Place-based storytelling film for councils and cultural partnerships
(6-minute short film, 2022)
Commissioned by Torbay Culture, this short heritage film celebrates Torbay’s historic gardens and the people, stories and landscapes that shape the English Riviera. The project forms part of my wider work supporting councils and place-based partnerships with marketing and storytelling, using film to bring local heritage, culture and community identity to life.
Guided by Ali Marshall, Head Gardener at Torre Abbey, the film journeys across Cockington, Oldway, Royal Terrace Gardens, Tessier Gardens and Torre Abbey. It explores how Torbay’s mild, sheltered coastal climate enables Mediterranean-style planting and exotic species to thrive — a distinctive feature of the area’s place identity and cultural heritage.
The narrative weaves contemporary voices with reflections from Edwardian fruit tree specialist Albert E. Germain, connecting Torbay’s living landscapes with its horticultural history. The film showcases a mix of formal and informal gardens, highlighting how heritage spaces can support community pride, cultural placemaking and place-based regeneration.
This commission reflects how place-based storytelling and heritage-led marketing can be used by councils and cultural partnerships to engage residents, celebrate local identity and strengthen the visibility of place-based programmes. Following the closure of Torbay Culture, the film now sits within the wider legacy of cultural projects supported by Torbay Council
Length: 6 minutes
Focus: Place-based storytelling, heritage gardens, cultural placemaking
Locations: Torre Abbey, Cockington, Oldway, Royal Terrace Gardens, Tessier Gardens
Themes: Local heritage, community identity, coastal climate, cultural storytelling
Release: 2022
Director: Amanda Bluglass
Producer: Karen Marshall
Cinematography: Danny Cooke
Editor: Jake Cauty
Presenter: Ali Marshall
Voice & Actor: Ben Woodhouse
Calligraphy: Rowlie Bellasis
Production Assistant: Ben Faulkner
With thanks to
Tim Eley and the volunteers at Oldway Gardens
Dawn Bennett, granddaughter of Albert E. Germain
Kevin Cleave, grandson of Phyllis Vincent (née Dyer), Women’s Land Army
Sally Lean
Kevin Dixon
Martin Dyer
Image credits
The Francis Frith Collection
Torre Abbey
Oldway Gardens
Canny Marshall connects with other creative freelancers who bring extra magic to projects. These trusted, clever creatives help me bring projects to life. Working locally in Devon, further afield for larger projects or virtually internationally. If you would like to discuss your next documentary style film, explore a new way of promoting your work, or showcase your culture, place or event do get in touch.
