Roll the credits: Speakers pay tribute to the man behind the Regent for decades

• Published date: 24 March 2022
• Publication title: Te Awamutu Courier

They were Tony Bald, distributor for Universal Pictures and Warner Brothers, Grace Martin, former exhibitor at Hamilton’s Victoria Cinema, Hilton Woodroofe, movie buff, film memorabilia collector and longtime friend of Allan Webb, Alan Livingston, chair of the Allan Webb Theatre Trust and Allan Webb Theatre Trust trustees Campbell Stewart and Dean Taylor

Tony Bald

At the end of 2020, I was approached by Universal Pictures International to help open an office for them for the first time in New Zealand since 1978 which was a challenge I was very happy to take on.

Working for Universal and also representing Warner Brothers in New Zealand gave me the opportunity to work on some franchises including The Fast and the Furious, Jurassic World, all of the DC films like The Batman, and with animated franchises like the Minions.

A major part of my job is figuring out how much a film is going to make at the box office within the New Zealand market. That then impacts how much we will spend on marketing (anywhere between nothing and $500,000) or how many locations will show the film.

It’s my job to know what films will work in what parts of the country and at which cinemas it will be successful. Another part of my job entails dealing with all the cinemas making bookings, organising sessions and materials.

The best part of this industry is meeting and dealing with people who are as passionate about film. I enjoy nothing more than a long chat with an exhibitor, in particular Allan, discussing what he has seen, what I have seen and all the upcoming films. It’s my sincere hope that even after he finishes up here, we will be debating the merits of films for many years to come.

Congratulations to The Regent for entertaining the people of Te Awamutu for the last 90 years and to Allan for shepherding one of the most iconic cinemas in this country a large part of that time.

Grace Martin

Opening in 2002, Victoria was Hamilton’s first arthouse cinema, fitted with comfortable seats, great sound, a full-width screen and licensed café. It offered an intimate and different movie experience than other cinemas.

We looked for a ‘point of difference’ by offering themed nights that were hugely popular and booked out. Clubs like the Hamilton Film Society made Victoria their home for many years. With only one screen, Victoria was able to offer a community gathering place.

Programming and scheduling were certainly the biggest challenges and a complex task. This is where my friendship with...