The film, described as insightful, entertaining, and a little tongue in cheek, is the story of what happens when a lucrative arts prize is offered in a small community, the same community from which the money will also be raised.

And what happens when the artists all know each other and the judges know all the artists – how can the process be fair, balanced and focused?

Mr O’Clery had worked on Baz Luhrmann’s Australia which, he says, gave him the confidence to “find a story I thought might be worth telling”.

“One of the important elements for me was to film the inner workings of this process,” he said.

“I believe a certain cynicism exists about the art world and by showing there is rationale and hard work behind the process, hopefully this opens the door to the stories and the artists.

“Making the documentary was hard work but ultimately very rewarding.”

Prue Acton founded The Living Artist Project, a scholarship to be given to a local emerging artist.

The applicants range from a 40-something ex-alcoholic to a single mother of four to a 27-year-old art school graduate.

The artwork itself is also wide-ranging and includes video art, basketry and printmaking, making the judging decisions tough.

The judges must not only set aside their preferences in relation to the art forms but also their personal opinions of the applicants.

The documentary follows the stories of four of the local artists as they vie for the coveted prize among competition rumours, personal dislikes and self doubts.

Tensions rise and the pressure mounts as judgment day looms.

The ABC’s documentary on the Living Artist competition in 2009 will be screened on Tuesday, February 9, at 10pm.