By Cullen Lea
Contributing Writer
After nearly eight years of development, the veil was lifted for the pilot of “Replan It,” a documentary television series about sustainability starring Full Belly Project founder Jock Brandis.
The series, described as a mixture of “No Reservations” and “Mythbusters,” follows Brandis as he travels the globe finding sustainable solutions for various agriculture and health issues.
“Replan It” premiered at Wilmington’s Jengo’s Playhouse Sunday, April 26.
“This is the first time we’ve shown this to anyone besides Jock and myself,” director and executive producer Rob Hill said during the premiere. “With this pilot we have material for six episodes. They’re currently in post-production.”
Hill has spent almost a decade following Brandis with a camera to places like Haiti, Africa, India and Cambodia. The pilot episode features Brandis’ intriguing back story. As a young man he was involved in humanitarian work during the Nigerian-Biafran Civil War.
“My mother had always taught my siblings and me to help others so I jumped at the chance to lend my services during the war,” Brandis said. “The horrors of that war shattered my idealism.”
The inaugural episode of “Replan It” encapsulates Brandis’ past and launches the series in less than half an hour. It features Brandis’ foray into Hollywood production and eventual return to philanthropy with his creation of the universal nut sheller and the Full Belly Project.
“’Replan It’ is an incredible opportunity for the Full Belly Project,” executive director Daniel Ling said. “Television is an amazing platform to spread the message and impact of Jock’s work through the Full Belly Project.”
The audience was filled with Full Belly Project volunteers, thrilled to catch themselves on the big screen. One volunteer is architect Toby Keeton, whose knowledge and skill has cast him as an integral part of the series. An analogue to Brandis’ controlled chaos, Keeton brings design experience that benefits the development at Full Belly.
Despite being in front of the camera for a few years, Keeton isn’t used to seeing himself on screen.
“It’s somewhat nerve-wracking to see myself in such a large format,” Keeton said. “What amazes me is seeing how all of the filming gets turned into something that looks so great.”
Brandis had kind words after the pilot screening, and the Jengo’s Playhouse theatre buzzed with praise.
“I think Rob has done a phenomenal job,” Brandis said. “He’s worked incredibly hard to make this a reality and somehow make me look cool.”
Future episodes focus on Brandis’ inventions, such as a press that recycles soap and water pumps that benefit agriculture in the United States and abroad.
“I’ll be happy when my story is out of the way and we get to focus on my work,” Brandis said. “That’s the emphasis of the series and something I look forward to.”
