Press release from Essential Media
Sydney-based production company Essential Media and Entertainment is pleased to announce that recently completed documentary The Grammar of Happiness has won the Young Europeans Jury Prize at FIPA (International Festival of Audiovisual Programs), held in Biarritz from January 23rd –29th 2012.
The award, created to raise awareness of our political, economic, or social environments, encourages young European citizens to take a personal stance on current affairs.
The Grammar of Happiness explores whether one man's journey into the heart of the Amazon can redefine our understanding of human language. The 52' documentary was produced, co-directed and co-written by Essential Media's Michael O'Neill and executive produced by Chris Hilton for ABC Australia, Smithsonian Channel (US) and Arte France.
Chris Hilton says: "This award is a significant achievement for all involved on this production. We are thrilled that young Europeans responded so favourably to this fascinating story of the Pirahã tribe and the impact the study of their culture and language has had in the world of linguistics".
Essential Media and Entertainment's factual slate also includes upcoming programs Australia: The Time Traveller’s Guide – a 4-part science spectacular showcasing the deep history of the Australian continent, broadcasting on ABC in March and April 2012; Dingo: Wild Dogs at War in production for ABC and My Brother, The Serial Killer for Investigative Discovery. A third series of the hit food series Gourmet Farmer is currently in production, as well as the adventure survival series Do or Die for ABC and arts history series Raising the Curtain for STVDIO Australia. Essential's North American offices also have four factual entertainment series in production for Canadian and American broadcasters.
Essential Drama has had a second series of the highly lauded Rake (starring Richard Roxburgh) commissioned by ABC and is currently in post-production on Jack Irish – a two-part crime drama starring Guy Pearce, also for ABC and ZDF.