The Producers

Nathaniel C. T. Jackson is the founder of the media production company Jackson Speed and industry blog and events brand AnyCameraWillDo.com, which supports and promotes Australian productions. Nathaniel’s films include 2014’s 54 Days (Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema Best of Festival, Best Foreign Film, Best Cinematography, Best Screen Play, Best Score Winner); 2017’s Drop The Mic (multiple award winning short, Heartland Film Festival Selection); and 2018’s Eveleigh Innovation (documenting the end of the Australian Technology Park). Nathaniel directed the 2021 Wheelchair Rugby highlights broadcast on Fox Sports in 2021. His short films have enjoyed both national and international success, and have been selected for numerous festivals including The Byron Bay Film Festival and The Heartland Film Festival. With a positive, can-do attitude and nearly two decades of industry experience, Nathaniel brings his A-game to every production.

Making The Film

Ice Maiden is the story of Lisa Blair and her extraordinary journey to circumnavigate Antarctica, a feat she undertook against all odds and prevailing stereotypes. When her mast snapped in a massive storm in the Southern Ocean, Lisa had to fight for survival, overcoming numerous obstacles in her path. This film is not just a chronicle of her adventure, but a testament to her unyielding spirit and determination.

The inspiration for Ice Maiden came from Lisa’s unstoppable drive and ambition. In a male-dominated industry, she faced significant scepticism and doubt. Her story resonated deeply with me, reminding me of the strong women in my own family and fuelling my desire to add to the voices supporting women everywhere. Lisa’s persistence in the face of adversity exemplifies the power of perseverance and the importance of challenging societal norms.

The themes of Ice Maiden are manifold, but at its core, it is a narrative of women's empowerment, climate change, and resilience. Through Lisa’s journey, we explore the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams despite external and internal obstacles. Her experience also underscores the urgent issue of climate change, highlighting the harsh realities of our world and the necessity for collective action.

In crafting this film, we employed a variety of techniques to immerse the audience in Lisa’s experience. Recreations and close-ups were used to convey the intensity of her struggle, while visceral sound design added depth to the narrative. In her interviews, Lisa looks directly into the camera, creating a direct connection with the audience and emphasizing the personal nature of her story.

One of the greatest challenges we faced was recreating the storm scenes with limited resources. We relied on the generosity of friends and inventive techniques, such as homemade rain machines and many volunteers with buckets of water, to simulate the brutal conditions Lisa endured. Despite these constraints, we prioritized authenticity, working closely with Lisa and consulting with the Australia Antarctic Division and fellow sailors to ensure an accurate portrayal of the Southern Ocean’s treacherous environment.

Through Ice Maiden, I hope audiences will be inspired to believe that anything is possible with determination and perseverance. The film aims to challenge gender stereotypes, showing that women are incredibly capable in any field. Additionally, it serves as a call to action on climate change, encouraging viewers to acknowledge and address this critical issue.

On a personal level, this project has reinforced my belief that achieving your goals requires action and resilience. Perseverance is indeed a superpower, and this film stands as a testament to that truth. I am more motivated than ever to continue making films, no matter the challenges, and to tell stories that inspire and empower.

- Nathaniel C.T. Jackson