July 31

Born in Blois in 1800, Louis Christophe François Hachette began his career as a bookshop clerk before opening his own bookstore and publishing house in Paris in 1826. He revolutionized the publishing industry by producing affordable educational materials and popular literature aimed at a growing literate audience. In 1836, Hachette launched the ‘Bibliothèque bleue’, offering pocket-sized editions that made books accessible to the masses. He expanded his enterprise internationally, establishing branches across Europe and influencing modern distribution methods. His innovations in marketing, such as railway bookstalls and magazine subscriptions, set new standards in the industry. A proponent of public education, he supported libraries and school book programs. Hachette’s company evolved into Hachette Livre, one of the world’s largest publishing groups, continuing his mission to foster reading worldwide.

Joseph E. Levine, born in 1905, was a trailblazing American film producer and distributor whose vision reshaped the movie industry. He founded Embassy Pictures and introduced European art-house films to U.S. audiences, demonstrating a talent for identifying and promoting unique cinematic works. Levine produced blockbuster hits like 'The Graduate' and 'Valley of the Dolls', employing innovative television marketing campaigns that revolutionized film advertising. His success in blending art-house sensibilities with commercial appeal earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture and widespread industry acclaim. Levine's strategic distribution model encouraged the growth of the independent film sector and influenced future producers. He remained active in the industry for decades, mentoring aspiring filmmakers and executives. Levine's legacy lives on in the modern landscape of independent cinema and movie promotion techniques.

Trevor Storer started Pukka Pies in 1963 in Leicester with a small bakery and big ambitions. He focused on quality ingredients and traditional recipes, quickly gaining popularity in local fish and chip shops. Under his leadership, Pukka Pies expanded nationwide, supplying supermarkets, stadiums, and convenience stores. Storer’s commitment to family values kept the business privately owned and community-focused. By the time of his passing, Pukka Pies had become a household name in the UK, producing over 50 million pies annually.