Scott Ellis puts it all on the line with his guide to the rich and not-so-famous in entertainment.
COMPILING lists of movers and shakers in any industry is tricky. In the entertainment world, where the players come and go almost daily, egos are rampant and personal opinion plays a huge part in who makes the cut, it’s almost impossible.
Put someone in, or leave someone out, and there are howls of horror.
So that’s why to steal every action hero’s line this time, it’s personal. If you impressed us in 2001, you’re here. If you’re likely to impress us in 2002, you’re here and, most importantly, you’re here if we like you.
Nicole Kidman, for example, tops this list because she’s making millions, her movies are great and she is, above all, “our Nic”.
Power players be warned: no correspondence will be entered into and the judges’ (ie, our) decisions are final.
30. ALEX PROYAS, film producer
In the wake of The Crow and the ground-breaking Dark City, Proyas is now behind Garage Days the largest Australian production since Moulin Rouge starring Pia Miranda. Proyas also had planned to bring the mega-budget science-fiction series Riverworld to Sydney, but has since picked New Zealand.
WHERE’S THE POWER? Rumoured budget for Riverworld was $US50million ($95.3million).
29. MARK MORRISSEY, agent
In a world where many frown upon the soapier road to stardom, Morrissey Management has instead taken a more realistic view: if it works, it works. Its client list includes cast members from film, serious drama, then Home And Away and Neighbours and they’re all working.
WHERE’S THE POWER? If you’re looking to step from soaps to stardom, Morrissey knows the route.
28. ROBYN NEVIN, actor-director
A serious stage actor who regularly crosses over into TV and film (she was the judge in The Castle), Nevin still finds time to ably fulfil her responsibilities as artistic director for the Sydney Theatre Company.
WHERE’S THE POWER? Contacts in every part of the acting world, especially the STC.
27. ANDREW MASON, film producer
Undoubtedly the premier film producer in Australia, Mason is the man who went to the US and convinced top film-makers that Australia could do it just as well and cheaper. Matrix 1, 2 and 3, Scooby Doo, Queen Of The Damned all followed.
WHERE’S THE POWER? The defacto Australian film commission, watch for his next big project, rumoured to be giving him more dollar power than anyone else in the industry.
26. MICHAEL HARVEY, Fox chief
Former chief financial officer and now CEO of Fox Studios Australia, Harvey is, in effect, in control of the biggest film production facility in the country. If it’s good enough for Star Wars, The Matrix and co, chances are it’s good enough for anyone.
WHERE’S THE POWER? In having a big say in the globe-spanning Fox machine.
25. GEORGE MILLER, film director
While studying medicine, George Miller somehow became involved in making a short film. It won a prize, medicine went out the window, he teamed up with Byron Kennedy and Mad Max was born. From there he branched out into producing and has proved more than capable in either role.
WHERE’S THE POWER? The director-producer combo means if he wants to do something, he does it.
24. CATE BLANCHETT, actor
From a serious stage background, Blanchett moved into film with ease, finding megastardom and an Oscar nomination with her second role, in Elizabeth. She’s been on every director’s wishlist, appearing in (and dominating) any genre which takes her fancy thrillers, comedies and dramas.
WHERE’S THE POWER? Everyone knows she’d have made a much better Oscar speech than Gwyneth’s bizarre opus.
23. JOHN SEALE, cinematographer
From shooting such Aussie classics as Fatty Finn and Ginger Meggs, Seale has become one of the world’s most respected cinematographers. The man behind Dead Poets Society, The English Patient, the first Harry Potter (and many more), he’s well worth the reputation.
WHERE’S THE POWER? In the 1980s he shot Nicole Kidman in BMX Bandits, now it’s Tom Cruise in Cold Mountain. Nice trick!
22. HUGH JACKMAN, actor
After some fame in musicals, Jackman broke through with films such as Paperback Hero and Erskineville Kings before being swooped up by Hollywood. X-Men gave him fame, Kate & Leopold, with Meg Ryan, will cement him as an A-list star.
WHERE’S THE POWER? Pin-up good looks plus serious acting ability.
21. JUDY DAVIS, actor
After starting out as a jazz singer, Davis decided on a career in acting, joining NIDA with (among others) Mel Gibson and her husband, Colin Friels. Two years after graduating, her role in My Brilliant Career won her a British Academy of Film and Television Arts award for best actress with a swag of awards (including two Oscar nominations) since.
