What does it take to run a radio station? More than radio waves, satellites, transmitters and switchboards, it’s people. For Perth’s not-for-profit community radio station RTRFM, it’s 350 dedicated volunteers. So what would life look like without them? In 2020, when the world transitioned to “working from home”, RTRFM questioned whether to shut their Mt Lawley studio and load a randomised playlist to go to air. That would’ve been the simplest way to do it. Instead as a station, they made the decision to continue broadcasting, despite the technical challenges that posed. It was what their listeners would’ve wanted. This short film depicts that surreal time through the story of one of its much loved presenters Rok Riley, and highlights the things that we value most in the face of crisis – connection, community, and a sense of belonging… universal lessons we all share.
We thoroughly enjoyed this little portrait from director Melle Branson, and we might have just become Rok Riley’s biggest fans (or at least newest)!
Writer/Director/Editor: MELLE BRANSON
Executive Producer: ASHLEIGH NICOLAU
Producer: MARIA ELENA AMATULLI
DP: LEWIS POTTS
Editor: MELLE BRANSON
Colour: LEWIS POTTS
Titles: JOSEPH DENNIS
Stills Photographer: DANIEL HILDEBRAND
Sound Design & Mix: NED BECKLEY
Dialogue & SFX Edit: LUCY TORVALDSEN
Audio Post Facility: ENVELOPE AUDIO
MUSIC CREDITS
“Coroboree” written & performed by Yikes
“Hull Integrity” written & performed by Image System
Courtesy of Midnight Elevator
“Wise Up” Written by M.Valton, MCDJ Music
Administered by Universal Music Publishing Pty Ltd
“Aerial”, “Atlas (Movement II)”, “Bioluminescence”, “Candlelight”
Courtesy of Envelope Audio
“Zoot” written & performed by Hame DJ
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