Wandering Spirit

School camps occupy a peculiar place in adolescence. Somewhere between homesickness and independence, awkwardness and confidence, they're often remembered more vividly than the classroom.

Our latest project for St Hilda's Anglican School for Girls follows the Year 9 Wandering Spirit program in Yeagarup, tucked away in the South West forests of Western Australia.

Working across concept, script and production, we built a short film around the quieter moments rather than the obvious ones. Muddy boots. Laughter with mates. Socks and books in the cabin. And one tiny gesture that became everyone's favourite frame: a reassuring pat on mum's back before stepping onto the bus.

Huge thanks to Eva McFie for somehow making that wonderfully awkward age between childhood and adulthood feel completely believable.

Shot over two days with a tiny crew, alongside cinematographer Darren McCagh and the endlessly capable Gemma Lamplough, who managed hair and makeup, logistics and morale in equal measure.