Following on from the Federal Government's ban of all "non-essential" gatherings of more than 100 people, and out of concern for patrons and staff amid the coronavirus pandemic, Palace Cinemas has decided to close all sites indefinitely from tomorrow.
The closure of Australian cinemas and entertainment venues as well as licensed clubs, hotels and pubs, casinos and nightclubs is a body blow to Village Roadshow Ltd (VRL) and the exhibition and distribution sector.
Former producer, exhibitor and sales agent Bill Gavin has died in Auckland after a short illness, aged 83.
Hoyts Group CEO Damian Keogh is confident the business will rebound strongly once there is a steady flow of new releases.
Exhibitors are anticipating a blockbuster opening this Thursday, even with caps on seating capacity, for Christopher Nolan’s 'Tenet' after a sizable turnout for paid previews last weekend.
Former Event Cinemas and Greater Union Cinemas head of film/programming Peter Cody has joined Hoyts Cinemas.
Roadshow will launch Robert Connolly's 'The Dry' on January 1 and Glendyn Ivin's 'Penguin Bloom' on January 21, raising exhibitors' hopes of a strong start to the year on the proviso that a raft of Hollywood titles are not postponed.