Topwater Film Invitational 2023: Team “Girls Gone Wild”

Key Messages From My Chat With Goody

• Topwater Film Invitational (TFI): The interview discusses TFI, a platform promoting sustainable fisheries and fishing filmmakers. Kristen Goodchild, aka “Goodie,” is part of an all-women’s team for TFI, emphasizing gender equality in fishing.
• Diverse Team Composition: Kristin invited Elle Shembri and Erin McGinty, forming a unique team with various backgrounds—marine science, community housing projects, and fishery board representation.
• Location Choice: The team chose Cairns for its stunning turquoise waters, ideal for filming. Erin’s local knowledge and boat availability influenced this choice.
• Adaptability to Weather Conditions: Recognizing unpredictable weather, the team had contingency plans, including exploring inland or fishing near islands, ensuring a successful project despite adverse conditions.
• Breaking Gender Stereotypes: Kristin aimed to challenge gender stereotypes in the fishing world, showing competence and passion are not gender-bound, contributing to a more inclusive representation in the field.
• Background and Passion for Fishing Growing up in the Barossa Valley on a farm with abundant fishing opportunities, fostered a love for fishing. Time with a professional fisherman grandfather on the Murray River furthered her interest.
• Love for Ocean Fishing Fond memories of family beach house holidays on the Yorke Peninsula, fishing for various species including snapper, whiting, garfish, squid, and tuna, along with scuba diving for crayfish.
• Advocacy for Outdoor Recreation Known as the “outdoorsy type,” she encourages responsible outdoor activities through her online profile, sharing adventures and learnings. Passionate about fishing, traveling across the country to check off her fishing bucket list.
• Mental and Social Health Benefits of Fishing Highlights the benefits of fishing, such as the dopamine rush from catching a fish and the bonding experience during fishing. Advocates for increasing recreational fishing participation in South Australia.
• Career Goals and Expertise Holds a background in Sales and Management, aspiring to drive positive change in South Australia’s Recreational Fishing domain, aligning with leading states, enhancing infrastructure, and advocating for recreational fishers.
• Fishing Expedition to Cairns Discussion about the fishing expedition to Cairns, focusing on various fishing conditions and challenges, including dealing with windy weather.
• Cinematography and Video Creation Insights into the challenges of filming while fishing, mentioning the need for improvisation and adaptability due to unpredictable fish behavior and weather.
• Sponsorship and Gratitude Acknowledgment and gratitude towards sponsors like Ringers Westin, GME, Daiwa, VIPNT, and Liquor Legends for their support, which made the fishing expedition and video creation possible.