ROB FISHER MEMORIAL
by Mark Poole
This article was first published on Screenhub, the online journal.
Rob Fisher, Chief Executive of the First Australian Completion Bond Company and a passionate advocate of Australian cinema died last night in Sydney after a short illness, aged 63.
A former Chairman of Film Australia, General Manager of production company McElroy & McElroy and through FACB a supporter of dozens of Australian & New Zealand films, television series and documentaries, Rob Fisher was widely known throughout the industry and will be sorely missed.
Through FACB, Fisher assisted with the production of such notable works as The Piano, Strictly Ballroom, Romper Stomper, Japanese Story, Look Both Ways, Little Fish, SeaChange, Simone de Beauvoir’s Babies, The Crocodile Hunter, The Proposition, Wolf Creek, Somersault, The World’s Fastest Indian and Candy.
The First Australian Completion Bond Company Limited (FACB) was established by Rob Fisher in 1990.
Some time ago, Mr Fisher received the news that he had a melanoma, an aggressive form of cancer, but being a private person he chose to fight the disease out of public scrutiny. Several weeks ago the illness took hold, and yesterday Rob finally lost the battle.
Rob spent more than 20 years working in the chartered accountancy profession, and the last 26 years working in the film and television industry, including eight years with McElroy and McElroy Pty Ltd as general manager, finance director and production controller.
Hal McElroy, one of Australia’s foremost producer with credits such as “Picnic At Hanging Rock,” “The Sum of Us,” “Water Rats” and “Blue Heelers,” said that Rob’s passing was going to create a great loss within the industry. “We write and talk a lot about the stars of the film industry, the actors and directors and such, but its people like Rob who are the unsung heroes who make it all happen by being prepared to take the financial risk.”
The role of the completion guarantor is not well understood, particularly outside the industry, but they are the ones that play a vital role in providing reassurance to investors that the film is actually going to be made, commented McElroy. To accomplish this Rob needed to draw upon his production and financial skills, but also his cultural understanding of film and also his skills of diplomacy, he added. “Rob will be remembered as a shining example of someone who could conduct business with exemplary skill, and yet maintain good humour at all times.”
Mr Fisher joined the Film Australia Board in 1998 and was Chairman of the Board from March 1999 until his retirement on 31 August 2004. Daryl Karp, the CEO of Film Australia, said: “Rob will be greatly missed by everyone who works, and has worked with Film Australia. As chairman, he was instrumental in re-establishing the company as a great national asset, and supporting the work of many Australian documentary makers. His openness and good humour will be remembered by everyone here.”
Rob is survived by his wife Janelle, and children Stewart, Llona, Paul and Elizabeth.
A funeral will be held on Monday 15 May at 2.15 pm at the Northern Suburbs Crematorium, 199 Delhi Road, North Ryde, followed by a reception at Film Australia, 101 Eton Road, Lindfield. Film Australia also plan to hold a memorial service in Rob’s honour in early June.
The Fisher family welcomes flowers at Rob Fisher’s funeral but if friends would like to make a donation, the family requests the donation goes to the Sydney Melanoma Unit – Melanoma Foundation. Envelopes will be available at the funeral service on Monday, or contact Margaret Dunn on 02 9515 6060.
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