GENUINELY SOUTHERN FORESTS DOCUMENTARY SERIES DEVELOPMENT 2024/25
The stunning landscapes, incredible produce, and the compelling stories of Southern Forests farmers are set to be the stars of a new documentary series in Western Australia.
In this exciting venture led by the Southern Forests Food Council (SFFC), the region's vibrant farming community and breath-taking scenery will take centre stage in the series that promises to inspire and educate.
The SFFC, representing local farmers and agri-businesses in Western Australia's Southern Forests, has secured funding from the State Government’s Native Forestry Transition Community Small Grants Fund to bring this ambitious project to life.
Read the latest Press Release here.
OPP FOR REGIONAL CREATIVES
A key aspect of this project is its community-driven spirit. Locals are encouraged to get involved at every stage, whether it’s sharing their farming heritage, participating in development workshops, or being part of the pilot filming. The SFFC is committed to making this a collaborative journey that brings the region’s untold stories to light.
Creatives interested in writing or film making or in fact other fields but keen to understand the process and work alongside some of WA’s film and television experts are welcome to submit an EOI. Please email Laura Bolitho on laura@southernforestsfood.com by 10am on Mon 14 Oct to discuss your interest.
PRODUCTION TEAM
BEC BIGNELL - PRODUCER/DIRECTOR
Bec grew up on a farm in Kojonup in regional Western Australia and has worked in film and media for twelve years, most recently at the ABC (Sydney) as Partnership Executive. She’s the Producer of ‘600 Bottles of Wine’, Associate Producer of ‘Visible Farmer’ a factual series highlighting female farmers, Associate Producer of ‘Blueback’ a feature film based on the book by Tim Winton. Bec wrote, produced and performed in ‘Homespun’, released on Stan, soon to be released on ABC. She is also an Executive Producer on feature documentary ‘Hard as Puck’.
NICK HOPKINS - DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE
Nick has been creating content for over 33 years and has many credits to his name as Creator, Development Head, Series Producer, Creative Executive Producer, Television Director and Script Writer. Some of the projects Nick has been involved in over the years include Big Brother 2020, Manager Live Events at ABC, The Great Australian Bake Off, and MasterChef Australia.
MIKEY HAMER - DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Mikey is an award-winning cinematographer, director, and multi-medium artist, currently based in Fremantle. His recent work includes serving as the Director of Photography on Season 2 of ABC’s ‘Perspective Shift’ and the indie feature ‘Ugly Carter’, set for release in 2025. Mikey embraces his role as a multi-medium artist, merging various artistic forms with his cinematography and directing projects, focusing on innovative, thought-provoking work.
BROOKE THOMAS - PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
Brooke is a regional screen practitioner based in the South West of WA who is passionate about telling authentic Australian stories and has worked in screen conferences and festivals as the Industry Program Manager for CinefestOZ for several years. Brooke has recently worked as the Assistant Production Coordinator on feature film ‘The Surfer’ (2023) filmed in the South West. Brooke is currently attached as a Producer to several projects including development of TV Series ‘Diamond Jack’ with co-producer Patrick Cullen and director Ben C Lucus.
GEORGIA ROWE - AUDIENCE PRODUCER
Georgia has a Masters in Strategic Design and has honed her skills in Audience and Market Research aligned with the film and television industry. Georgia utilises industry leading techniques to build strategies and help clients design news, educational, entertainment and lifestyle products and services including the BBC, Virgin Media, and Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
MITCHELL EAST - PRODUCTION LIAISON OFFICER
Mitchell is one of the minds behind the Genuinely Southern Forests TV Series Production and is a third-generation farmer in the Southern Forests region. Mitchell also owns and operates his own horticulture business including on-farm processing. Mitchell was born and raised in the Southern Forests region and has extensive knowledge and networks within the farming and broader community. Mitchell will act as project liaison to ensure a strong connection and representation of the local agricultural community throughout the project.
LAURA BOLITHO - PRODUCTION MANAGER
Laura is the SFFC General Manager and has over twelve years’ experience working with the SFFC in various roles. Laura has extensive experience in project management and grant acquittal processes, strong financial and governance management, and an in-depth understanding of the project and deliverables under the FAA. Laura is being supported by the Producer Director to ensure compliance with film and television industry standards and requirements.
This project was made possible through the State Government’s Native Forestry Transition Plan with funding from Department of Jobs, Training, Science, and Innovation.