Back Door Cinema to Launch 11/9 at Sydney's Imperial Hotel

Movie Host and Aussie Exploitation Expert Andrew Mercado will launch his exciting new venture BACKDOOR CINEMA on Sunday November 9 at Sydney's Imperial Hotel. The sell-out crowd will watch - and participate in - the infamous NUMBER 96 movie on the occasion of its 40th Anniversary.

BACKDOOR CINEMA is more than just a movie. Whether Andrew brings his mobile pop-up cinema to your backyard, back laneway or back bar, it is a totally immersive experience reminiscent of the way movies used to be. Expect to hear a Wurlitzer organ, rise to your feet for the national anthem, laugh at some rather politically incorrect cartoons, gasp at the old school advertising and then fill up on lollies, popcorn and ice cream during the Intermission. Plus there is the added bonus of having the popular movie host at the event to talk to patrons before and after every screening.

Andrew Mercado's love of movies comes from his very CINEMA PARADISO childhood when he would hang out every Saturday night in the projection booth of his local picture theatre. From 1999, he began talking about movies on TV and radio and has never stopped since. He was Kerri-Anne Kennerley's 'Movies Man' for over seven years and has appeared on numerous other shows as well as a regular Entertainment Reporter on Foxtel channels Channel [V], Max and Showcase.

He currently co-hosts the Foxtel Movie Show and will soon host a scintillating season of Aussie Exploitation titles for SBS' World Movies to screen from November 17. Having interviewed countless movie stars over the years, he is now taking his love of the medium on the road to re-live classic cinema.

It is a concept already popular for birthday parties, themed nights and community events. Four distinct eras can be recreated - the 1950's, 60's, 70's and 80's. "People love to re-live the 1970's because everything back then was orientated towards sex," laughs Mercado. "But the conservative 1950's is also a real eye opener, particularly for those generations who have never watched anything in black and white before!"

He believes there are dozens of movies that can include audience participation, a la THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW. "Who doesn't love a dress-up and yelling out at the screen?" laughs Mercado. "And just because the end credits start rolling on a movie doesn't mean the night should finish with people scurrying home. In a pub setting, we plan on cranking up the music and keeping the vibe going so that patrons can have another drink and a dance."

The NUMBER 96 movie is already a real crowd pleaser thanks to its lashings of nudity, catchphrases and inappropriate humour. "It is my favourite show of all time and there are lots of fun things planned for this movie comeback," says Mercado. Fans are being encouraged to dress up as their favourite characters to order drinks from 'Norma's Wine Bar' and dance afterwards in 'Duddles Disco'.

40 years ago the movie became a huge box office hit after premiering at Sydney's Regent Theatre for the May school holidays. "One former Hoyts staff member tells me that it was impossible to clean the cinema between sessions because of the unprecedented crowds," says Mercado. "Apparently the rubbish would be knee high for the evening sessions!"

Backdoor Cinema is planning many more exciting events for 2015 with a focus on celebrating Aussie movie milestones and anniversaries. Follow Backdoor Cinema on Facebook and Twitter or keep up to date on the website at www.backdoorcinema.com.au

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