Best Job in the World Island Caretaker to star in National Geographic Channel International documentary
Posted by editor (editor) on Nov 03 2009
2009 >>

Tourism Queensland’s Best Job in the World Island Caretaker Ben Southall will soon star in a six-part documentary series to be broadcast by National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) as part of a deal signed between Tourism Queensland and Beyond Productions, Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor announced today.

Mr Lawlor said NGCI had recently acquired the international cable television rights to feature Ben Southall’s Queensland adventures, capturing his stint as the Island Caretaker, which would be available in more than 315 million homes in 165 countries and 34 languages.

“The 34 year-old Briton who beat more than 34,000 applicants from around the world to be named as Tourism Queensland’s Island Caretaker is spending his six-month stint shadowed by a film crew showcasing the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef,” Mr Lawlor said.

“The aim is to capture many of the wonderful Queensland experiences Ben’s trying for the first-time.

“Ben has boundless energy and a fantastic down-to-earth personality.

“As Caretaker for the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef he will take viewers on a journey exploring the islands through his experiences.”

Mr Lawlor said the documentary was being filmed by Beyond Productions, a leading international production company based in Australia responsible for other reality TV hits such as Taboo and Mythbusters.

“Beyond Productions has been following Ben with their fly-on-the-wall approach to filming since he started work on the 1 July,” he said.

“Having a fully-immersed host follows current programming trends and will enable viewers to better connect with Ben’s authentic and passionate personality.

“The Best Job in the World has sparked the imaginations of people from all over the world and featuring this documentary is the perfect way to promote Queensland and its wonderful and diverse tourism products and experiences.”

Executive Vice President of Content for NGCI Sydney Suissa said NGCI were pleased to broadcast the Best Job in the World campaign on their National Geographic Channel which had generated worldwide interest.

“The series will be an excellent blend of once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, adventure travelogue and natural history showcase that our audience is sure to appreciate,” Ms Suissa said.

Mr Lawlor said in addition to this fantastic partnership, Ben had held global media interest with dozens of journalists from high profile media outlets around the world, seeking interviews and arranging to spend time with him here in Queensland.

The Best Job in the World series will be available on NGCI’s Nat Geo Adventure Channel and the National Geographic Channel next year.

Last changed: Nov 03 2009 at 10:24 AM