Behind the Scenes with Driver Reviver: Capturing the Spirit of Safety, Community, and Connection

A 12-day journey, six videos, and countless cups of tea capturing the care, connection, and community behind Driver Reviver.

Authors — Jessica Flindell and Dana Newell

Earlier this year, we partnered with Driver Reviver, supported by the Office of Road Safety, to produce a series of documentary-style videos capturing the dedication and warmth behind some of Australia’s most vital roadside stops.

The final videos celebrate the volunteers that make up Driver Reviver, Australia’s longest running community road safety charity and the beautiful rural landscapes that many drivers pass by. But the journey to bring these stories to life was just as meaningful. It involved 2,599 kilometres of open road, six carefully planned video shoots, and one very loyal husky named Shadow.

We spoke to Dana Newell, our Director and Producer, about how it all came together.

Logistics, Landscapes and Local Tips

“From the start, we knew the biggest challenge would be logistics,” Dana says. “Filming six videos across NSW in just under two weeks meant we had to consider everything: travel time between towns, gear setup, rest stops & rest days, interviews, and filming location coverage. There was no room for winging it. But yet, we had to be open to capturing those unplanned moments.”

Even though the videos were relatively short, the vision was expansive. Dana & Lliam set out to capture more than the sites themselves. They wanted to show the surrounding towns, the people, and the character of the land.

“We spent a lot of time on the phone with site leaders before the trip, just listening. We asked locals what made their area special. That helped shape our schedule and filming plan. Once we were on the road, we made it a priority to film at sunrise and sunset so the scenery could speak for itself. This did make our days very long though, but it was worth it.”

Real People, Real Conversations

Dana, her husband and cinematographer Lliam Murphy, and their husky Shadow made up the tight-knit crew.

“We didn’t just want to show the counter at a Driver Reviver stop and move on,” Dana explains. “We wanted people to feel what it’s like to pull over after hours of driving and be greeted with kindness and a free cup of Bushelles Tea or Bushells Coffee and an Arnott’s biscuit.”

Throughout the 12-day journey, they met with dozens of volunteers who run these stops purely with the purpose to keep drivers safe on the road. “Sitting down and capturing on camera why they volunteer was so powerful,” Dana shares. “You could see how much they care. They’re proud of their communities, and they just want travellers to arrive at their destination or get home safely. It was humbling.”

She smiles, “By the end, I felt like we’d made about 50 new friends.”

Chasing the Light

The team was on the road before the sun most mornings. Golden hour became a daily goal.

“Chasing the sun is always exciting,” Dana says. “It’s a race to find the right spot, set up and shoot before the light changes. One standout location for us was Warrumbungle National Park. It’s known for having the darkest skies in Australia. Absolutely breathtaking.”

Thanks to local recommendations, the team filmed remote lookouts, rolling fields, and quiet townships that many drivers might never discover without stopping at one of these roadside sites.

A Small Crew with a Big Heart

This wasn’t a large production team. Just Dana, Lliam and Shadow.

“Everything was done with intention,” Dana says. “We planned dog-friendly motels, mapped out every leg of the trip, and allowed space for conversations, not just quick interviews. Lliam has such a talent for capturing sweeping landscape shots, and we worked together on every frame.”

Why It Matters

For Creativa, this project is a reminder of the value in slow storytelling. It’s about listening, observing, and allowing people’s voices and surroundings to guide the way.

“These videos are more than just travel content,” Dana reflects. “They represent the care and attention that went into every stop, every shot. We’re proud to have helped feature the Driver Reviver Volunteers across some of the NSW sites, and shine a light on them. We hope this campaign continues to encourage drivers to Stop, Rest, Revive and Survive.”

Watch the full Driver Reviver video series
Click through to our Driver Reviver project page or visit their website and Youtube to explore the stories, scenery and people who made this journey unforgettable.

 

Ready to Create Your Brand’s Next Memorable Moment?

Whether you need to dominate social feeds, drive foot traffic, simplify complex journeys, or tell stories that stick, we’re here to turn your vision into reality that moves people visually, emotionally, and commercially.

What’s your brand’s next chapter going to be?

To our future collaborators, we’d love to bring your next big idea to life.

Explore more work at Creativa today.
Ready to create with us? Get in touch.