Movie man says that’s a wrap

THERE’s been tears, messages of support and even broken piggie banks in a bid to save Brisbane’s last video outlet. It closes tomorrow, and the community it connected are making sure the send off is one to remember.

Brenton Snell will close his Network Video store in Oxley this week. It was the last of its kind in Brisbane. IMAGE: AAP/Jono Searle

THERE’s been tears, messages of support and even broken piggie banks in a bid to save Oxley’s Network Video outlet.

But when owner Brenton Snell finally closes the doors of Brisbane’s last video store tomorrow, it will be the end of an era.

More than just a place to pick up your ­favourite movie, Mr Snell became a much-loved part of the community.

From family movie nights to school holiday fun, the store had become a hub that helped connect people in Oxley.

If you needed convincing of just how much Mr Snell was loved, take the young siblings who raided their savings for the cause.

They personally delivered more than $100 from their piggie bank in the hope of helping.

And this pair were not alone. Brothers Myles and Henry Holland delivered a handwritten card to their ”big brother”.

Brenton Snell (right) and young fans Myles and Henry Holland. IMAGE: AAP/Jono Searle)

“Dear Brenton. I am sorry that you have to close your shop,” Myles wrote.

“Thankyou for all you have done for us,” Henry added.

“Thankyou for being like a nice big brother, for teaching us Yu-Gi-Oh, Pokemon and remembering what episode of One Piece we were up to,” mum Helene wrote on both boys’ behalf.

Mr Snell said it was overwhelming and heartwarming, and he had spent the past weeks consoling other heartbroken customers.

“This store was something that brought happiness to people,” he said.

“When we were going in I thought we’d have about three years here.

“But the industry never died and we just kept getting stronger as other video stores shut down.

“We’ve got customers that travel from all over Brisbane to rent movies.”

Mr Snell said most of the surrounding stores were ­vacant when he opened.

“By the end of our first week, so many families were walking to visit the video store,” Mr Snell said. “It bought activity to the streets and that was such a nice thing.”

Board games nights at the store boosted community connectedness.

“It took me by surprise how quickly that grew and seeing that revival of social activity,’ Mr Snell said.

“I will definitely be finding the games nights a new home when we close.”

Network Video Oxley Station closes tomorrow (February 14). Its $150,000 worth of movies will be sold off instore from February 17.

BRENTON BREAKS IT DOWN:

Most rented movie: Malificent

Least rented movie: Frostbite, never rented.

Movies that inspired Brenton’s love of film: The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Independence Day