by FilmInk Staff
The Olympics and Paralympics are the pinnacle of achievements that every athlete dreams of reaching. The stories of feats accomplished by Australians at these events are synonymous with our nation’s identity. Path to Paris, the newest web series by Brisbane-based production company, Simply Stories Docs (Jaden Bowen and Jake Holroyd), champions that experience from the perspective of premiering athletes, writing a new chapter in the history books.
With principal production funding from Screen Australia’s Online Production Fund and supported by Screen Queensland, Path to Paris is a sixteen-part web series that takes viewers on a multimedia journey alongside some of Australia’s chosen few as they prepare to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Following three remarkable individuals, the series aims to inspire the next generation ahead of the much anticipated Brisbane 2032.
The first episode premieres May 5 on Simply Stories Docs’ social media channels.
@simplystoriesdocs 3 Journeys. 3 Athletes. 1 Path. @Jeff Dunne @Eithen @risswillpohl @Screen Australia @Screen Queensland #olympics #paralympics #australia #breakdance #bboy #basketball #wheelchair #boxer #sport ♬ original sound – Simply Stories
The series follows three distinct athletes, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry that defines Australia. From Jeff Dunne—Australia’s first male breakdancer to compete at the Olympics during the sport’s debut—to Eithen Lead, one of the youngest wheelchair basketball players in the renowned Aussie Rollers, determined to wear his family name with pride. Then there’s Marissa Pohlman, whose journey from living on the streets to making her mark in boxing history is nothing short of extraordinary.
As part of the ever-evolving digital storytelling landscape supported by the Australian screen industry, Path to Paris has also served as a launchpad for emerging creatives to develop their craft. Executive Producer Sam Price shares: “Path to Paris was built by emerging Queensland creatives at every level. From pre- to post-production, we gave new talent real opportunities to lead, learn, and create their own IP. The online space gave us room to take risks, and we thank the athletes for letting us share their stories.”
Taking full advantage of the flexibility offered by digital platforms, the series embraces a multimedia approach. Traditional documentary filmmaking is blended with archival footage, photography, vlogging, and—most strikingly—animation and graphic design crafted by Melbourne-based studio 21-19 Brand & Moving Image. Each episode offers a unique visual experience. The animation in particular elevates the storytelling, creatively illustrating the emotional and physical journeys of the athletes. Creative Director Dom Bartolo remarks: “21-19 joined Path to Paris early on, offering creative direction and problem-solving support to seamlessly integrate animation into the series. Collaborating with Simply Stories was a joy—Jake and Jaden were always open to exploring new storytelling possibilities through animation.”
Launching in early May, Path to Paris celebrates the achievements of three remarkable athletes and highlights a fresh, engaging approach to documentary storytelling—designed for today’s growing online audiences.
