It’s been a tough few months for the film industry with COVID-19, and cinema operators have been particularly hard-hit, locally owned and operated Ballina Fair Cinemas included.
Paul and Ella McGrath have run the cinemas since 2003. They pride themselves on screening all the latest blockbusters and overseas releases, as well as Australian films, in their air-conditioned cinemas with surround sound.
Paul McGrath told Echonetdaily it’s been a challenging period, but he’s not been idle during this time. ‘I have been keeping an eye on things and doing a lot of cleaning and maintenance at the cinema,’ he said. ‘Obviously the US situation affects us as well. A lot of new releases have been postponed until US cinemas open.’
New advice from the government has given them a timetable for recovery. There are likely to be some changes in terms of maximum numbers, and extra health precautions for patrons.
Mr McGrath said, ‘Now that we know we are able to open from July 1 we can start to plan ahead. The first movie releases are not until July 16. At this stage I will probably open for the school holidays with old movies. It will probably be either Saturday 4th or Monday 6th.’
Echonetdaily will have updates on big screen re-openings at Ballina Fair Cinemas before then.
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