What makes someone happy? That’s the question 2013 Big Brother contestant Tim Dormer sought to answer in The Graceland Happiness Project. Tim’s friend and fellow contestant Ben Zabel, who has suffered with anxiety and depression, has always wanted to visit Graceland – the home of Elvis Presley.
What began as a journey to help Ben push his limits, turned into an experience that changed Tim’s outlook on supporting Ben through his personal struggles.
Created by Tim Dormer and Laura Waters, The Graceland Happiness project is a real look into the life of someone struggling with mental illness and the plight of a friend trying to support them.
What message do you hope people take away from The Graceland Happiness Project?
That it’s important to just be around for a friend with anxiety or depression, you don’t need to fix them, just be there for them.
Following the production of the series have Tim and Ben been able to continue to develop together and work through Ben’s personal issues?
Very much so! Since this trip Ben began an exercise routine, got a job and has a much less tortured life. We all stay in touch and always check in with Ben.
What (and/or who) inspired your series?
We were inspired by Tim and Ben’s relationship, the ultimate odd couple who shouldn’t even know each other, fight like crazy, and love each other. They’re both so honest, and so naturally funny. The best comedy duo in Australia.
What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome making this series?
It was terrifying. We had faith that when we got Tim and Ben on the road it would be highly entertaining and also moving and insightful, but there were no guarantees. When we decided to crowdfund we were nervous that we would let down the people who backed us (and we learned a lot about how to raise money!). It was obviously very upsetting when Ben attempted suicide, and we weren’t sure if we should send them to Memphis. Ben’s psychiatrists said it would be good for him! So we did it. Director Nick McInerney went alone with the two of them and acted as director, camera, sound and de facto producer. He did an amazing job.
In what ways do you utilise social media to further your brand?
Tim and Ben’s large social media followings were a natural advantage when leveraging the series in the first place. We also created a Graceland Happiness Project Facebook page which quickly registered over 15,000 likes. We have used this page to keep fans up to speed with all of the critical acclaim the series has garnered and hear their thoughts on where they would like the boys to go next. One of the unique aspects of our project is that our messages section has been a place where fans who have been touched by the story, either because they suffer from anxiety or depression, know someone who does, or were just moved by the relationship have shared their appreciation for the series.
What was your favourite thing about making The Graceland Happiness Project?
The impact that it had on people. The responses from people who were moved, or learned something, or laughed. We’ve had so much feedback, it’s also great when people just fall in love with Ben and Tim. We are about to release the series throughout Australia in schools with study guides. That’s the best.
What’s special or different about your series?
That it deals with a very serious topic in such an honest and humorous way.
Have you achieved the goals you set for this series?
Way exceeded the goals we set out to achieve. At the very least we wanted to road test the relationship with the boys. We’ve reached way more people than we could have ever hoped and made an impact on people, hopefully for years to come.
The Graceland Happiness Project on the Web:
Watch The Graceland Happiness Project
The Graceland Happiness Project on Facebook
The Graceland Happiness Project on Twitter