WHERE’S THE POWER? In being able to turn from comedy to drama to thrillers and shine in them all.
20. JOHN FARNHAM, singer
From humble beginnings as an apprentice plumber belting out Sadie, The Cleaning Lady, The Voice has had a career lasting more than three decades, much of it at the top and all of it on high radio-rotation. Sell-out concerts follow gold (or more) albums as fast as they are announced.
WHERE’S THE POWER? He’s The Voice, don’t try to understand it.
19. KILLING HEIDI, band
The band’s debut album, Reflector, sold more than 300,000 copies in Australia and helped launch them on an international campaign. Heavensent, the first single from the next album, was already the No1 song played on Australian radio in the week of its release.
WHERE’S THE POWER? In proving you don’t need to be an emaciated blonde American to be a pop star.
18. DAVID COE, TONY COCHRANE, BASIL SCAFFIDI, JAMES ERSKINE, producers
As the owners of Sports and Entertainment Ltd (SEL), these guys are pretty much responsible for keeping the stage musical alive in Australia. Thanks to shows such as The Sound Of Music and Annie, in 2000 they were the industry’s highest earners, with gross earnings of $29 million.
WHERE’S THE POWER? There are a lot of actor-singers looking for a limited number of roles.
17. SILVERCHAIR, band
Exploding on to the indie rock scene in 1995, silverchair went from being the little kids who were somehow cool to the nation’s leading teen-rock act almost overnight. The first album sold 2.5 million copies and the two follow-ups firmly cemented their place at the top.
WHERE’S THE POWER? Rare stage appearances have guaranteed instant ticket sell-outs.
16. MICHAEL CHUGG, music industry promoter
Chugg has managed not only to survive, but also to retain an ability to stay in touch with what his target audiences are into. This year he’s got everyone from Elton John to Tomahawk, a band with severe punk credentials.
WHERE’S THE POWER? In knowing what the kids want to see.
15. RUPERT, LACHLAN and JAMES MURDOCH; KERRY and JAMES PACKER; KERRY STOKES, media moguls
Three of the biggest surnames in Australian media, these guys have been behind many Australian entertainment successes, from backing obscure talents through to outright bankrolling of the projects they want to see succeed.
WHERE’S THE POWER? You’re kidding, right?
14. RUSSELL CROWE, actor
Revelling almost as much in his bad-boy image as he does in his Hollywood roles, Crowe is the male lead of the moment, commanding seven-figure salaries. He’s already won an Oscar for Gladiator and a second is looking very possible for his next film, A Beautiful Mind.
WHERE’S THE POWER? Multi-million-dollar pay packets tend to come with those golden statues, plus everyone loves a rebel and in Russ we’ve certainly found one.
13. CATRIONA HUGHES, Film Finance Corporation CEO
Its charter says the Australian Film Finance Corporation is the Federal Government’s principal agency for funding Australian film and television programs. Translated, that means it has (for 2001-2002) an annual appropriation of $50 million (plus money from other investments) to fund your film.
WHERE’S THE POWER? One of the key people who decides funding for Australian projects.
12. NIKKI WEBSTER, entertainer
At the opening ceremony of the Sydney Olympics she sang, soared above the crowds on wires and a star was born. Now, with an album out and starring in the musical The Wizard Of Oz , she’s still flying. Next up for the 14-year-old blonde is the film Vanilla Gorilla, now in production.
WHERE’S THE POWER? One of the (very) few recognisable and saleable teenagers in the country.
11. ROBERT LUKETIC, film director
From a first effort titled Titsiana Booberini, about a checkout chick with a moustache problem, Luketic managed to turn his second film Legally Blonde into something of a phenomenon, grossing more than $260 million worldwide. Whether he can maintain the rage remains to be seen, but for now he’s got the Midas touch.
WHERE’S THE POWER? It’s in the fact Hollywood will let him do just about anything he wants at the moment.
10. ANTHONY LAPAGLIA, actor
Anyone who takes time out of an established Hollywood career to come home and appear in Looking For Alibrandi and Lantana deserves a mention. He’s already an Oscar hopeful for Lantana, which explains why he’s only too willing to pop home to add his star power to the right local productions.
WHERE’S THE POWER? In knowing that sometimes you have to get out of Hollywood to make the Americans notice. He adds weight to any production he joins.
