The Haunting of Daniel Gartrell – Promotional Mockumentary Video Series

I recently conceived, directed and produced a series of short viral mockumentary videos for the Straightjacket Productions stageplay, The Haunting of Daniel Gartrell with Samuel Johnson and John Wood.

The viral videos were released in the lead up to and in the aftermath of the 2011 TV Week Logie Awards and were a ‘fly-on-the-wall’ mockumentary view of the play’s rehearsals in which the actors play ‘versions’ of themselves.

The Concept: Samuel Johnson Wants a Logie

Samuel Johnson has been nominated for two Logie awards in 2002 and 2003 but has never won. John Woods has won 6 logie awards.

The viral video series centres around the concept that Sam Johnson really wants a Logie award, is obsessed by John Wood’s career Logies haul and that The Haunting of Daniel Gartrell is part of Sam’s strategy to win a Logie..one day.

Sam’s plan? Do theatre, grow facial hair, get taken seriously as an actor, get a lead role on TV as a cop or a doctor …equals Logie.

The videos were shot and edited by Stuart Liddell (Industrial Cuts and Crossfades) and improvised by Samuel Johnson, John Wood and Marcella Russo around loosely scripted scenarios written by myself.

Video 1 – Samuel Johnson’s Rehearsal Brain Snap

Samuel Johnson has a meltdown about not having a Logie Award during rehearsals with John Wood for the Haunting of Daniel Gartrell.

Video 4 -Samuel Johnson’s Post-Logies Reaction

Sam is feeling flat after his attendance at the Logies on Sunday night and calls a break in rehearsals.

Video 7 – Sam Johnson Has a Meldown in Rehearsals

With Gartrell opening soon, Sam’s feeling the pressure but still has time to reflect on his allure with the ladies.

Visit the Straightjacket Youtube Channel to watch the full series of videos.

The Haunting of Daniel Gartrell is currently playing at fortyfive downstairs in Melbourne.