Approve a rough itinerary. No company allowed other than a hand-held digital video camera, some batteries and film. Each contestant submits 10 four-minute docos, according to a strict timetable. The docos are not travelogues, the aim is to find interesting people for us couch spuds to meet. Each will be edited at the ABC according to instructions, screened and judged.
Big prizes await.
EACH SHOW has been startling in its variety and subject matter. One of the highlights so far was a doco from northern Thailand. It portrayed a tribe of refugees from Laos in which the women wear metal rings around their necks. Because they have no other source of income, the village hosts bus loads of tourists. I was surprised at the sadness I felt for this guy.