Signorini, Annette (1999) All in it together. Other Degree thesis, Victoria University.

Abstract

The project, All In It Together, is part one of a three-part video documentary that profiles the late Ted Bull (1914-1997). All In It Together focuses on Ted Bull's years as a waterside worker and Secretary of the Melbourne Branch of the Waterside Workers' Federation of Australia (1946-1979). Various people including retired waterside workers speak of their personal experiences with Ted Bull whose life intersected key historical moments in Australia's labour history. By drawing on photographic stills and archival footage, the history of the union including its significant role in other major political movements conveys an historical and political context relevant to contemporary Australians. The accompanying exegesis outlines the process of making a video documentary that incorporates an historical focus at a time when filmmaking is more accessible. Nevertheless, ethical and technical standards associated with bringing together an edited version of historical events remain the same as for those filmmakers with access to funding and more sophisticated equipment. Video as a less expensive and more accessible medium, however remains hampered by a conservative television industry. This, combined with accessing archival material, further impacts upon the types of stories that can be told and from whose point of view. Central to these concerns is the negative stereotyping of waterside workers which has been the departure point from where others and I set out to tell a different story about the waterfront. -----Provisional title of thesis - 'The Waterfront Years'

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