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CINEMA RECORD
                                                                                            IJ3its antf Pieces


          New Jam Factory Cinemas Open

         On Thursday  15th October, Village opened 6  new cinemas at their Jam  Factory complex.  The new development features 3
         new 'multiplex' style cinemas, adding to the existing 8, and 3 'art house' type cinemas, the ftrst of a new ViUage chain to be
         known as Cinema Europa.

         Ross Entwistle, General  Manager, Programming, for Village Cinemas said  that screenings at Cinema  Europa will  include
         showing contemporary  Australian short films  (2  to  14 minute  films) before the main  feature  Mr Entwistle said,  "Village
         Roadshow are committed to encouraging young Australian filmmakers and Cinema Europa will provide a showcase for their
         work, and give some profile to the ftlmmaker."

         "We have seen a shift in audience taste and this is an effort to cater for that," he said, "The intention is to provide a diverse
         range of product, to screen films that are intellectually stimulating in a sophisticated surrounding."

         Cinema Europa  auditoriums  feature seats with double  armrestS  and all cinemas are equipped  with digital sound. Staff are
         selected who are very film literate and there will be cinema trade magazines available in the foyers for patrons to read. There
         will also be a bar area adjoining the foyer.The Jam Factory 14 cinema complex is located at 500 Chapel Street, Prahran.
                                                                Source: 3LO, Gael Jennings Progrom,l5th October 1998.



         M ove to C lose the Capitol Theatre

         The future of Melbourne's Capitol Theatre is under a cloud again. Because of the operating costS of the theatre- thousands of
          lightglobes, air conditioning etc  it is difficult for tenants to run a viable cinema business there.  The owner of the building has
          reported.ly said "lock it up and throw away the key" and has proposed that the staircase leading to the theatre be demolished
          and the theatre entombed.

         The Walter Bur.ley Griffin designed theatre is one of the most important 20th Century heritage-listed buildings in Australia.
          Calls are now being made for government to buy or lease the theatre to ensure its preservation and operation.

          CATHS has sent a letter to the Melbourne City Council supporting any action that the Council takes to ensure the preservation
          of the Capitol.
                                                                Source: 3LO, Gael Jennings Program, 16Th October 1998.


          Reading Frankston: Work Starts

          After two years of negotiations and  p.lanning,  work  on  stage one of the  Reading  Multiplex  Project at Frankston  Railway
          Station has commenced. Stage one is to clear adjoining land and relocate some rail tracks.  The development, which is to be
          built over the railway line and behind the station, includes a 3000 seat, .12 screen cinema complex and entertainment precinct.
         The project, which is costed at $35 million, is the first Reading development to begin construction in Victoria.
                                                                 Source: Frankston Stondard, 16th October /998, Page 9.



          Shepparton Drive In Re-opens

          The Shepparton  Drive In re-opened on Friday  16th October.  Drive  In  programmer and CATHS  member Steven  McDonell
          said, "with all  the Thunder, Lightning etc (the  natural enemy of the Drive In) around  600 people  attended  the opening
          weekend Fri-Sat) so the future for the Shepp Drive In for the short term still looks good, but the redevelopment of the site will
          still  go ahead.  The owners expect the sale to proceed early next year then there will be 90 days till  the  BIG screen comes a
          tumblin' down . .,

          The opening program was 'Dr Dolittle', starring Eddie Murphy plus  'There's Something About Mary'.  Visit the McDonell
          programming website at: http://www.mcprogramming.com.au for more info.









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