TV film commentator Andrew Mercado has purchased the Roxy Cinema in South West Rocks.
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The well-known identity will relocate to the beachside town to run the cinema, which will re-open on March 23 with the live-action version of Beauty and the Beast.
Mr Mercado, who is currently in South West Rocks learning the ropes from former owner John Forrest, said he was ‘absolutely thrilled’ to take over the cinema.
“I’ve been obsessed with movies my whole life and have spent time as a film critic and commentator,” he said. “I’ve been looking to get into the business of running a theatre and when this opportunity presented itself, I jumped at it.”
Described by the Sunday Telegraph as a ‘walking TV encyclopedia’, Mr Mercado has had a diverse career in TV, radio and print.
He appeared for seven years as Kerrie Anne’s ‘movies man’ and is regularly featured on A Current Affair.
Andrew is still fondly remembered by a generation of music fans as ‘super Mercado’ after becoming Channel [V]'s inaugural entertainment reporter in 1998 and then became the first regular face on sister channel Music Max.
After years of living and working in metropolitan areas, Mr Mercado said he welcomed the slower pace of a seachange.
“I love the country-style cinema and the fact that it’s so close to the beach – because I’m a real beach person,” he said. “The location of the Roxy was a real winner for me.”
“I’ll be living as close to the cinema as I can and will still be able to slip back to Sydney for work when I need to.”
Despite his many years in the television industry, Mr Mercado said he had a lot to learn about running a theatre.
“My head is spinning right now,” he said. “I’m doing some really intensive training to learn how to use the equipment. John is teaching me as much as he can.”
The film enthusiast is keen to keep the ethos of the Roxy Cinema the same, while exploring different films that could appeal to South West Rocks audiences.
“I’m interested in seeing what films work here – for example surfing films are a possibility,” he said. “I also love the old classic Hollywood movies and classic Australian films.”
“I love to celebrate film milestones and I want to eventually have a South West Rocks film festival.”
