Creating The Great Escape of Deadeye Doyle

As long as I’ve been making videos, they’ve either been absurd and often unfunny attempts at comedy or works capturing the beauty of the Australian landscape. For this film I sort of just combined the two. Inspired by the works of Taika Waititi, I wanted to make something with equal parts drama and levity, while capturing a textured and interesting environment. I also was interested in portraying some of the idiosyncrasies of Australian humour and history, with a focus on the romanticised legend of the bushranger. TGEODD explores boyhood, growing up and finding common ground in relationships.

My approach to filmmaking until now has always been about spontaneity; capturing the immediate with stories that reveal themselves as I’m creating them. For this project I had to learn how to plan thoroughly for a film, as well as how to maintain focus over such a long period of production. At the same time, I didn’t want to lose all trace of my natural affinity towards impulse, so allowed for a healthy dose improvisation and dynamism on set and in the voice over process.

Having no natural talent in sport, what I ‘ve always loved about filmmaking is the opportunity for teamwork without the need for hand-eye coordination. Working together with a group of mates towards a common creative goal is the most fun you can have without getting drunk, and I intent to keep doing it as long as that remains true.

- Sammy Crawford-Smith, Director of the Great Escape of Deadeye Doyle

Artarmon, Cammeray, Castle Cove, Castlecrag, Chatswood, Chatswood West, Cremorne, Cremorne Point, Crows Nest, East Willoughby, Kirribilli, Lane Cove, Lane Cove North, Lane Cove West, Lavender Bay, Linley Point, Longueville, McMahons Point, Middle Cove, Milsons Point, Mosman, Naremburn, Neutral Bay, North Sydney, North Willoughby, Northbridge, Northwood, Riverview, St Leonards, Waverton, Willoughby, Wollstonecraft