FEATURE upcoming documentary
Farmers, stars, writers
and creatives gather for
development workshop
In October 2024, farmers of Western Australia’s Southern Forests welcomed a select team of film and television professionals to explore the region’s rich beauty, diversity, and flavours in an immersive workshop to spark ideas for a new documentary series.
Words Southern Forests Food Council
HOSTED by the Southern Forests Food Council (SFFC), the workshop brought together local producers, storytellers, and culinary artists at the iconic Ampersand Estate. Over three days, participants indulged in the region’s exceptional produce —prepared by talented chefs from Hound and Hunter and Rocco’s Deli —and brainstormed ways to share the compelling stories behind the region’s premium food and beverage industry.
“The workshop enabled the filmmakers to fully immerse in the region and it revealed the incredible reservoir of talent, topics, people and produce in the Southern Forest community,” said Producer/Director Bec Bignell.
Creative minds converged from across Australia and even internationally to lend their expertise to the project, including ABC’s Manager of Documentaries, Stephen Oliver, who offered valuable insights into the evolving landscape of TV production. Joining virtually were UK food personalities Olly Smith and Tom Parker-Bowles, who shared their excitement about Australian food and wine and the vital role of authentic talent in the series.
The local stars, of course, were the Southern Forests farmers who shared their own stories and products, including:
• Monica and Dave Radomiljac of Pemberley of Pemberton
• Mikey Cernotta and daughter Hazel of Pemberton Honey Company
• Thea, Jim, and Steff Walker of Seven Day Farms
• Mitchell East of Willarra Gold
• Bryan and Rae Hickman of Yanmah Pasture Raised Pork
• Kate Frost of Southern Forests Chocolate Company
“It’s exciting to see how perceptions are changed when two groups of people get together and exchange stories; the filmmakers got a chance to challenge their own assumptions about farmers and open their minds to the unique and compelling qualities of the region, and equally the farmers pushed outside their comfort zones engaging in creative experiences and activities that gave them an appreciation of what we do in the filmmaking industry,” said Ms Bignell.
“It showed the layer of depth and nuance that can be captured when filmmakers make the effort to head out to the regions and go behind the farm gate to understand the experience on the ground.
The intensive three-day workshop involved in-depth discussions on audience, themes, talent, format, and the broader marketplace.
“This process offered valuable insights, enhancing our understanding of what it takes to craft a compelling TV production that authentically shares the story of the farmers and communities of the Southern Forest,” said Dr Arthur Wilson, SFFC Chair.
“We’re thrilled with the ideas generated and excited to bring them to life in the next development stages.”
The production team will refine the concept and return to the region in early 2025 to begin filming the pilot. Following this, the SFFC will begin pitching the project to potential commissioners and funding partners to realise the documentary’s full production and distribution potential.
The production team is as follows:
• Bec Bignell —Producer/Director
• Nick Hopkins —Development Executive
• Georgia Rowe —Audience Producer
• Mikey Hamer —Director of Photography
• Brooke Thomas —Production Coordinator
MORE INFORMATION
Please contact Laura Bolitho on 08 9772 4180 or info@southernforestsfood.com
•Website:www.southernforestsfood.com
• Facebook: Genuinely Southern Forests
• Instagram: @genuinelysouthernforests
• LinkedIn: Southern Forests Food Council