Funding helps keep the Port Stephens cinemas rolling but more 'bums on seats' needed

Neil Merrin, owner of Nelson Bay Cinemas, and Scott Seddon, who operates Scotty's Cinemas in Raymond Terrace, have each received $60,000 as part of the government's 'recovery of the arts and entertainment sector' support package.

Mr Merrin said that the money would be used to pay rent and wages.

"I employ 12 staff which I have been able to retain ... in the first year I was able to do this through Jobkeeper, this payment will fill the void for the past couple of months," he said.

"For the two years since the pandemic hit, we have had to turn off our screens for a total of nine months and the ongoing lockdowns and restrictions have added to the downturn [in patronage]. The fact that many of the big name movies were held back from release during the pandemic has not helped."

Mr Merrin said that despite the closures, he still had to pay rent and other expenses and that he was grateful to have been supported by his landlord.

"We have been fully operational since October but the Omicron restrictions slowed us down, so much so that I had to cut back opening times and days in the second half of the Christmas school holidays."

He said he was hoping for a renewed beginning for the April/Easter holidays.

"We have a number of big name titles coming soon ... at the end of the day we want to see people coming back to cinemas."

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Mr Seddon, who is also the president of the independent cinemas association, said that cinemas, like so many businesses, were hit extremely hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"From early July 2020 cinemas in Australia were able to re-open but the Hollywood studios were in lockdown," he said.

"It was in this environment that round 1 of the Supporting Cinemas' Retention Endurance and Enhancement of Neighbourhoods (SCREEN) grants were issued, releasing about half of the $20 million fund.

"The second bump came with the Delta variant of COVID-19 in late 2021. As the movies were again flowing from the Hollywood studios, more than 60 per cent of Australians were in lockdown.

"Round two of the SCREEN fund will help independent cinemas over this hump helping to pay for wages and fixed costs like rent, electricity, lease payments and insurances.

"I, like all independent cinemas, am grateful for this badly needed funding."

Communications Minister Paul Fletcher said that the government had pledged $20 million for the SCREEN Fund.

"We want to keep their doors open, continue offering employment opportunities, and carry on showcasing diverse stories to entertain their communities."

Liberal candidate for Paterson Brooke Vitnell has welcomed additional funding for struggling independent cinemas.

"The past two years have been a challenging time for many businesses, but regional cinemas have been hit particularly hard."

"This extra funding will enable cinemas such as Nelson Bay and Scotty's at Raymond Terrace to recover quicker and keep providing entertainment and delicious popcorn for families across our region."

SCREEN Fund applications remain open until April 30, 2022. Visit: screenaustralia.gov.au/funding-and-support/covid-19-support/screen-fund.

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