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From the moment Olivia got her hands on a camcorder at the age of 12, she wanted to make films. She would rope her family, in particular her sister, who is also a writer and producer, into making the best backyard films imaginable. 

Now, she’s been reflecting on her past short films and how they’ve influenced her current work. As a result of her pursuing film at such a young age and persuading family members to be stars, she learnt very quickly how to make the onset experience comfortable.

Olivia often works with ‘real people’ rather than actors when filming a TVC, in order to capture an authenticity that is grounded in reality. When working with children, for example, she has found that creating a playful environment is what makes capturing snippets of life most engaging. 

“The kids had to think that they were racing, or that they were allowed to be silly and mess around swinging on the clothesline. They have to be engaged in the story you are trying to tell and invested in the project. You have to give them the freedom to play,” she said in reference to her most recent work for Grove Juice. 

‘Get up to Some Good’ has already carved out a special place in Olivia’s creative heart. When first presented with the script written by Glen Dalton, she remembered noting that ‘the magic is going to be in the detail for this project.’ 

“For instance, there was a scene of kids on a clothesline. That came from remembering that I got yelled at as a kid for doing that, but I never stopped because it was too much fun. I’d be trying to go faster with my family, trying to find those little memories or little things along the way. I think nostalgia was a big part of it. Remembering back when you were a kid, and you just had this kind of carefree attitude towards life. So, I didn’t want any of the spot to look polished. We don't always get that in advertising,” she said. 

When working with adults, Olivia applies the same process. She is always looking to create a space in which talent is comfortable. She understands that having five, ten, fifteen people standing behind a camera watching on can be daunting for anyone, regardless of age. 

She always aims to give as little direction as possible, in order not to overload those working in front of the camera. She will clear eyelines to minimise awareness of the camera or she’ll make jokes with everyone on set in order to gain trust with the talent. 

“Just trust your own intuition and voice. Try not to think about, instead think what's my gut instinct telling me at this point in time? What's actually true to this idea, and how can we make this idea shine with an execution rather than ever trying to think about how I put my imprint on it. That will eventually translate into you having a specific point of view or a specific voice that will,” she said. 

To Olivia, there is no point in faking it or taking shortcuts when it comes to filmmaking. Olivia feels something profound when she crafts any project, no matter the size and the result is true for the audience. She trusts her intuition, her inner voice and through them never fails to take an audience on an emotionally charged journey. Afterall, without human emotion, there is no human connection.