President’s Blog – January 2014

Happy New Year to my fellow ACS members, sponsors, supporters and friends.

It was only yesterday I was sitting in the comfortable surrounds of one of our cinema complexes relishing the fantastic film that is The Railway Man. Wonderful filmmaking, superb performances and a truly inspirational story. Some superb imagery from our very own Garry Phillips ACS, whose collaboration with Director Jonathan Teplitzky (Burning Man, Better Than Sex and Gettin’ Square, goes from strength to strength.

Maybe a mandatory resolution for 2014 should be for us all to see more Australian films, put more bums on seats so we can ensure our industry, our dedicated Producers, Directors, Writers continue to receive the support and the funding required to produce Australian films, Australian stories for us all to enjoy. We make great films here in Australia, so let’s show the world how proud we are of our local industry, and go see more Australian films!

In my Christmas stocking was a copy of Sue Milliken’s new book “Selective Memory: A life in Film”. I thoroughly recommend you purchase a copy of this entertaining and informative read, from an innovative Producer, who has witnessed the growth and change within our industry first hand. Published by Hybrid Publishers – www.hybridpublishers.com.au. You won’t be disappointed!

3RD AACTA AWARDS

The 3RD AACTA AWARDS CEREMONY will take place on 30 January 2014 at the Star Event Centre Pyrmont, Sydney and it is then the ACS will be presented with the Byron Kennedy Award for 2014, in Sydney at the Star Complex. It would be great to see as many of you there as possible to share the occasion, as it’s a result of our collective hard work over many years that has seen the Society receive this prestigious Award. As I’ve said previously, this is a truly humbling and most appreciated honour for all in the ACS.

It would be fantastic to see you there to help celebrate, so go to www.aacta.org for ticket details.

By now you should have received your copy of AC Magazine, and my congratulations to our Guest Editor Geoff Burton ACS, for yet another informative and enthralling magazine. Like Geoff, I remember the very first time I saw John Heyer’s classic film “Back of Beyond”, and the impression it made on me at that time, and has continued to do so. If you haven’t seen it, please do so as it really is a classic Australian film that deserves all the accolades it receives. Thanks so much Geoff, Dick, Heidi and all the AC Magazine team for delivering another great issue of our flagship.

I wish you all the very best for 2014 and to again thank all the Branch committees for your tireless work on behalf of the Society, along with our dedicated National and Branch sponsors without whom we could not have achieved what we have.

Until next time.
Ron Johanson ACS

Related Articles