In July 2023, my partner, Rach and I got the news we would be welcoming our first child, Bobbie in early 2024.

At the time, I was producing and directing documentary film projects predominantly for social and cultural impact. My films have featured in festivals around the country and museum and gallery settings, but I survived off cobbling together grants and working part-time side gigs. This had sufficed for the past 10 years, but the responsibility of dadhood loomed heavy and sent me into a money tailspin like never before. (Turns out impending responsibility can really teach you a lot about yourself)

I started compulsively researching jobs with a minimum starting salary of no less than $120,000, of which my experience simply didn’t apply (and even if it did would have made me miserable). I spent countless hours on seek.com, scouring for hope and a path out. I contemplated closing the chapter on film and ‘getting a real job’.

But when my attempts to become a monopoly man failed, I was forced to connect back with who I really am, what I really wanted to do with my life and what gifts I bring to the world. And it took me right back to where I started. Telling stories, working creatively and spontaneously, building trusting relationships and creating safe spaces for individuals and groups to share their truth.

The application of this in the social impact and arts space was self-evident, but how could I create at least the semblance of financial stability and move away from the constant see-saw of finances and the subsequent emotions that came with it.

In December 2023, I serendipitously met Steve Robinson from Otway Pasta Company. We got talking and amidst my ramblings drenched in confusion and self-doubt, we shared a common language. Steve owns and operates a small business of ten staff, but it was the human side of how we spoke about his life in business I connected with. We parted ways and it wasn’t until March 2024 that I reached out to Steve and pitched a documentary on the Otway Pasta Company story. This would become the beginning of Of Place Films and would illuminate a clarity of focus that brought the past 11 years together and set out a path forward.

Through working with Otway Pasta, I was able to explore how I could apply documentary film principles to working with businesses for commercial outcomes.  Beyond a gimmick or a fad, I began to see how many organisations harbour great stories and the profound impact documentary storytelling could make.

Of Place Films now has a clarity of focus to work with small to medium business and not-for-profit clients who value people, and purpose and have a worthwhile story beyond chasing profit.

I hope the process of working with us leaves you feeling heard and inspired and that the outcome is more impactful than you could have ever envisaged.

-       Founder, Mitchell Withers