For Sam Davis and Spencer Austad, from livestream video production company Big Spin Productions, the project is their first foray into slow TV, which is something they have wanted to do for years.

"Having a bit of extra time on our hands during the COVID-19 restrictions … we finally got organised to set off on our first attempt at creating a slow TV episode, which we hope to develop into a much bigger production," Mr Davis said.

Their whole river cruise was live streamed — including the motor's failure and subsequent tows from a couple of helpful boaties.

"As the journey progressed, people really seemed to get drawn into the experience and were really loving seeing the river," Mr Davis said.

"The interactivity of that live experience was probably the most positive outcome."

Manning just the beginning

The pair chose the Manning River because Mr Davis relocated to the region from Sydney.

He said other rivers on the east coast of Australia, including the Richmond River further north in NSW, and the Hawkesbury and Nepean Rivers to the north and west of Sydney, were among the others he would like to bring into people's homes.

"The opportunities are endless, really," Mr Davis said.

"Being in a tinny is part of the appeal for us as well — it's very simple.

"The river really does create quite an authentic slow TV experience for the viewer to lose themselves in for any number of hours."

Relief from COVID-19

Mr Davis said he hoped the slow TV experience would help people see something different during the COVID-19 restrictions on movements.

"During this time having something to watch, you don't have to commit to it … it's more just a nice background that you can drift in and out of, as you're getting through your day," he said.

"It's just creates a nice, almost meditative state."

Anthony Saliba, a professor of psychology at Charles Sturt University, said he could not find formal studies of the mental health benefits of slow TV, but there were anecdotal reports.

"Specifically in terms of mental health, I think that slow aspect of the viewing experience is quite calming," he said.

"It can be calming, almost meditative, seeing a repetitive kind of scene, so that might reduce anxiety.

"I think it helps people in a whole range of different ways now … we could all do with a bit of calming, a bit of anxiety reduction."

To view the Manning River video, Click here :