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2008 Academy Member
Bill Lawrence, (United Kingdom)
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Read more
at
in70mm.com
The 70mm Newsletter
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Written
by: Duncan McGregor |
11. March 2008 |
Bill
Lawrence, 2008 Academy member. Image by Thomas Hauerslev
Due to unforeseen changes, it was deemed there could be one – and only one –
recipient to this year’s academy. His contribution to the programming,
events, guests and lectures that the majority of us have witnessed here –
since the introduction of the Wide Screen Weekend and Bradford International
Film Festival began – will I think take on a legendary status in years to
come.
This unique individual, who we have come to grow and love over many years,
has a thirst, passion and knowledge for all things cinema and film related.
His commitment and dedication to preserving the legacy of wide gauge film,
for which this particular weekend has very few rivals, has remained
undaunted.
Having worked both sides of the fence – initially assisting with film
projection many years ago when he worked in his first cinema, then later as
a highly regarded manager – has provided him with an understanding to enable
and see the fruition of an accomplished, polished and professional cinema
operation, including the wonderful theatre we are in today.
A strong believer in promoting the Cinerama experience, that has remained a
regular, steadfast part of this museum’s programme since it premiered here
in 1993 – and which will enjoy it’s 15th anniversary in June of this year –
is the result of one man’s testament to preserving it’s true value in the
field of wide screen cinema.
Likewise, his determination and fulfilment to continually engage and
challenge us all with the delights of Cinerama’s successor – namely the 70
millimetre experience – has allowed all of us to fondly remember, relive,
and breathe new life into a fast diminishing format.
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Further
in 70mm reading:
Bill Lawrence in
Conversation
Widescreen Weekend home
Academy of the Widescreen Weekend
Internet link:
Reel Solutions
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From the old to new, including the latest development in cinema exhibition –
namely Digital Cinema – has further provided new and interesting areas of
debate – which have been welcomed as well as challenged, but nonetheless
allowed this museum to remain uncontested with its vast array of formats
under one roof, and which have further provided an additional outlet to
expand the arena for the Wide Screen Weekend, continually sought by today’s
recipient.
A person whose tastes run from John Coltrane to Meatloaf and from Billy
Wilders’ "Sunset Boulevard" to Alfred Hitchcock’s "Vertigo",
his talents in developing international relations are just as diverse and
wide spread – this weekend’s audience alone proves that in abundance. A man
who first invited the current chair of the Wide Screen Academy to Bradford
in 1996 and who has trusted his judgement ever since, is just one very small
example of his ability to seek out and accept contributions from abroad
which have formed fortuitous working relationships, greatly appreciated by
those on the receiving end.
A home grown Englishman – from the city of Middlesbrough no less – who will
be sorely missed by all his staff in the coming months and years ahead – and
who will doubtless raise the same admiration and gratitude from his future
employees – but most importantly for all of us here, allow him to remain
dedicated to the wide screen cause as this years latest recipient.
This is the end of an era but the dawning of another – a man who deserves
more than just a standing ovation, this is an honour that should be shouted
from the rooftops, I happily give you a new co-chair for the Wide Screen
Academy to continue his work with Thomas Hauerslev – please welcome to the
floor once again – the one and only “Mr Wide Screen Weekend”:
BILL LAWRENCE
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