA (Majestic) in Flinders Street and the Microphone on stand
is from the orchestra lift at the PALAIS PICTURES in St. Kilda.

The projectors that I run now and which I have had for the past 12 years are a pair of P8 Bauers imported new
from Germany. I have had various others such as Pyrox Victor, Kalart Victor and as I mentioned earlier Bell &
Howell, but for reliability and performance one cannot go past the Bauer- I would recommend them to anyone.

So as I said earlier, once you have film cement in your veins you will never be able to eradicate it, (and who
wants to anyway).
****** *** *

Family Dedication Pays Off Herald Sun -November 27, 1997

The people of the outer northern suburbs are to get their own 1 0-cinema complex. The complex, at the Epping
Plaza shopping centre, on the corner of Cooper and High Streets, will open tomorrow. Half-price Tuesdays will
be a regular feature at Epping 10.

The cinemas are operated by the Anderson family of Ballarat, who also operate the Werribee 1 0-cinema
complex and the Regent Multiplex in Ballarat. The Anderson family's cinema interest started about 50 years
ago with a small, regional Victoria film circuit. The firm now employs about 60 full-time staff as well as about
150 casuals in its head office and three cinema complexes.

Film listings for the Epping complex will appear under the Hoys daily listings advertisement, but the complex
will accept both Hoyts and Village gift vouchers.

Managing Director, Stephen Anderson says no expense has been spared in the cinema complex. "We aim to
give the ultimate in comfort and screen presentation and we've gone to enormous expense to give people
that," he says. The cinemas feature "love seats", first seen at the cinema complex at Crown. Arm rests between
the seats lift up to create a mini-sofa for couples who like to cuddle.

All1 0 auditoriums feature state-of-the-art Dolby Digital Sound. The complex will offer reserved seating, backed
up by a phone-booking service. Attached to the complex will be a futuristic electronic games centre, lntencity,
with games including Daytona, Scud Racer, House of the Dead and Lost World. Every Saturday and Sunday
lntencity will offer Temporary Insanity- two hours of games action for $10. The complex will also offer special
birthday party deals. The $9.50 ticket price includes popcorn, drinks, Jollies, games and cakes as well as
admission to a film or an hour in lntencity.

Mr. Anderson says his company decided to expand from Ballarat into Werribee and Epping because neither
had cinema complexes within easy travelling distance for residents. "The great thing is that they're on the outer
fringes, but both Werribee and Epping are basically in the second and third fastest-growing catchments in
Melbourne," he says. The Anderson Family has employed 15 full-time and 50 casual staff, all locals, at Epping.

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