The former research ecologist has turned a passion for film into a successful career combining the two things he loves — ecology and film making.
On Sunday, November 6, his documentary film The Sanctuary picked up two awards at the eighth annual Benalla Short film festival.
Those were the Local Encouragement Award and the Best Documentary Award, with combined prize money of $500.
The film was co-directed by Michael Portway who attended the festival to accept the awards, with Mr Brown currently in Tasmania working on a new project.
Having produced The Sanctuary just prior to Benalla Shorts opening for submissions, Mr Brown has since been travelling the length and breadth of the country working on several films.
“I initially studied science, but always had an interest in cameras and film,” Mr Brown said.
“When I travelled I would create films on the side. Later I would do wedding videos.
“I now work full time producing environmentally focused films.”
Mr Brown said it was his dad who told him about the festival.
“It’s always great to hear about awesome local events like this,” Mr Brown said.
"There’s not that many really cool film festivals in regional Victoria.“
The film, which has also screened at film festivals around the world, tells the story of Ray Lewis and his love of the vibrant sea life in Port Phillip Bay.
“Previously, through other projects, we’d come across Ray,” Mr Brown said.
"He is heavily involved with Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary, just near Beaumaris on the western part of Port Phillip Bay.
“He’s got an interesting story in that he was in the Air Force when he was younger, then he was involved in the business world.
“It’s not a classic conservation pathway, but later in life he got really involved in the local area and spent a long time helping to protect Ricketts Point.”
Mr Brown said the film gave Mr Lewis an opportunity to get into the water, something he had not managed for the past two years.
“We filmed an interview with him then got some really nice underwater footage,” he said.
“A lot of people are unaware of how rich the marine life in Port Phillip Bay is, so we showcased that, as well as the efforts of local people to protect the area.”
Mr Brown said it was a special moment to film Mr Lewis underwater in the environment he had worked so hard to protect.
“Given his age, it might be the last time he gets to do that,” Mr Brown said.
Mr Brown thanked his co-director for not only his efforts on The Sanctuary, but also for being able to attend Benalla Shorts.
“Michael had a great time,” he said.
“My aunt and uncle were also able to attend. They really enjoyed it. Thank you to festival director Anna Smith for putting on such a great event.”
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