Film writers, directors, producers and actors such as Underbelly villain, Gyton Grantley (Carl Williams), enjoyed a selection of smooth Jameson Irish Whiskey cocktails before walking the Jameson 'Green' Carpet to the sandstone theatre which had been unexpectedly transformed into an outdoor cinema complete with real grass underfoot and fairy lights above resembling the night sky.
Underbelly and Rush star, Rodger Corser, was a charming MC introducing the three short films Octopus, My New Toy and Multiple Choice, and their writers and directors.
The films were met with rapturous applause much to the delight of the films' writers - William Howarth, Van Badham and Ian Thomson - the winners of the inaugural John Jameson Productions Scriptwriting Competition.
"My experience throughout the whole John Jameson Productions Scriptwriting Competition has been endlessly rewarding,' competition winner William Howarth said.
'Very few of us get the opportunity to see our script ideas transform into living, breathing works for the screen, and that in itself has been remarkable.
'But when the experience goes even further than that, that is, to be involved right throughout the production process, then arriving at the finished product that was screened last night, it becomes so much more. The experience I have gained through John Jameson Productions will undoubtedly benefit my further pursuits of a career in the film industry.'
Last night's premiere was also the official launch of the 2009 John Jameson Productions Scriptwriting Competition and budding scriptwriters are now invited to submit their ideas for a short film online via the John Jameson Productions website.
Jameson Irish Whiskey Brand Manager, Monica Hart, said the John Jameson Productions initiative and the inaugural scriptwriting competition had been an overwhelming success.
'John Jameson Productions has been an incredible journey for both Jameson Irish Whiskey and our competition winners,' Hart said.
'Having the involvement and support of Aussie film industry heavyweights such as Academy Award Winner Russell Boyd, and Oscar nominated scriptwriter Jan Sardi has given real credibility to the competition and the response from our winners, partners like The Feds, and the wider film community has further strengthened Jameson Irish Whiskey's position as a genuine supporter of Australian film.'
Jameson Irish Whiskey will continue to grow John Jameson Productions in the years ahead and it's hoped both the competition and the online portal will become a successful gateway to uncovering new film talent in Australia.
The three winning films from 2008 can now be viewed online and will also be screened at various film festivals in 2009 including Tropfest and the St Kilda Film Festival.
For further information about John Jameson Productions, the 2009 scriptwriting competition or to view the winning films, visit www.johnjamesonproductions.com.au.