It started with a university project but turned into a film that has inspired a community.
CFA’s Mount Martha Brigade volunteer Will Smith created ‘Passing the Torch’ – a documentary about his family’s involvement with this brigade.
The film was a major assessment as part of Will’s Film and TV bachelor degree at Deakin University’s Burwood campus.
Mimicking a professional documentary, Will teamed up with four fellow students to create the film. Each team member took on a role, with Will as director/producer. It took three months from concept to final product to develop, and the team handed in their assignment in October last year.
The film tells the story of three generations. Will is the son of Mount Martha Brigade Captain Brian. His late grandfather Wilfred was one of nine founding members of the brigade, which began in response to a growing community.
Watch the documentary below:
“Originally we were going to do a more general film about the Mount Martha Brigade’s history but our tutor recommended we focus on my family’s involvement with the brigade, which the team agreed would be a strong angle,” Will said.
“It was a lot of hard work but we all had fun creating something that has really resonated with the community. Dad enjoyed taking part too and he has already been recognised by a few people!”
Since Passing the Torch was published on the brigade’s Facebook page, it has been viewed more than 4000 times, liked 143 times and shared 43 times.
“It’s a great way to highlight the strong sense of community CFA brigades have – they’re all great groups of people dedicated to protecting their neighbours’ lives and property,” Will said.
“Seeing the finishing product so well received by the broader community has been the most rewarding part for me,” he said.
Will has been a CFA volunteer since he was 13, as a member of the Junior Brigade. He is now in a leadership role as a Junior Brigade Coordinator.
Will is due to graduate this year and is looking for an internship to build his workplace experience. He would like to become a career firefighter in future, using his videography skills for community engagement activities.
Author: CFA Media