Elle Cecil
Founded in 2014 by Caleb Plumridge, True South Film has grown from a one-man band to a highly skilled team of five. Born and bred in Geelong, True South Film is a proud local business and the team loves living and working in the region.
Despite its growth over the past eight years, True South Film’s goal has remained the same: to tell authentic stories.
“Whether that’s through animation, documentary or even commercial work, we always strive to tell the authentic story of our clients,” says Caleb.
Some of their first clients from 2014 are still clients today, however the business’s client base has since grown exponentially to include government agencies, universities, music artists and small, medium and large businesses.
Caleb explains how he stumbled upon his love of film and video production. Beginning as a hobby he enjoyed with his cousin, Caleb created whatever he could with a camera.
“One thing led to the next and a family member asked me to film their wedding,” he explains.
“Before I knew it, businesses were approaching me to produce short videos – at that point, I could not believe my luck. I just couldn’t believe that somebody would be willing to part with their hard-earned cash for a video.”
True South Film has been partnering with local charities and initiatives to provide heavily discounted or even completely free video production services.
“It’s incredibly supportive – Geelong people want to see Geelong people have a win,” Caleb says of the Geelong and surrounding communities.
This year, True South Film entered the Geelong Business Excellence Awards (GBEAs) for the first time, and is now a finalist.
Caleb explains that the GBEA entry process forced him and the team to have a deep look at the business from a more objective viewpoint to figure out areas in need of improvement.
“It’s the fastest way to learn an incredible amount about your business,” Caleb says.
“I’d recommend it to other businesses in the area, but I’d say it’s not about winning. Don’t enter simply with the ambition to win – enter with the ambition to learn.”
Thanks to major sponsor LBW Business + Wealth advisors, the 2022 GBEAs celebrate clever, creative and connected businesses in Geelong and the Bellarine, as well as the Surf Coast, Queenscliff and Golden Plains regions.
The GBEAs presentation event will take place at GMHBA Stadium on Thursday October 27 at 6pm, with winners announced on the night. For more information, visit www.gbea.com.au.
