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Series of videos:
La Trobe University
‘Living History’
Challenge
La Trobe is in the top 1% of universities worldwide. Fizz Farm was given a mammoth task: to create an extensive series of videos capturing the emotive stories of esteemed university alumni.
The university’s 50th birthday was approaching. It was a unique opportunity to connect with and establish deeper relationships with graduates from across the decades. La Trobe wanted to celebrate and recognise their many successful alumni, and create a vehicle with which to seek much-needed benefactor donations simultaneously.
Solution
Fizz Farm conducted extensive interviews with the originally commissioned 51 subjects. By setting up a stunning frame on location at the university grounds, with gorgeous lighting that showcased the faces of the esteemed talent, the team let the stories from the alumni unfold in their own words.
The carefully managed project was shot over a period of 18 months, spanning various campuses, from Bundoora to Bendigo and Melbourne’s CBD.
The final effect is an authentic snapshot of the lives of so many students who went on to achieve great things. Once La Trobe began seeing the output, the scope was extended to a total of 68 interviews, resulting in a solid suite of videos that will live on in the university archives.
Two-camera shooting technique
Tight close up
Camera 2
Extra wide shot
Camera 1
With specialist equipment imported from the USA especially for the project, the team used a two-camera technique that shoots two shots simultaneously, ensuring seamless editing. Interviewees spoke directly into the camera, creating an intimate effect that delivers their story straight to the heart of the audience.
Result
An important project that will live on, as a snapshot of La Trobe’s rich history. Fizz Farm captured living histories from a vast pool of graduates that now form the most extensive archival library of alumni interviews in the Australian university sector.
The suite of videos has allowed the Chief Advancement Officer to engage directly with politicians, CEOs, scientists, chairpersons, influential activists and countless other successful alumni. The fund-raising campaign attached to the project far exceeded expectations, when the target of $50 million was surpassed, bringing the final figure to an incredible $70 million.
Project success evolution:
68 interviews
Original commission extended from 51 to 68. Interviews allowed the Chief Advancement Officer to directly engage with Politicians, CEO’s, Scientists, Chairpersons, Influential Activists and innumerable other successful Alumni.
This was an extensive but well managed project that commenced in January of 2016. Services were supplied under a flexible environment and as scheduling required. Bundoora, Bendigo and City campuses were fully exploited for maximum visual affect.
A $50 million benefactor fundraising component was attached to this project. The target was reached ahead of schedule and extended to $70 million.
La Trobe University can now claim to have the most extensive archival library of alumni interviews of all the universities in Australia.
18 month project
$70m raised
La Trobe University - Living History website
Alumni interviewee's
David Morgan
Bronwyn Curtis
Andrew Abercrombie
Ahmed Fahour
Radek Sali
Helen Fazzino
Jasmine Dawson
Elizabeth Proust
Deb Radford
Rob Stephenson
Ian McBean
Michelle Gallaher
Jennifer Williams
Jennifer Seberry
Jane Gazzo
Jamila Gordon
James Fazzino
John Dewar
Sarah Fregon
Susan Pelka
Terry Garwood
Tony Radford
Anne Parkin
Jean Dawson
Matthew Guy
Jacinta Allan
Terry Moran
Tony Sheehan
Geoff Walsh
Geoff Raby
Bronwyn Halfpenny
Robin Scott
Greg Barber
Danielle Green
Andrew Robb
Penny Davis
Sussan Ley
Maree Edwards
Craig Langdon
Oscar Yildiz
Bill Kelty
Catherine Deveny
Tasneem Chopra
Conny Lenneberg
John Dewar
Eddie Custovic
Inga Glendinnin
Paul Yip
Rafiuddin Ahmed
Samantha Grover
Yisl Singer
Khatijah Yusoff
Patricia Wooley
Tim Entwhistle
Jeffrey Brownrigg
John McKenzie
Ken Waldron
Tim Thomidas
Britney Romas
Gordon Franklin
Carmel Lawrence
Andrew Cameron
Jenny Dawson
Julie Andrews
Olga Tenninson
John Richards
John Higgs
It was a pleasure to work with Brendan, whose professionalism, attention to detail and logistical management were exemplary. The consistently high quality of each video has provided the University with a unique archive of personal reflections and observations covering fifty years of experience.
– Chief Advancement Officer, La Trobe University.
Services.
Video
Tasks.
Writing, researching, directing, producing, cinematography, scheduling, specialist shooting equipment, editing, colour grading.