Dreaming Big Through Screen Storytelling

Wuthathi filmmaker Richard Jameson OAM has spent over two decades shaping a distinctive path in Australian screen storytelling, blending documentary, film and television with deep cultural insight. Born and based in Queensland, Richard brings stories of community, Country and connection to life – always driven by collaboration, authenticity and a commitment to First Nations voices.

Supported by Screen Queensland, Richard directed four episodes of Strait to the Plate Season 2 and most recently produced the sporting documentary Dreaming Big – a bold new series celebrating First Nations athletes, culture and the power of sport. Across his work Richard has championed stories that are both entertaining and powerful platforms for truth-telling and meaningful engagement with audiences locally and globally.

Before turning to filmmaking full-time, Richard spent 16 years in a diplomatic career with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, earning an OAM for his service during the 2002 Bali bombings. Now leading Wirrim Media, a full-service media production company based on the Gold Coast, he channels that life experience into projects that amplify integrity, cultural respect and ambitious storytelling.

For Richard, Queensland is more than a home, it is a source of inspiration – a place to nurture First Nations talent with a landscape that informs every story he tells. As international interest in Indigenous stories grow, he continues to dream big, ensuring First Nations voices are heard and celebrated on screen.

We spoke with Richard about his approach to culturally grounded storytelling, the projects that have defined his career, and the stories he’s most passionate about sharing with the world.

For audiences discovering your work for the first time, how would you describe your background as a filmmaker? 

I started quite late. I was in my early 40s when I produced and directed my first film. I think that meant I came into the industry with a lot of life experience and a pragmatic approach to filmmaking. I’ve channelled that into my producing, writing and business acumen, positioning Wirrim Media to be sustainable in what is a very difficult industry to survive in.

Your work often centres on documentary and culturally driven storytelling. What kinds of stories are you most drawn to and why? 

I’m drawn to honest, raw stories that are ultimately positive. There’s enough negativity about our Mob out there, but I believe there are overwhelming positive stories to tell and many achievements to highlight. Our youth hold our future, and I want to centre them in stories so they can become role models for the next generation.

How would you describe your approach when you’re working with people and communities about their lived experiences?

Authenticity and cultural nuance. It’s about ensuring the stories people entrust us with are told in a direct and honest way – stories that individuals and communities can be proud of and want to share.

Looking at your career so far, what have been some of the defining moments or projects for you?

One defining moment was having my son Abraham work with me on my first film in 2007, and then seeing him, in 2025, achieve his goal of directing the docuseries Dreaming Big for broadcast. Another has been having my eldest daughter Maddison now run Wirrim Media, allowing me to step back and focus more on development and writing. In terms of projects, Dreaming Big has been particularly defining as it’s our first broadcast series.

What has working in Queensland offered you as a filmmaker in terms of creative opportunities and support? 

Working in Queensland has afforded me the opportunity to tell stories that really speak to our Mob. Directing four episodes of Strait to the Plate Season 2 allowed me to return to the Torres Strait, where I grew up, and tell stories about food and culture that my mum and aunties shared with me, but I never imagined I’d have the opportunity to tell on screen. I’m forever grateful. With Dreaming Big, Queensland gave us the chance to unearth some incredible young Indigenous athletes and share their stories.

What appealed to you most about the Screen Queensland-supported series Dreaming Big?

From the beginning, it was about highlighting young athletes and their sport. As we developed the series further, we realised these kids also had incredible family support systems behind them – not just mum and dad, but aunties, uncles and cousins who showed up, supported them and picked them up when things didn’t go right. That became just as important to the series, because it highlights family, and for Mob, family is paramount.

What do you hope international audiences take away from your work more broadly?

I hope international audiences see the positivity, honesty and strength of our people, our culture and our achievements. I want them to see that we are still very much connected to culture while living in a modern world.

Dreaming Big and Strait to the Plate Season 2 were supported by Screen Queensland’s Screen Finance Fund and form part of the organisation’s ongoing commitment to elevating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices through Beyond the Screen – Screen Queensland’s First Nations Strategy, released in October 2024.

Learn more about partnering with talented Queensland filmmakers like Richard.
Contact Naomi Wenck from Screenwest.