Stories that connect and stay with you
More than thirty years in the media have given me countless stories, encounters, images and memorable moments.
On this page, I share a selection of work I’m proud of. From Óngerwaeg, produced by Zwaanzinnig! for L1, and projects from earlier in my career to photography and a documentary that continues to reach far beyond the Dutch border.
This isn’t a complete archive, but a growing collection of work that means a great deal to me. Because it was special to create, because it moved people or because the story is far from over.
• Óngerwaeg
Memorable encounters from Óngerwaeg
Below is a selection of episodes and clips that have stayed with me for different reasons. Some stories are moving because of their openness and honesty. Others surprise through humour, resilience or an unexpected turn. Together, they show what Óngerwaeg is all about for me: genuine attention for the person in front of the camera.
With Thijs in the tent
A socially relevant encounter from Óngerwaeg, personally selected by Bas.
A bizarre encounter
A hilarious encounter from Óngerwaeg that was simply too good not to share!
• The SacrifICE
The SacrifICE: a film that keeps growing
At the beginning of 2021, during an interview about a completely unrelated subject, I hear the name Marc Cornelissen for the first time.
His story grips me and refuses to let go.
Marc was one of the Netherlands’ best-known polar explorers. An adventurer and climate researcher who dedicated his life to the polar regions and ultimately died in 2015 after falling through the ice during an expedition.
The more I discovered about him, the more questions emerged. What drives someone to return time and again to one of the most inhospitable places on Earth? Where is the line between passion, purpose and obsession? And what does a life like that ask of the people left behind?
I soon knew one thing:
This is going to be a film.
* Marc Cornelissen photo archive
From an initial idea to an international documentary
After the initial fieldwork, I approached documentary filmmaker Sander Selen. With documentary filmmaker Ruud Lenssen joining us, the creative team was complete.
We work as equal partners on the project. My own role focuses primarily on research, establishing contacts and conducting interviews.
What began as a regional documentary project developed into a national production with increasingly international ambitions. The SacrifICE is supported by, among others, the Netherlands Film Fund, the NPO Fund and WWF Netherlands. For the Dutch market, we work with Rotterdam-based producer Tangerine Tree.
The project was also selected for the Sheffield DocFest MeetMarket, where the documentary was presented to international producers, financiers, distributors and broadcasters.
The film continues to evolve. New conversations, newly discovered archive material and international opportunities keep taking the story another step forward.
Where will the project ultimately lead? I don’t know yet.
Perhaps The SacrifICE will become the crowning achievement of my career.
Time will tell.
• Bas in pictures
In front of the camera, behind the scenes and everything in between
My work takes me to many different places.
On stage or in a studio. Travelling throughout Limburg. Behind the camera, sitting at someone’s kitchen table or in the middle of a conversation that unexpectedly takes a remarkable turn.
This selection of photographs brings together different sides of my work and personality.
Professional when the moment calls for it. Curious about the people I meet. And always looking for the image or story that adds something meaningful.
* Photos of Bas by Joy Cremers
* Videos made by Mitch Gossens
• From the archive
A career filled with memorable encounters and moments
Limburg helpt onvergetelijk
An L1 campaign about Alzheimer’s disease, created to raise awareness of the condition and the people who live with its impact every day.
On location with Rowwen Hèze
Behind every story that makes it to air is an entire production process. Preparing, coordinating, filming, listening and constantly deciding what the story needs. Sometimes in front of the camera, sometimes behind it.
• Awards
Recognition for work that made an impact
Over more than thirty years in the media, there have been projects that not only stayed with me personally, but were also recognised within the industry.
Here are a few moments I look back on with pride.
Best Local Broadcaster in the Netherlands | 1998
In 1998, Stadsomroep Venlo, now Omroep Venlo, was named the best local broadcaster in the Netherlands. At the time, I was editor-in-chief and had overall responsibility for the television programming.
NL Award for Innovative Reporting | 2015
In 2015, I received an NL Award in the Innovative Reporting category for the programme Live MoJo Multi-Camera Experiment Nacht van Gulpen. A wonderful recognition of our experimentation with new approaches to live reporting.
• Let’s talk
Do you have a story that needs to be told?
Perhaps you’re looking for a presenter who genuinely connects with an audience. An interviewer who goes beyond the standard questions. Or a programme maker who can help shape the content, format and execution from the very first idea.
Tell me what you want to create, organise or communicate.
Together, we’ll explore how to make your story something people can see, hear and feel.
