New Best Job in the World TV series stars Queensland’s island experiences
Posted by editor (editor) on Jun 10 2010
2010 >>

Millions of people throughout Europe, the UK, Asia, Latin America and Australia will be able to share the adventures of Best Job in the World Island Caretaker Ben Southall’s thanks to a new six-part Nat Geo Adventure series.

Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said the new Best Job in the World series, which premieres in Australia on Thursday 13 May on Nat Geo Adventure, had captured the full spectrum of activities experienced by Ben during his six-month stint as Tourism Queensland’s Island Caretaker.

“The Best Job in the World recruitment process captured the hearts and minds of the world and this series is set to give followers an insight into Ben’s Great Barrier Reef experiences,” Mr Lawlor said.

“The Great Barrier Reef, including the 600 islands and 300 coral cays that stretch along more than 2,300km of Queensland’s coast, is without a doubt one of our key tourism drawcards and this series will certainly lift the lid on this precious World Heritage-listed site.

“The series was designed to inspire viewers about the experiences available on the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef by giving them an insight into Ben’s journey as he kayaks, sails and dives his way around Queensland.”

Mr Lawlor said Ben was renowned for his boundless energy and down-to-earth personality and the series captured many of the wonderful Queensland experiences Ben had tried for the first time.

“The cameras were with him every step of the way, capturing his first bite of a witchety grub, sea walking, sky diving and so much more,” he said.

“While the series is being broadcast by Nat Geo Adventure, the documentary was filmed by Beyond Productions, a leading international production company based in Australia who was responsible for other reality TV hits such as Taboo and Mythbusters.

“The fly on the wall approach follows current programming trends and will enable viewers to better connect with Ben’s authentic and passionate personality.”

Ben said the series would showcase everything from the heart-stopping moment when he was announced as the successful candidate out of a pool of almost 35,000, until the end of his tenure when he closed the door on his Blue Pearl residence.

“I’ve had the chance to grab glimpses of the finished product and the crews have created a very entertaining insight into the experiences that made this the best job in the world,” Ben said.

“I think some of the best parts were when I was physically exploring the underwater world, diving with manta rays and turtles.

“The Islands of the Great Barrier Reef are simply stunning and I hope through this series and my blog that the rest of the world will be reminded of its beauty and the natural wonders hidden throughout the islands and will be inspired to come and experience it themselves.”

Ric Burns, Managing Director of Nat Geo Channel Australia and New Zealand, said National Geographic Adventure strived to create a community for people who loved to explore the planet, but most importantly, wanted to share their stories with the world.

“Ben Southall is the epitome of a talented, engaging adventurer and we’re thrilled to be sharing his Best Job in the World journey with audiences throughout the world who have already heard so much about the job since it made headlines in 2009,” Mr Burns said.

Mr Lawlor said in addition to this fantastic six-part series, the Best Job in the World campaign had received multiple accolades including eight awards in the prestigious Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival – the advertising industry’s equivalent of the Oscars.

“This is one of the best marketing campaigns in the world which has so far generated more than $410 million in publicity for Queensland.

“This is money can’t buy publicity for Queensland’s tourism industry which helps support 222,000 jobs.” 

Last changed: Jun 10 2010 at 2:50 PM