Jungleboys

The Black Dog Institute is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to helping people deal with depression and mood disorders. The aim of this spot was to illustrate the idea that physical exercise can help to elevate mood and lessen the effects of depression. It was a great opportunity to pursue a creative idea in the service of an organisation that does so much to help give people peace of mind.

We would like to say a special thank you to all who gave up their time in support of the shoot: Michael Clumes (hero talent); Marden Dean (D.O.P.); Chris Bland (camera assistant); Joe Brunetto (key grip); the Kedar Family, Dan Miau and Alexandria Bulgin for lending us their dogs; and Maren Smith and Sean Corcoran for the extra pairs of hands on set.

Post production wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Jungleboys post production team and Emerald City, with music composed by Ryan Grogan. Brendan Cowell provided the voiceover.

The assignment was to recreate Bear’s signature “Man Vs Wild” style in service of Solo’s “Beat Bear” competition. Which meant finding a “wild” location (Sydney’s Centennial Park the day after Mardi Gras), some “wild” beasts (a blow-up kangaroo), and keeping up with the very excitable Mr Grylls. He was a joy to work with – by far one of the most enjoyable shoots I’ve ever been involved with. PS No drinking water was derived from elephant dung during the making of this commercial.

A controversial and high-profile PSA calling for Carbon Pricing in Australia. The campaign garnered major media attention, with 3 consecutive front page stories across The Sunday Telegraph, The Australian and The Sydney Morning Herald, and extensive Television coverage. Featuring amazing miniature work by Jungleboys designer Mel Pragassan. (And Cate Blanchett.)

A magical realist black sex comedy, written by Hamilton Budd. A great experience from start to finish, apart perhaps from a few mermaid tail-related mishaps. The film features a graphic depiction of human/mermaid reproduction, but no nudity. No fish were harmed in the making of this film.

Landcare was a challenging shoot as it combined large-scale locations with VFX elements, as well as children and animals and a tight budget. We had to shoot in winter in rural Victoria, hindered by rain and wind. Leigh is passionate about the environment and social issues, and so is particularly proud of the commercial work he does in these areas.

The Cancer Council wanted a sober but celebratory feel for this spot, which encourages women to host “Girl’s Nights” at their homes to raise money for women’s cancer research. I think the combination of black and white and pink sparklers worked beautifully to get this across, on top of heartfelt performances from our mostly untrained cast.

The key word for this Jacobs Creek spot was “connection”. It had to focus on the ways in which Jacobs Creek wines and the Australian Open bring people together. The spot required natural performances from a mixed cast of professional actors and first-timers.

A very simple concept enhanced with some great graphic design and animation from Emerald City. While looking at my storyboards the client commented on how much she liked the “font” I was using, and so my handwriting ended up as a graphic element in finished piece!

“The Lighthouse Song” was the first single off Josh Pyke’s album “Chimney’s Afire”. A collaboration with talented Sydney-based artist collective Greedy Hen, who were responsible for the design and performance of the beautiful background visuals. The clip was shot at the Factory Theatre in Enmore.