Fitzgerald River National Park - Film Shoot

With our weddings winding down for the season, Kristen and I were recently asked to shoot a film to promote the significance of the biodiversity in the Fitzgerald River National park and the threat from Phytophthora dieback attacking it.

The Fitzgerald River National Park is located about half way between Albany and Esperance. As proud west Aussies we jumped at the opportunity to visit and creatively capture some of Western Australia's backyard. Also to promote the protection of the area which we are now aware is one Australia's and the worlds natural treasures.

So what is Phytophthora dieback? Phytophthora dieback (pronounced Fy-toff-thora - meaning plant destroyer in Greek) is caused by a micro-organism called Phytophthora cinnamomi, which was introduced into Australia more than 100 years ago. Dieback affects 40% of south western Australia’s native flora species, especially the banksias, heaths, peas, and myrtles. Many of our plants across the south west which exist nowhere else in the world are seriously threatened and face extinction from this disease, and there is currently no known cure!

After almost 3000km of travel to and around the park we were able to visit and shoot some amazing areas that we never even knew were in W.A.

Stirling Ranges

Our camera rig to capture an example of the spread of dieback infected mud with vehicle movement in bushland.

This is one of many plants that aren't found anywhere else on the planet. This unusual plant is the Royal Hakea.