9. THE WIGGLES, entertainers
The Beatles for the kindy set. While most entertainers struggle to find an audience, the skivvy-wearing Wiggles are celebrating their 10th anniversary with more than 4.5million videos sold to their adoring little fans, ensuring children all over the world know their songs, dances and characters by heart.
WHERE’S THE POWER? Forget generations X and Y, it’s the generation which can’t spell yet that knows the score.
8. GLENN WHEATLEY, music industry manager
Former Masters Apprentices bass player Wheatley discovered pretty early that his musical knack was more in managing than jumping about on stage. Since then, he’s been behind some of the biggest Australian names from the established John Farnham to up-and-coming popster Delta Goodrem.
WHERE’S THE POWER? He made us listen to John Farnham. Surely Jedi mind control is at work.
7. BAZ LUHRMANN, film director
Let’s face it, if he never made another film again, the three he managed would be more than enough to stand on. In an industry where copying the crowd often works, Strictly Ballroom, Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge stood out enough to make sure the stars who count (Ms Kidman, for one) take his calls.
WHERE’S THE POWER? One of a few directors who knows the bums-on-seats power of the glitz and glamour of old Hollywood.
6. BRAD MARCH, Austereo group managing director
As boss of the country’s biggest radio broadcaster, March and his team of local music directors choose the music heard by almost 6 million listeners each week more than half the under-40 capital-city audience. If his team likes a particular band or style, you’re going to hear it.
WHERE’S THE POWER? In deciding whether we listen to Megadeath or Mandy Moore.
5. Robin Gardiner, agent
The head of one of the country’s leading actors agencies, RGM Associates, Gardiner is the front for Cate Blanchett, Steve Bisley, Anthony LaPaglia, Claudia Karvan and Jacqueline McKenzie. She is an uncompromising devotee of the industry, who genuinely wants her charges to get the best roles. Gardiner does everything from reading scripts to suggesting names to film/TV makers and chasing up late payments no wonder her clients love her!
WHERE’S THE POWER? Gardiner manages about 150 of Australia’s best actors, plus award-winning scriptwriters and directors.
4. Tom Gleisner, Santo Cilauro, Rob Sitch, Jane Kennedy and Michael Hirsh, Producers/Actors
A bunch of student mates who got together to get a few laughs in uni reviews have become movers and shakers? Surely that’s a film plot by this team behind Working Dog Productions, not their story. It’s true, however, and these days they are a genuine powerhouse. They’ve now moved into the film world with The Castle and The Dish. In 2000, their estimated gross earnings were $14.2million. (Michael Hirsh is not pictured.)
WHERE’S THE POWER? Uncompromising and insular, they’re still one of the best places for a hopeful to get a BIG break.
3. Eric Bana, actor
From comedy shows to his own late-night variety program, Bana took the usual route to success in Australia until Chopper. His extraordinary performance as Australia’s best-known bad guy caught the world’s attention. His next three films include the war film Black Hawk Down, directed by Ridley Scott (Blade Runner, Alien) and the big-screen reinvention of The Hulk, directed by Ang Lee (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon). And he’s still making time to star in a small-budget independent release. If he doesn’t get an Oscar, we should at least campaign for an OA.
WHERE’S THE POWER? Face facts, do you want to argue with a friend of Chopper Reid?
2. Kylie Minogue, singer
If Nicole’s our Queen of the Screen, Kylie’s our Pop Princess. Already a household name for her role as Charlene Mitchell in Neighbours her wedding to Scott Robinson (Jason Donovan) was the most-watched event in Australian TV history at the time Kylie crossed over to music with an uncanny ability to pick chart-topping tunes. These days the mention of her name is enough to cause a queue, with guests spots on albums, in films or on stage ensuring her continuing success. Need more proof? Madonna has been known to wear a T-shirt emblazoned with the word “Kylie”.
WHERE’S THE POWER? A decade of chart hits with every single and 22 sold-out shows. Enough said.
1. Nicole Kidman, actor
Trying to categorise Our Nic is nigh-on impossible. From cartoon remakes to action flicks to period pieces to smouldering drama, she’s managed to turn her hand to almost everything. Off-screen, she married and of course recently split with Tom Cruise, ensuring she was never out of the spotlight. She has not one but two Golden Globe nominations and the Oscar hype has already started. Looks like 2002 will be her year.
WHERE’S THE POWER? The pick of any script and the knowledge that once she says yes, it’ll be backed.
Source: The Sun Herald