The producer of the acclaimed series ADDICTED AUSTRALIA has revealed the insights he gained while filming the compelling series for SBS
It’s not uncommon for documentary producers to grow close to those they are observing. During the filming of Addicted Australia for Blackfella Films and SBS television, Jacob Hickey has found himself witnessing Australia’s hidden epidemic first hand.
The series producer only wrapped filming on the four part series a few weeks ago with the first episode premiering this week.
Speaking on The Ben, Rob & Robbo Show, Hickey says the insights he gained into addiction were invaluable:
“If I didn’t know it before, and I really should have done – addicts, so called addicts, are people first who have had trauma in their lives and that’s the unifying thing here.”
When asked why addiction doesn’t seem to be taken seriously in our community, Hickey was pragmatic:
“We don’t care as much and that’s because of the stain and stigma that surrounds addiction,
“I think we have a fear of addiction. I think we have a fear of ourselves and those around us.”
The four-part series follows 10 people and their families over a 6 month period while they take part in a treatment program.
*Watch the interview in the player below:
While speaking to Ben Norris, Rob McKnight and David Robinson Hickey revealed the production caught up with the subjects a further 6 months later for an update on their progress.
Those scenes were only filmed a few weeks ago, meaning the final episode will have a currency not usually seen in documentaries.
Hickey hopes the show will have a positive impact on viewers:
