Documenting Progress: The Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre

Lindsay Fox

At MMP Studio, we recently completed a multi-year project that perfectly showcases our ability to tell a compelling visual story over time. From 2021 to 2024, we had the privilege of documenting the journey of the Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre at The Alfred Hospital, from its inception to its grand opening.

Anthony Albanese, Paula and Lindsay Fox

The Project:

This wasn't just about capturing a series of events. It was about weaving together a narrative of philanthropy, medical advancement, and celebration.

A snapshot of the visionaries behind the Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre. From left to right: Michael Fox, keeping the family legacy strong; Patrick, the CEO of Alfred Foundation, Paula Fox herself, whose generosity made it all possible; Tori, our Monash engineer, and Andrew Way, former CEO of Alfred Hospital. It's amazing to see how a group of dedicated individuals.

Here's how the story unfolded:

The Big Announcement (2021):

A teary moment from Paula Fox. We kicked things off by capturing the moment the Fox family announced their game-changing $152 million donation.

Hard Hat Tour (2022):

Next, we swapped our usual gear for hard hats and steel-capped boots. We followed The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and hospital staff through the construction site, capturing the project's scale and the excitement building along with the structure.

Topping Out (2023):

We were there when the building reached its highest point, documenting this significant milestone in construction. From aerial views to intimate shots of stakeholders signing the final beam, we captured it all.

Grand Opening (2024):

The culmination of years of work, planning, and anticipation. We navigated the challenges of a high-profile event, capturing everything from the Prime Minister's ribbon-cutting to the first patients entering the new facility.

The photos have been used across The Alfred Hospital's communications, featured in major news outlets, and helped visualize the impact of the Fox family's philanthropy.

As one Public Affairs representative put it: "MMP Studio's ability to capture both the technical aspects of the construction and the human element of our staff and donors has been invaluable. Their photos have significantly enhanced our ability to communicate the impact of this project."

What We Learned:

We're just a bunch of folks who get excited about capturing those little (and big) moments that make up the bigger picture. The Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre project was a perfect example of this. Whether it was a quick snapshot of a beam signing or a project that spanned years, we were always up for the adventure. It's not about just clicking a button; it's about being there, seeing the smiles, the tears, the proud faces of everyone from the Fox family to the construction workers to the hospital staff, and making sure those feelings come through in every shot. That's what made this project so special, and it's what we strive for in everything we do.