FREYA & GRAHAM TIENAN – 2024 QUEENSLAND CINEMA PIONEERS OF THE YEAR
Freya commenced as Secretary to the State Manager of Roadshow Film Distributors in January 1974, working originally with Tim Osborne, then Phil Stanley and lastly Tony Burke. Her role encompassed all secretarial and administrative procedures. In 1987 she transferred to the position of Personal Assistant to Richard Parton, General Manager and Director of exhibition chain Birch, Carroll & Coyle. Here she learned a new side of the industry, coordinating board meetings, conferences and travel requirements for board members, cinema managers and head office personnel.
She also became involved with the annual industry conference held on the Gold Coast, starting as a volunteer hostess and assisting Pauline Parker in administration and the gradual conversion of office procedures to computer.
In 1994, Freya transferred to the BC&C Cinema Operations department, where she assisted cinema managers to coordinate candy bar promotions, cinema cost management and analysis, and then the opening of several multiplex cinemas in SE Queensland.
After 26 years of full-time work in the film industry, Freya left in 2000 but continued to assist with the Movie Convention (now known as the Australian International Movie Convention) which had grown significantly in delegate numbers and attendances from across Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Europe.
Graham started working as a casual ticket seller, candy bar staffer and usher with Birch, Carroll & Coyle in Townsville in 1985, before being appointed as full-time Assistant Manager at the Twin Cinemas with John Morrison. Following John’s retirement, Graham was appointed Manager.
In the early 1990s he transferred to Brisbane, taking up the position of Manager of the Carindale Multiplex. He then moved to the Indooroopilly 8 Cinemas.
During this time Graham was asked to assist in various aspects of the Cinema Operations division, and then invited to work from head office as a Regional Manager. Following rapid expansion of the group, he took on the role of Health & Safety Officer for the entire BC&C circuit, as well as Greater Union Cinemas and Rydges Hotels nationally.
With early career experience in regional radio, Graham was invited in 2000 to be the MC at the Australian International Movie Convention. He continued as a volunteer, working with Freya from their home office on all aspects of the registrations, trade show, agenda, marketing materials, volunteer coordination and administration…until joint retirement in 2016.
Graham was also Secretary/Treasurer of the Queensland Motion Picture Industry Benevolent Fund for 13 years.
