Through his work, Kirk has interviewed thousands of people. His portrayal of these people is geared to reveal the universality of humanity, without apology or sensationalism. This philosophy has been a consistent throughline across all of his work. By following his journey and past content, you can easily see how his progression of ideas and purpose has culminated over the past 20 years.
Below are just a few examples of Kirk Docker shows over the years…
Kirk kickstarted his career by developing and posting content online during the early days of the internet. He and his mates formed a rag-tag crew and would document some outrageous characters and events for their videos, many of which focused on taboo topics like sex and drugs. They would post these videos on a website called Vive Cool City, which garnered over 10 million views. This was prior to the rise of YouTube, and at this time, creating content that was specifically tailored for an online audience was a fairly new concept. As a result, Kirk’s efforts acquired some attention from eyes within the established Australian media.
Kirk kickstarted his career by developing and posting content online during the early days of the internet. He and his mates formed a rag-tag crew and would document some outrageous characters and events for their videos, many of which focused on taboo topics like sex and drugs. They would post these videos on a website called Vive Cool City, which garnered over 10 million views. This was prior to the rise of YouTube, and at this time, creating content that was specifically tailored for an online audience was a fairly new concept. As a result, Kirk’s efforts acquired some attention from eyes within the established Australian media.
In 2009, Kirk landed a spot on a team of aspiring creators tasked with creating a new program for ABC TV called Hungry Beast. As a part of the application process, thousands of creators from across Australia were required to submit a piece of their work. Kirk was selected from a large pool of applicants after submitting a video that documented two heroin addicts preparing and injecting heroin in their Melbourne apartment. Under the wing of respected producer Andrew Denton, he was able to fully embrace his curiosity and create content for Hungry Beast that explored taboo subject matter.
Kirk kickstarted his career by developing and posting content online during the early days of the internet. He and his mates formed a rag-tag crew and would document some outrageous characters and events for their videos, many of which focused on taboo topics like sex and drugs. They would post these videos on a website called Vive Cool City, which garnered over 10 million views. This was prior to the rise of YouTube, and at this time, creating content that was specifically tailored for an online audience was a fairly new concept. As a result, Kirk’s efforts acquired some attention from eyes within the established Australian media.
In 2009, Kirk landed a spot on a team of aspiring creators tasked with creating a new program for ABC TV called Hungry Beast. As a part of the application process, thousands of creators from across Australia were required to submit a piece of their work. Kirk was selected from a large pool of applicants after submitting a video that documented two heroin addicts preparing and injecting heroin in their Melbourne apartment. Under the wing of respected producer Andrew Denton, he was able to fully embrace his curiosity and create content for Hungry Beast that explored taboo subject matter.
Through ‘Demolition Man’, Kirk documented the life of Lawrie Voutier, a demolition man and treasure hunter who would rescue items before they ended up at the tip and sell them alongside his wife Sue and son Charlie. The show portrayed a side of Australia that many never get to see, and Kirk was able to continue documenting the life and tribulations of outsiders who usually don’t get their story told.
In 2016, Kirk released a Vox-Pop-based called show ‘Hello Stanger’ (ABC). It was a contemporary snapshot of the people of Australia. He would talk to people in the street, and then follow one story home to document their struggles, passions, and aspirations. The philosophy was this: people pass each other every day but rarely stop to say hello, and it turns out that we are more complex, remarkable and much stranger than people ever imagine. Filming in all corners of the country, from Arnhem Land to the banks of the Murray river in SA, and from the housing commissions of Redfern to Caville Avenue in Surfers Paradise, Hello Stranger interviewed over 300 Australians cast directly off the streets.
You Can’t Ask That is Kirk’s most popular and longest running show. Having premiered in 2016, the ABC has now aired the series for a whopping seven seasons. You Can’t Ask That has won a Rose d’Or, as well as 3 UN Media Awards for Promotion of Disability Rights and Issues, Promotion of Social Cohesion and Promotion of Empowerment of Older People.
Want to learn more about the creation of You Can’t Ask That?
In 2016, Kirk released a Vox-Pop-based called show ‘Hello Stranger’ (ABC). It was a contemporary snapshot of the people of Australia. He would talk to people in the street, and then follow one story home to document their struggles, passions, and aspirations. The philosophy was this: people pass each other every day but rarely stop to say hello, and it turns out that we are more complex, remarkable and much stranger than people ever imagine. Filming in all corners of the country, from Arnhem Land to the banks of the Murray river in SA, and from the housing commissions of Redfern to Caville Avenue in Surfers Paradise, Hello Stranger interviewed over 300 Australians cast directly off the streets.
You Can’t Ask That is Kirk’s most popular and longest running show. Having premiered in 2016, the ABC has now aired the series for a whopping seven seasons. You Can’t Ask That has won a Rose d’Or, as well as 3 UN Media Awards for Promotion of Disability Rights and Issues, Promotion of Social Cohesion and Promotion of Empowerment of Older People.
Want to learn more about the creation of You Can’t Ask That?
Through this experience, Kirk has honed a range of techniques that allow him to communicate effectively and empathetically with any subject. He is considered one of Australia’s most expert interviewers and he continues to produce content, as well as host workshops to share the skills he’s learnt with the wider public. To keep up with Kirk, you can subscribe to his newsletter or follow his socials below!
