Feature by Carolyn Beasley
Join Daniel Ricciardo, Western Australia’s own laid-back, laughing legend of the Formula One world, and his best mate Blake Mills as they tackle another epic road trip, this time touring the state’s sublime South West on Wadandi Country. For the production crew, what did it take to capture those moments of heartfelt wonder on the Cape to Cape Track, the joy of getting air while mountain biking in Collie and those cinematic shots through the tall-timbered Boranup Karri Forest? Importantly, what was it like to witness Daniel strutting around in a waffle bathrobe? Read on, as the production crew takes us behind the scenes of the second iteration of Drive the Dream.
Adam Rule, through Rhythm Films, was the producer and editor of the short film, and explains there are plenty of challenges with filming in the vast outdoors, particularly the driving scenes. The crew chose a red car, helping it to ‘pop’ from the surrounding green landscape, but the choice of camera equipment was equally critical.
“We didn't just settle for GoPros,” Adam explains. “We use good equipment to try and get nice images. But it can always turn on you, like if the light doesn't work out. Finding that line between adaptable and high-quality imagery is a trick sometimes.”
For the shots of Daniel and Blake inside the car, Adam needed to work safely within his seatbelt, but also be flexible, literally.
“I'm in the backseat, kind of laying down,” he laughs. “It's not always comfortable, but it is good because I can keep them in control. When they get together, they're just kids, and they do need a parent!”
Jarrad Seng, photographer for the campaign, also enjoyed observing the interactions between the two mates.
“Most of the shoot consisted of them just roasting each other,” Jarrad laughs.
Behind the scenes with Daniel and Blake as they learn to surf with Eve from the Margaret River Surfing Academy. Image Credit: Jarrad Seng
Placing himself where he could document the essence of the film shoot, Evan Scott captured video to showcase what the production process was, behind the scenes.
“The hardest experience to capture was in Ngilgi Cave,” Evan says. “Logistically, it was quite tight in some places with all the crew and equipment down there, not to mention the lack of natural light, but we made it work.”
Although it was the production crew’s job to capture the journey, Jarrad notes that Daniel was keen to preserve his own memories.
“I knew it was my cue to commence camera nerd talk once he brought out his Leica camera after wrapping up scenes on the Contos cliffs,” Jarrad says. “No tips needed of course; a South West sunset is an easy slam dunk image!”
Behind the scenes with Daniel and Blake as they explore the ancient jewel-like Ngilgi Cave. Image credit: Jarrad Seng
That dreamy landscape played a starring role in the making of this short film. Both Daniel and Blake have visited the South West before, but they were reminded that this is perfect road trip country, with roads skirting turquoise ocean, and weaving through the Southern Forests.
Adam notes that while Daniel returns to Western Australia often, he has not lived here permanently since he was 17 years old.
“I think he was mostly blown away by the strong nostalgia from when he was a kid, driving with his family down there, that dappled flickering light as you drive under a canopy of trees,” he says. “They both love country living. They actually listen to a lot of country music, and Blake really wishes he was a cowboy.”
Viewers of the latest instalment of Drive the Dream will see a different side to Daniel, for instance, relaxing in a bathrobe on a luxurious stay at Injidup Spa Retreat.
“We did one take, which was a wide shot of Daniel walking in his awkwardly tight robe with his towel twisted up on his head,” Adam says. “Just his walk in the slippers made him look fantastic. So basically, everyone on the set just laughed.”
Behind the scenes with Daniel and Blake as they enjoy a meal at Amelia Park in the Margaret River Region. Image credit: Jarrad Seng
While the entire road trip was full of laughs, Adam says one of the funniest moments was Daniel and Blake learning to surf near Gnarabup, Margaret River.
“I think, those two are straight-up land mammals,” he says. “I think they love the water, but usually just from afar. I was apprehensive, because last year for Drive the Dream, we obviously made Daniel swim with megafauna, the whale sharks. But watching them sort of like flounder around in the in the water surfing was pretty funny.”
Jarrad agrees with this moment being particularly hilarious.
“I’ve got a couple dozen wipeout shots that will probably never see the light of day,” Jarrad laughs. “But I think that’s what a road trip is all about - exploring new things, doing something a little outside your comfort zone, and it doesn’t hurt to be doing it in this beautiful part of the world.”
Behind the scenes with Daniel and Blake on a hike with Gene from Cape to Cape Explorer Tours. Image credit: Jarrad Seng
Published September 2024