AustLit

American-based film production company.

Set up as New Visions Inc. in 1971 by lawyer Stuart Benjamin and director Taylor Hackford, the company initially produced documentaries, docu-dramas and music-concert shows, before branching out into short films near the end of the decade. In 1988 Benjamin and Hackford formed New Visions Pictures, a joint venture between New Visions Entertainment and Cineplex Odeon. Benjamin served as President and Chief Operating Officer of New Visions Pictures from 1988 through 1991, during which time the venture produced six films, including Sweet Talker (1991). A joint Australian production with Bryan Brown's New Town Films, Sweet Talker was filmed in Australia and stars Brown and American actress Karen Allen. As a principal in New Visions Music Group along with Hackford and Joel Sill, Benjamin has been involved in a number of soundtrack albums, several of which have achieved gold or platinum status. New Visions Music Group has also been responsible for nine number one singles.