Inspiration

This Beautiful Life

 
 

For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated by people and their stories. Even as a child my parents’ friends used to tell me their hopes, dreams, triumphs and tragedies. After turning 50, having worked in Broadcast Media and Advertising for 30 years, I decided I wanted to do something different with my life. Something that genuinely helped people and made a positive difference. But I wasn’t sure what that was. 

Then in 2018 I lost my brother to bowel cancer. He was 48. A month or so before he passed away, I realised that my young children didn’t really know who my brother was. They knew he was Uncle Mike and he loved Star Wars but they didn’t know his story so I asked if he would let me interview him on camera. Sadly, as he was very unwell and quite shy, he declined.

I can’t tell you how much I wish now that I had pushed a little harder and convinced him to share his story. Because it wasn’t just him that left us. It was his laughter, his experiences, his dogged determination, his cheeky sense of humour, his regrets and his hard-earned wisdom. I did a lot of thinking in the weeks after his funeral and from that awful tragedy, the seed of This Beautiful Life germinated and started to grow.

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“Stephen Briggs created an amazing documentary about my father. It captured his life perfectly. My father shared stories our family were still learning about and it has brought us together to talk more about his life and learn about his childhood years.

It was a wonderful opportunity for him to reflect on his children and grandchildren and share memorable words to us all. It has created closer bonding sharing his life story and started new beginnings that he reflected during this process. Stephen’s product is unbelievable, my family were so pleased with the result.

The documentary is of a high professional standard, camera footage was exceptional and when editing he perfectly captured the family history. Stephen has a very professional and friendly manner. I highly recommend This Beautiful Life.”
— Rachael Peterson
 
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You’re in good hands

This Beautiful Life founder, Stephen Briggs has been a Media Professional for over 30 years. He completed a Communications Degree with a double major in Theatre and Creative Writing at Curtin University in 1989. Whilst at Curtin University he had the incredibly good fortune to be mentored by Elizabeth Jolley. 

Stephen then went on to study Broadcast Media at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts which led to employment at MTV, the Seven Network, Foxtel, Channel 10 and the Biography Channel. He had a comedy talkback show on Austereo's PM-FM 92.9 and is one of Australia's most respected Voice Actors.

Stephen was nominated for Most Outstanding Postgraduate Student at VCA film School and has written, produced and directed award winning short films. He has also written humorous columns for New Woman magazine and is the author of the critically acclaimed memoir The boy who could tickle clouds which describes his childhood growing up in the remote outback mining town of Paraburdoo. The memoir reached number 2 on the Australian Kindle Humour Best Sellers List. 

Stephen is the father of two young boys, loves to make shortbread and is a volunteer soccer coach. He prides himself on being a great listener.

West Australian stories with Mark Gibson

Mark Gibson is one of WA’s most trusted and accomplished media professionals.

A television and radio broadcaster for 30 years, Mark is a highly skilled interviewer and gifted storyteller who brings warmth, sincerity and compassion to every family he meets.

Passionate about philanthropy, Mark has volunteered with countless charities including Lifeline, Breast Cancer Care WA, Perth Homeless Support Group and Telethon, where he helped raise millions of dollars for sick children over 19 years. He is also a proud ambassador for Dementia Australia.

Mark Gibson has been telling the stories of Perth and its people for decades. Now, he would love nothing more than to help you tell your story.  Please email mark@thisbeautifullife.com.au to find out more.

 
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Start the process today.

We have a range of Legacy Video packages that beautifully capture the essence of someone and the milestones of their life. All packages include a detailed interview and incorporates family photos and/or home movies.

The finished film is hosted on our Vimeo page (password protected so you decide who can see your film) as well as being presented, on USB, in an elegant handmade gift box. Perfect for big occasions and significant birthdays.