News

Final curtain for another cinema

THE closure of the Greater Union cinema in Mosman comes as further proof of troubles in the Australian film industry.

While local filmmakers find it difficult to get work, and film, as an investment proposition, has retreated from fashion, the closure has underscored the impact of falling audiences.

It is the seventh picture theatre to close in Sydney since 1999. (more…)

Hamdan pictures himself as the next Vinnie Jones – SMH – 10 Dec.2010

BOXER Nader Hamdan plans to become ”Australia’s Vinnie Jones” after starting his acting career with a villainous role in SBS’s award-winning drama East West 101.

Hamdan plans to pursue acting full-time when he retires from the sport, most likely next year, and believes his controversial career will boost his chances of landing ”bad guy” roles. Ever the agitator, Hamdan has infuriated authorities and fans with foul-mouthed tirades and trash talk in recent years. His popularity sank after his appearance in the reality show The Contender, where he continually challenged and berated fellow contestants, but he says it has been a deliberate ploy. (more…)

Alliance Press release on The Hobbit

Please find below our press statement released late yesterday in regards to our position on The Hobbit:

NO INTEREST IN JEOPARDISING HOBBIT

Equity seeks fair go for NZ actors

NZ Actors Equity says it has no interest in jeopardising the production of The Hobbit in NZ or to see the production move offshore.

President Jennifer Ward-Lealand says that Equity has enormous admiration and respect for Sir Peter’s work, but she is most concerned by many of the comments he made in the statement issued last night.

“We have been seeking the opportunity to meet with the production for over a month now to discuss the minimum terms and conditions for NZ actors on The Hobbit.”

“NZ Actors Equity is concerned that local actors working on the production receive a fair and equitable contract, just as their international colleagues will do. This is only fair,” she said.

“We see no value whatsoever in responding to the matters Sir Peter has raised through the media.  Once again we have written to his production office seeking a meeting to resolve this.”
Regards,

Simon Whipp
National Director – Equity
Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance
T:  1300 656 512
F:  1300 730 543
E:  aid@alliance.org.au
W: www.alliance.org.au

Ex-policewoman loses bid to see Underbelly portrayal before it’s aired

A former Sydney police officer has lost her legal bid to view the latest series of Underbelly before it goes to air, despite claims the show defames her.

Wendy Gaye Hatfield is mentioned in a tie-in book accompanying the Nine Network show, entitled Underbelly: The Golden Mile, which she says paints her in a bad light.

She demanded access to episodes of the show in which her character appears, to see if she had been defamed. (more…)

SBS unveils Blackfella Films’ projects

SBS TV has unveiled more details about its output deal with Blackfella Films, which will underpin a string of key projects for the broadcaster over the next three years.

The independent production house, run by Rachel Perkins and Darren Dale, is currently working on four projects for SBS following the success of its seven-part series First Australians. (more…)

Sex story delivers blow to Underbelly – SMH – 04 Mar.10

The next series of the hit television show Underbelly may be in doubt after a former Kings Cross police officer portrayed in the program has threatened to sue for defamation.

Yesterday lawyers for Wendy Gaye Hatfield asked the Supreme Court to allow her to preview episodes from Underbelly: the Golden Years, to determine whether she has been defamed and whether she has grounds to stop all or some of the show from going to air. (more…)