Burgermen is a retrospective documentary that takes a look inside an iconic Melbourne hamburger shop and the men who started it all back in the 1950s.

Interview with Director/Producer/Editor Jamie Wilson

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

The story kind of stemmed from my experiences in fish and chip shops as a kid. Most of them were run by Greeks at the time and had a pinball or Pacman machine in the corner of the shop. You could smell the vinegar on the fish and chips and the onions and bacon being cooked on the grill for the hamburgers. It was a sensory experience and one that increased your appetite. The man behind the counter usually wore a green apron, spoke with a thick Greek accent and had orange hair at the front due to the nicotine from smoking. Minimum of chips was 30 cents and potato cakes were 20 cents each. We use to buy cigarettes for 15 cents each as well. Steamed dim sims with soya sauce was a treat and a banana milkshake was a bonus. I think those memories were ultimately the driving force behind Burgermen.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

It's representative of another time and place. You learn a bit about the fast-food industry, multiculturalism and how it all came together in Australia back in the '50s. It's like one big extended family, if you go there often enough, everybody will eventually get to know your name.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Well, I feel there is a general sense of team effort, acceptance and trust in this story. Egos are put to one side and everybody works together despite there race, sex, age and or personal beliefs. From my own observations, that's not something I see happening in the current climate.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

This film was never scripted and was only on the page as an outline. I knew what I wanted to say but it really evolved in the editing process. The shop hasn't really changed that much but most of the people involved eventually moved on to other things. Such is life.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

Most of the feedback has been fairly positive. I think most people that have seen this film feel it was a rather personal take, and that the relationship between myself and the people involved was quite honest. Naturalistic is probably a fairly accurate description. I formed a strong bond with these guys during the shoot.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Not at all. I think most people enjoyed watching and felt I had captured something that was quite unique. I didn't see it like that at the time but in hindsight, I agree.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

To let people know that places like this still do actually exist. It's not just the food, it's the people and the experience. That's something that seems to be lacking these days, social interaction.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

All of the above are most welcome.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

A positive one. Places like this still exist across the globe but you have to know where to find them. I think it's really important that places like this are put back on the map as they are a part of our history.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

The small personal and intimate burger shop versus the bigger impersonal burger fast-food chains. Who makes a better burger and gives you value for money?

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I am currently writing two Australian narrative feature-length screenplays, which I have been working on for the past five years. I also have another interesting retrospective documentary that I need to get through post-production at some stage.

Interview: June 2020

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

Burgermen

Burgermen is a retrospective documentary that takes a look inside an iconic Melbourne hamburger shop and the men who started it all back in the 1950s.

Length: 29:56

Director: Jamie Wilson

Producer: Jamie Wilson

Writer: Concept/Jamie Wilson

About the writer, director and producer:

JAMIE WILSON is a Melbourne-based actor and filmmaker with over 25 years of experience. He has made several shorts, including a music clip and two other documentaries, which have screened at local festivals. Burgermen is his directorial debut as a filmmaker. Burgermen is a retrospective documentary that takes a look inside an iconic Melbourne hamburger shop (Dannys) and the men who started it all back in the 1950s. Shot over three years on a Panasonic ms1, with no official script, little money and minimal crew. He was a co-producer/actor on One in a Million (Tropfest 2009) and also won best documentary tie for Come back Mr Bule (Muff 16). He will also be premiering his most recent short The Backroad at the (Setting Sun film festival 2020). Jamie is currently writing two feature-length scripts. He has written and produced several short films including Opposites attract, Two of a kind, Autolock, Providence, Cough up, Roger, Forced entry, Mirror of filth and The Backroad.

Key cast: Nick Morihovitis, Danny Vassos, Anthony Crowther, Sue Robertson, Burtac Cirav, John Napantidis

Looking for: producers, buyers, sales agents, film festival directors

Facebook: Burgermen

Funders: Self-funded

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Melbourne Documentary Film Festival