Melbourne Documentry Film Festival 2020 – Keeper Of Bees
Mark finds his place among bees, family and nature as he recounts his transition from childhood through to adulthood, to keeper of bees.
Interview with Director/Producer/Editor Stevie Mack
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I made Keeper Of Bees as part of a new TV series called Splate. It’s about farmers, farming technologies and the future of farming. I started working on Splate in 2012 because I felt that farmers needed the spotlight and because I was fascinated with how really, everything is connected to farming in one way or another. Most farmers fly under the radar while their work is so vital to our existences. And, as the human population expands and the food industry grows, I think it's more important than ever that we hold on to our connection with farmers and especially the knowledge and some of the ethics that are in many cases pasted down through generations. Losing this connection could have devastating effects on us all. Just like taking any living creature out of the food supply chain could.
Telling these stories about farmers is my way of contributing to the future of farming and the communities that depend on the farmers who struggle to provide for us at the best of times. This project is super important to me and I’m 100% committed to sticking with it. Also, I think the world is now ready to listen to stories of people who are more connected with nature and the land. It really is the only way for us to begin mending the planet. If we don’t give farmers the spotlight, really, what does that say about our priorities?
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
You should watch Keeper Of Bees because there is a message in it that could change your life. Mark Coolie, the subject, is no ordinary beekeeper, he is a changed man who sees life through nature’s eye and is able to translate what he sees into compelling and life provoking insights. You might think you're watching a documentary about bees and you wouldn't be wrong but don't be surprised if the next day you wake up, quit your job and start living.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Keeper Of Bees can be seen as a play on several universal themes, like the family and home we love and build and our extended family that forms the ecosystem outside our doorsteps and surrounding our homes. It's also about finding what you love doing and then falling in love with what you do and then it’s also about gifting oneself with making the right personal choices and ultimately finding true contentment and serenity.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
I don't really work with a script but rather with my personal life experience and whatever knowledge that I am able to access through interviewing and spending important time with a subject. I do believe that I have my own natural rhythm and style which kind of is my script or guideline but as I seek to continue growing and diving deeper into the meaning of farming and exploring and enjoying my own maturation, I tend to feel that removing myself from "the script" as much as I possibly can, gives way to and gets me closer to whatever the story really is about. I guess what really drives me is an urge to do good and to make a compelling piece of cinema without taking advantage or hurting anyone. I hope this makes sense. It does to me.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
People react differently to Keeper Of Bees. One person, a friend who is a high profile assistant editor thought that the doco communicated what it needed serenely and another couple had a tear or two at the end but the best feedback came from Mark Coolie, the documentary subject. He told me that the project has changed his life and seeing the edited version of himself, made him realize his mission and his practices in a clear way. After the doco was finished Mark also began receiving offers from bigger company’s and global environmental companies to employ him as a consultant.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
The feedback for Keeper Of Bees has surprised me. Making the documentary was a natural reaction... almost an extension of my own consciousness. I didn’t do it for money, though I was glad when family, peers and friends told me that it has the potential to reach TV and become a series, because that meant that the subject would get more exposure and I could continue doing what I love without having to worry so much about money. But I haven’t gotten to that point yet and it will definitely be very nice once I'm there.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
By getting my film on We Are Moving Stories I would like to get exposure to producers and TV stations who are looking for a double whammy project and what I mean by that is number one, a project that is topical and would make a great lifestyle TV series but more importantly to leave a legacy and develop an entertainment culture that stands to give and of its very own nature continue giving for the duration of its television run.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I would like to see producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists and really anyone who is in a position to fund the first season of Splate - Tell The Framers Story. Really this is a great opportunity to get in on the ground level and help shape the financial model that will make Splate a regular staple on free to air or paid TV.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
The world is changing fast and if we don't put nature in the spotlights we will all lose, so I would like to see Keeper Of Bees (Splate TV series) receive a very warm welcome. I mean stylistically I think the film is very palatable and what's there not to like about bees, farmers and nature!? I’m also very open for further development and am willing to work with people who I can learn from and have a shared interest of giving farmers the spotlight, exploring new technologies and constantly farming for new ideas and new ways to create responsible and thought-provoking entertainment.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Where do you want your honey to come from in the future? Are humans more important than bees or any other living creatures? What good can we do with technology? With all the choices you could make is there a universe you can imagine without all the living creatures that from this amazing ecosystem? And are we ready to change and become better citizens of the planet? I know these are BIG questions but that’s what Splate is all about. It’s a shakedown show.
Would you like to add anything else?
I've produced three full episodes off my own bat last year in 2019/20 and my local council (The Surfcoast Council, Victoria, Australia) has hired me to promote my entire region as a progressive farming and food destination. I guess you could say I'm on a roll and that now is a good time to invest in Splate, a TV project that has the potential to explore uncharted territory and change the way we perceive our connection with farmers and the land.
If you have the means and are looking for your next TV project please contact me. I’m open-minded. I have a good set of values and am realistic about the challenges Splate will face, along with some of the exciting prospects and goals it could achieve.
Wouldn’t it be great to give such an important project the green light and be a part in the creation of a landmark event?
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I have been working and developing Splate in several different stages since 2012. This is it for me. I couldn't imagine doing anything ells. I'm here to tell the farmers story.
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
Keeper Of Bees
Mark finds his place among bees, family and nature as he recounts his transition from childhood through to adulthood, to keeper of bees.
Length: 26:08
Director: Stevie Mack
Producer: Stevie Mack
Writer: Stevie Mack
About the writer, director and producer:
STEVIE MACK is an independent video creator who lives in Jan Juc on the Surfcoast of Victoria. He wanted to be a conservation ecologist but ended up a filmmaker. his mission is to connect farmers and the urban community, through film, art and unobstructed/non-opportunistic human interaction.
Key cast: Mark Colley Bee Keepr
Looking for: distributors, buyers, sales agents, journalists, film festival directors, producers
Made in association with: Epice Enterprises Pty Ltd
Funders: Self-funded
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Melbourne Documentary Film Festival/ Melbourne July 15, 2020 - Watch out for online screenings.