Nick Hayes
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Nick Hayes
Home
About
Films
Major Projects
Reviews
More
  • Home
  • About
  • Films
  • Major Projects
  • Reviews
  • Home
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  • Films
  • Major Projects
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Selected work in exhibition, events, and distribution

Dendy Newtown Expansion

Dendy Coorparoo – New Build

Dendy Canberra Expansion

📍 Newtown NSW | 2010–2012

Transformed Sydney’s most iconic art house into a 10-screen cultural precinct, up from just 4 screens. Managed planning approvals, construction integration, and re-launch strategy — positioning Dendy Newtown as the largest independent cinema in Sydney.


🛠️ Role: Project Lead, Programming Strategy, Site Ops

 🎯 Impact: +85% capacity, record admissions, cementing Dendy Newtown as a cultural anchor in Inner West

Dendy Canberra Expansion

Dendy Coorparoo – New Build

Dendy Canberra Expansion

📍 Civic ACT | 2015–2017

Expanded the flagship ACT cinema from 9 to 15 screens, introducing boutique cinema experiences. Oversaw design upgrades, new formats, and audience segmentation to strengthen Dendy’s footprint in the national capital.


🛠️ Role: Design Lead,Expansion Manager, Programming Strategy

 🎯 Impact: 65% increase in screens, diversified offering

Dendy Coorparoo – New Build

Dendy Coorparoo – New Build

📍 Coorparoo QLD | 2016–2017

Delivered a full-site new cinema within Coorparoo Square development. From blueprint to box office, managed site build, fit-out, and launch of a 10-screen cinema, including 3 Dendy Premium Lounge theatres.


🛠️ Role: Cinema Project Director

 🎯 Impact: Flagship Queensland venue, successful entry into new market

Dendy Southport – New Build

📍 Gold Coast QLD | 2017–2022

Led the creation of a major new venue in Southport. Oversaw end-to-end project delivery including local engagement, staffing, and commercial launch.


🛠️ Role: Design Lead,  Cinema Project Director, Programming Strategy
 

🎯 Impact: The establishment of Dendy Southport has enriched the cultural landscape of the Gold Coast, providing a diverse range of cinematic experiences and contributing to the vibrancy of the Queen Street Village precinct

Last Cab to Darwin National Tour

Last Cab to Darwin National Tour

📍 National | 2015

Produced a national roadshow for Last Cab to Darwin, visiting every state and territory across 19 towns and cities. Delivered 43 Q&A screenings with cast and filmmakers, building momentum through regional press, local partnerships, and grassroots outreach.

🛠️ Role: National Campaign Lead


🎯 Impact: Boosted audience connection and box office across regional markets; regarded as a best-practice model for Australian cinema engagement

💰 Result: Achieved over $7 million GBO across Australian cinemas


🏆 Significance:

  • Wide Release: Expanded to over 350 locations, rivalling major international releases in reach
  • Critical Acclaim: Nominated for multiple awards, including AACTA Awards, with strong reviews nationwide
  • Cultural Impact: Resonated deeply with Australian audiences, touching on end-of-life choices and Indigenous relationships

Last Cab to Darwin remains a benchmark for how local films can combine commercial success with cultural relevance.

Our Summer of Cinema Campaign

Last Cab to Darwin National Tour

📍 National | Summer 2020-21

The campaign ran nationally across TV, digital, outdoor, and cinema, with the tagline:

“Nothing compares to the cinema experience.”


🛠️ Role: Industry Partner, Strategic Campaign Advisor (AIDA) and Working Group (Icon)

🎯  Impact: Rebuilt audience confidence and visibility for Australian films at a critical recovery moment

Dendy Digital Cinema Transition

55th Sydney Film Festival - Sydney Film Prize

54th Sydney Film Festival - Modernisation

📍 National | 2011–2013

Led the $2.4 million digital cinema transition across the Dendy Cinemas circuit, replacing 35mm projection with 2K digital technology. This upgrade enabled Dendy to meet evolving industry standards, reduce operational costs, and expand programming opportunities through event cinema and digital delivery.


🛠️ Role: Head of Cinemas

🎯 Impact: Modernised every Dendy site; ensured long-term sustainability and positioned the brand for growth

🏛️ Legacy: Dendy became one of the first independent circuits in Australia to complete the digital rollout, helping set a national benchmark for independent exhibition.

54th Sydney Film Festival - Modernisation

55th Sydney Film Festival - Sydney Film Prize

54th Sydney Film Festival - Modernisation

📍 Sydney | 2007

Joined the Festival during a pivotal period of transformation under Clare Stewart. Helped introduce new venue partnerships (Metro Theatre), and expanded the cultural scope to include live music, cabaret, and more immersive experiences.


🛠️ Role: Operations Manager


🎯 Impact: Modernised audience experience; stronger youth and industry engagement


📈 Result: 2007 marked one of the Festival’s highest-ever attendance records to date

55th Sydney Film Festival - Sydney Film Prize

55th Sydney Film Festival - Sydney Film Prize

55th Sydney Film Festival - Sydney Film Prize

📍 Sydney | 2008


Part of the senior team that launched the inaugural Sydney Film Prize and Official Competition. Produced the Awards Ceremony at the Sydney Opera House, establishing a new cultural highlight on the Festival calendar.


🛠️ Role: Operations Manager / Awards Producer


🎯 Impact: Secured Sydney’s place as an A-list global film festival through competitive programming and elevated presentation


📈 Result: 2008 continued record-setting 

attendance and expanded international profile

Copyright © 2025 Nick Hayes, MAICD - All Rights Reserved.

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