Popularity of film in Australia

Don Perlgut

How and why films become popular in Australia are the focus of PhD research by professional film critic Don Perlgut.

“I am examining film distribution in Australia over the past 25 years, with a real emphasis on the audience and how certain films become popular,” says Perlgut. “I am looking at a number of films to see how and why they have performed differently in Australia than overseas, and the results so far are surprising.”

Background

Since arriving in Australia from the United States in the early 1980s, Perlgut has firmly established himself in the television and film industry. He has worked as the Head of Open Learning and Adult Education Television at the ABC, the Head of ABC TV Policy, and as a business development manager for an interactive television company. Today he is CEO of the Rural Health Education Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation which provides television-based professional development to remote health professionals.

Perlgut, who has also worked as a film critic for the Australian Jewish News since 1988, decided to undertake a PhD in Macquarie University’s Department of Media to formalise his learning and research in film and media. Over the past 15 years Perlgut has reviewed approximately 480 films. “The PhD is for me to be able to put it all into perspective and open up additional long-term career options,” he says.

Choosing a university

This is not the first time that Perlgut has embarked on postgraduate study. He initially enrolled at Macquarie University some 24 years ago and commenced, but did not complete, a PhD in Urban and Environmental Studies.

“When I looked around for a university for my PhD, I found that Macquarie offered an unbeatable combination,” he says. “It’s close to where I live, has real flexibility and commitment to postgraduate research students, and a lively, popular and young Media Department with a number of media and film scholars to guide me in my research.”

Film distribution in Australia

Perlgut, who commenced his PhD in 2004, is using a number of avenues to formulate and conduct his research. Apart from reading and talking with professionals, he plans to survey film-goers to find out why they go to films. He will also analyse box office, video/DVD and demographic data, and monitor cultural trends with respect to viewing of film, television and other media. 

“As part of this, I am doing an extensive study of media publicity, personal networks, film and media history,” Perlgut explains. “My PhD will also feature a chapter which tries to predict the short term future, for example the digital delivery of film, but I am going to wait until the last minute to write that one!”

Surprising findings so far

To date, Perlgut has found surprising differences in the reception of films between Australia and the United States. For instance the recent film Meet the Fockers performed better in Australia than in the United States, and The Passion of the Christ performed better in the United States than here.

Personal gain

Apart from the intellectual stimulation of undertaking his PhD, Perlgut has found a great deal of application for his current role. “I have already directly implemented a number of promotional and strategic ideas I have read about,” he says. “The Department has also introduced me to some excellent compatriots and my two amazingly willing to assist supervisors.”

For further information contact Perlgut’s supervisors via email: Noel King noel.king@mq.edu.auor Catherine Simpsoncatherine.simpson@mq.edu.au

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