all about me
Donald Johannessen is a Gooreng Gooreng and Kabi Kabi journalist and producer. For over 25 years he has worked with many state and federal government departments as well as many media organisations both Indigenous and non-Indigenous. A major part of his work has included working on Indigenous productions at the National Indigenous Radio Service, National Indigenous TV (NITV), the ABC, Seven Network, SBS and the Nine Network. He has produced programmes for TPD Media (lifestyle programmes) such as Creek to Coast, Queensland Weekender and The Great South East for the 7 Network. This role included segment producing across all 3 programmes and a 30 minute special at Mission Beach and Dunk Island for Queensland Weekender which he produced and directed. Donald's major project was co-producing a 3 part series on the 2012 Indigenous Cricket Tour to India. This was screened on NITV and the ABC’s Australia Network in 40 countries and in 6 languages.
Donald has extensive practical experience both interviewing people and producing documentary film content. In particular, Donald has extensive experience interviewing and working with Indigenous participants. He has filmed numerous times in Aboriginal communities throughout Australia and has interviewed community members, Elders and Traditional Owners. During the pre-production, production and post-production processes, Donald has followed cultural and ethical standards and protocols outlined by the AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research for all of his productions. Most recently, he was the chief commentator and producer for the Murri Rugby League carnival played at Redcliffe for 6 days in late September and early October over the last few years. This event produced 233 matches and was screened LIVE online.
Academically, Donald has completed a Bachelors Degree in Journalism and Screen Production and a Graduate Certificate in Writing, Editing, Publishing at The University of Queensland. He has previously worked as a lecturer at the Griffith Film School overseeing 3 teams who produced video content for real clients to deliver final video assets outlined in a brief.
Producer
Seven Network, ABC television and radio, Fox Sports, National Indigenous Television and SBS. Donald was instrumental in securing the radio broadcast for NIRS of the Indigenous NRL All Stars matches.
Director
Directing is an area where Donald’s attention to detail shines. This was evident in NITV’s Ella 7’s Rugby Union telecast from Coffs Harbour. With a tight budget his team produced 11 hours of Rugby content and used the commentary team as a post production asset which saved on flights and accommodation. He has directed the National Indigenous Golf Championships
Editor
Using the latest hardware and software (Final Cut Pro X) Donald has edited small one off community videos through to many hours of footage delivering hours of content to a national broadcaster and corporates. As an editor, following shot list and archiving and ex-porting final assets has been a key factor in Indigistream’s production. During his time at ABC Radio, Donald scripted and produced the Indigenous National radio show Speaking Out. This involved editing and interviewing high profile Indigenous and non-indigenous guests on a weekly basis talking about current Indigenous Affairs. For radio he has worked for 4BC, ABC, 4TAB (Racing network), 4AAA Murri Country and co-hosted an AFL show called “The Footy Zone” a broadcast for National Indigenous Ra-dio Service
Floor Manager
Floor Manager for SBS A-League coverage for 2013-2014, 2014-2015 seasons. This included 2 Grand Finals. 2000 Sydney Olympics for Football. 2001 Goodwill Games (Turner Network - TNT) swimming & diving, Chief Liaison Officer 2006 Commonwealth Games Melbourne - Opening-Closing Ceremony & Rugby 7s.
