Logline: A filmmaker travels through the outback in an electric vehicle to test the new charging infrastructure. The trip doesn’t go to plan and reveals if Australia is really ready for the new era of transportation.
Synopsis: Just 3% of Australia’s cars sold in 2021 were electric, compared to 18% in Europe and up to 77% in Norway. In a bid for a cleaner energy future, NSW has constructed a charging network from beachside Sydney all the way to the outback town of Broken Hill. Travelling in a Tesla, we speak to experts and locals along the way to discover how well Australia is adjusting to EVs.
Directed and produced by Eve Cogan
Eve Cogan is a journalist and multi-media producer based in Sydney, Australia. She specialises in covering science and technology and is passionate about the Australian environment. More about Eve Cogan.
Editing and sound design by Sunday Jones-Evans
Sunday Jones-Evans is a multimedia producer and editor based in Sydney, Australia. She specialises in documentaries and is passionate about finding beauty in both urban and natural landscapes. More about Sunday Jones-Evans.
Camera and cinematographer by Kalsey Jay Goodall
Kalsey Jay Goodall is a photographer and cinematographer based in Auckland, New Zealand. He has extensive experience in production for marketing, storytelling and photography and enjoys projects that bring him out on adventures. More about Kalsey Jay Goodall.
Key Stills
Credits
Directed and produced by Eve Cogan
Editing and sound design by Sunday Jones-Evans
Camera and cinematographer by Kalsey Jay Goodall
Sam Farraway
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, NSW National
Charles Dalglish
Mechanic and electric vehicle enthusiast in Little Hartley, NSW
Anna Glen
Electric vehicle owner based in Bathurst and Sydney, NSW
Jamilia Hume
Artist based in Nyngan, NSW
Natalie Thompson
Senior Policy Officer at the Electric Vehicle Council
Peter Abbot
Mayor of Cobar, NSW
Maree & Alistair Baker
Motorbike enthusiasts, travellers from Victoria
Glen Neill
Mayor of Bogan Shire in Nyngan, NSW
Dione Carter
Local of Nyngan, NSW
Angie Bush
Local of Nyngan, NSW
Dr Anika Molesworth (audio only – image supplied)
Climate-minded farmer and electric vehicle owner in Broken Hill
Special thanks to Adam Cogan, owner of the car and beloved road trip participant.
Made at the University of Technology Sydney 2022.
Creative Commons Music References
I’m Ok You’re Ok – By Sayuri Hayashi Egnel – Epidemic Sound
Sinister Cathedral – By Asher Fulero – YouTube Audio Library
Dusty Rhymes – By Freedom Trail Studio – YouTube Audio Library
Birdseye Blues – By Chris Haugen – YouTube Audio Library
American Idle – By RKVC – YouTube Audio Library
Your Love – By Yung Logos – YouTube Audio Library
Instant Crush – By Corbyn Kites – YouTube Audio Library
Specification
- Duration: 14:45
- Release year: 2022
- Genre: Participatory documentary
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Resolution: 1920×1080
- Frame rate: 25 fps
- Sound: 2-channel stereo
[…] part of finishing my degree, I completed my first short documentary – Charging the Red Desert! The film followed my adventure travelling through the Australian outback in an electric vehicle […]
[…] Driving with Eve for a week to the far west of NSW. I was watching her shoot her doco “Charging the Red Desert” – it was great to see how resourceful she got, after she discovered the car charger […]