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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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