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Budj Bim NAIDOC week documentary

Unlocking 6,000 Years of Ancient History With Modern Technology

 

Challenge

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), along with traditional landowners, have been hard at work – in their own words – unlocking the 6,000 years of history at the ancient Aboriginal aquacultural site, Budj Bim. They needed a video for NAIDOC week and so it was up to us – 6,000 years in six minutes…

Response

When you get a project like this, the first thing to do is just shut up and listen. The content was incredibly rich and compelling. We took the time to get to know Budj Bim, tried to develop an insider’s eye for why this was all so interesting and exciting. Once we were immersed, storytelling came easy. We identified three key threads and allotted equal weight to each: the site’s significance to Aboriginal people, the work DELWP was doing, and the incredible technology they were using to do it.

Outcome

First thing’s first – we made sure to showcase the breathtaking beauty of the land. We wanted it to make an emotional impact. In keeping with the three threads identified above, we made sure to talk to traditional owners, local rangers, and DELWP personnel. We also included scenes directly showcasing the LiDAR technology used to survey the area. It’s a comprehensive account – history, heritage, and culture – in less than six minutes.

Testimonial

“Thank you for your brilliant work on the Budj Bim film — it was masterfully shot and produced, telling this incredible story so very beautifully.”

Terry Garwood — Deputy Secretary, DELWP, DEL


DELWP is a Victorian state government department – the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.

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