Greater Hamilton is My Place
I had such a fantastic time working with Southern Grampians Shire Council developing and directing their latest small-budget TVC campaign. This thriving corner of Western Victoria is full of movers and shakers and the friendliest, fun people. Love it!
We asked some high-profile locals like artists Jasmine Mansbridge, Grotti Lotti and Bunyip Hotel Cavendish chef Jimmy Campbell (formerly of MoVida) why they’re living the dream in this gorgeous part of the world.
Generations in Jazz – Mount Gambier
Mount Gambier in SA’s Limestone Coast is Australia’s jazz hot spot largely thanks to Generations in Jazz, and it’s my job to help spread the word. This spectacular annual event on the outskirts of the city made famous for its Blue Lake not only attracts the jazz legends of today, but the bright stars of tomorrow, bringing together up to 4400 of Australia’s most talented musicians, along with a growing list of global artists.
High school students from more than 100 schools around the nation compete in the Stage Band Awards, while highly coveted Jazz and Vocal Scholarships help to secure the musical destiny of individuals with enormous promise. And then there are the daily concerts – the sound inside the James Morrison big top pavilion, seating up to 6100 people in the middle of a paddock, is simply incredible!
The James Morrison Pavilion is the largest tent ever to have been erected in Australia for a seated audience.
Australian music icon Kate Ceberano was a special guest at the 2016 event, and I interviewed her about her visit to Australia’s “jazz capital”. What a glowing endorsement!
A day in the life…of a rock lobster fisherman
We had some fabulous audio and footage left over from a recent commission from the South Australian Rock Lobster Advisory Council, and I was able to script it into a promotional piece for industry. Fishermen from Port MacDonnell through to Coffin Bay tell the story of their day at sea…filmed and edited by Robert Tremelling.
Drawing the Line: Marine Parks
This pelican wasn’t the only one rejoicing about this week’s unseasonal blue skies.
We had filming and interviews to complete at Port MacDonnell on behalf of the South East Professional Fisherman’s Association, and fortunately there was no need to resort to the wet weather option.
I am helping to direct and produce a documentary highlighting the management and sustainability of South Australia’s rock lobster industry. It’s the state’s most valuable fishery, and a key export industry. The Drawing the Line project has inspired local fishermen to add their voice to the growing chorus campaigning against marine parks. These blokes know their industry, and I was full of admiration for their respect for their ocean ‘office’.
And what a stunning office it is…
Next week, we’re headed to Robe, and hitting the ocean for more interviews and footage. Fingers crossed for more blue skies, and, more importantly, calm seas!
SA’s Stunning Limestone Coast
The Limestone Coast certainly turned on the weather when I chaperoned a crew working on a South Australian Tourism Commission photo shoot by hugely talented photographer Adam Bruzzone . It took quite a crowd – make-up, wardrobe, models – to get the gorgeous shots.
Fascinating to watch, and I took photos of the people taking and making photos with my iPhone…who could resist? Here’s the hero shot of my own little portfolio. Why go to Fiji when you can visit Beachport?
Coonawarra, Robe, Mt Benson, Port MacDonnell, Mount Gambier and Naracoorte also starred. (Looking forward to seeing the professional images soon in brochures and advertising campaigns.)
I’m Gretel Sneath, accomplished freelance writer & storyteller. When I'm not on the road, you'll find me on South Australia's Limestone Coast.