William Gibson (producer)

William Alfred Gibson OBE (1869 – 6 October 1929) was an Australian film producer and exhibitor best known for his collaboration with Millard Johnson. He was one of the producers of The Story of the Kelly Gang (1906) and helped establish Amalgamated Pictures.^[1][2]

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William Gibson was a significant figure in the early days of the film industry, known for his contributions to film production, exhibition, and the development of the Australian film industry. Born in London, England, Gibson was the son of William Gibson Sr., a soldier, and Matilda (née Day). Before venturing into the world of cinema, Gibson worked as a chemist for William Johnson, supplying chemicals to early film exhibitors. His background in chemistry and his connections within the industry eventually led him to become directly involved in film exhibition and production.

Gibson's foray into the film industry began through his work with William Johnson's son, Millard Johnson. Together, they expanded their interests from chemical supply to film exhibition, quickly establishing themselves as key players in the burgeoning film industry in Australia. Their success in exhibition naturally led them to explore other areas of the industry, including film processing and photography.

One of Gibson's most notable achievements was his involvement in the production of The Story of the Kelly Gang (1906), which is widely regarded as the world's first feature-length film. The film was a groundbreaking project that depicted the life of the infamous Australian outlaw Ned Kelly and his gang. Gibson and Millard Johnson played a crucial role in the production of this historic film, collaborating with the Tait brothers to bring the project to fruition. The success of The Story of the Kelly Gang marked a significant milestone in cinematic history and laid the foundation for future feature films.

Following the success of The Story of the Kelly Gang, Gibson and Johnson, along with the Tait brothers, formed Amalgamated Pictures. This company was one of the earliest film production and distribution companies in Australia, playing a pivotal role in the development of the Australian film industry.

As the film industry grew, Amalgamated Pictures merged with several other companies to form Australasian Films and Union Theatres. This merger created the famous "Combine," a powerful entity that dominated the distribution and exhibition landscape in Australia during the 1920s. The Combine was instrumental in shaping the Australian film industry, ensuring that locally produced films reached a wide audience.

Gibson served as the managing director of Australasian Films and Union Theatres, overseeing the company's operations during a period of significant growth and consolidation within the industry. Under his leadership, the Combine maintained a stronghold over Australian film distribution and exhibition, making it a central figure in the nation's cultural life.

William Gibson's contributions to the film industry, particularly in Australia, have left a lasting legacy. His pioneering work in film production and distribution helped establish the foundations of the Australian cinema, and his role in the creation of The Story of the Kelly Gang continues to be celebrated as a landmark achievement in the history of film.

He was awarded an OBE on 19 October 1920.^[3]

• William Gibson at Brighton Cemetery
• William Gibson at National Film and Sound Archive

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