The latest Tourism Queensland television commercials feature personalities from the highly successful ‘Best Job in the World’ campaign incorporating an amended version of the Monkees’ theme tune; re-recorded as “Hey Hey this is Queensland”. Directed by Jack Wareham, the ads were shot across seven days at ten of the state’s most picturesque locations. Each of the four ads has it’s own individual theme, focusing on Islands and Beaches, Adventure, Lifestyle, and Nature.

director spotlight

with Jack Wareham

Where did you shoot and how long was it?
It was a 7 day shoot incorporating Brampton Island, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Mooloolaba Beach, Mooloolaba Surf Club, Buderim Falls, Buderim, Dreamworld, Mt Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, and in Brisbane we went to Cloudland, Regatta Hotel and the Kangaroo Point Cliffs.

What was the concept and how did the campaign come about?
Comments from Clemenger’s Karl Mather (copywriter):
“TQ wanted to redefine the Queensland brand for the Australian market by highlighting the positive, fun, carefree idea of a holiday in the Sunshine State - Queensland is where the sun, and Australians, come to play.

The agency felt that Jack’s ability to get the best performance out of any talent was a vital ingredient in the mix. Coupled with his understanding of the techniques needed to shoot and edit upbeat, energetic images within the framework of a client’s requirements - in this case to showcase a wide range of different Queensland destinations – and the strength of his DOP credentials, there was only ever one choice. Hey, hey it’s Jack Wareham!”

How did you find the process from production to post and working with TQ and Clemenger?
A seamless and enjoyable experience - Forging close relationships with the agency, client, post production house is important, I like a very collaborative process – that’s how I work. I have enthusiasm for all aspects of the creative process, I liked to be involved full time. Clemenger, TQ and you guys definitely allowed me to do this.

What is your favourite sequence in the commercials?
I am fond of some of the edit transitions, particularly in the "adventure" commercial that takes us from a yacht in the Whitsundays to a tiger leaping over the girls at Dreamworld.  This result was achieved via a collaboration of well timed short-sharp on-air zooms and Sammy Bowden's slick editing prowess.