For the first installment in the global social media driven campaign “#getFOXed” for FOX International Channels (FIC), The Corner London enlisted The Walking Dead superfan and Vine “Zombie Prankster” Nick Santonastasso to pull an elaborate prank on cast member Norman Reedus.
The 17-year-old Nick Santonastasso, who was “born with a rare condition called Hanhart syndrome and has only one arm and no legs,” has become an inspiration to countless kids and adults living with disabilities. His sizable social media following and rabid The Walking Dead fandom made him the ideal candidate to launch this campaign, which also functions as something of a follow-up to Santonastasso’s own “Zombie Prank” Vine series.
The Corner London flew Santonastasso out to Tokyo, where cast members were promoting the new fourth season of the show, and the show’s special effects expert, Greg Nicotero transformed him into a walker. Cast member Andrew Lincoln also helped Santonastasso pull off the prank, and seemed pretty delighted to help scare the unsuspecting Reedus. It all came together pretty well, and Reedus’ reaction doesn’t disappoint. The stunt has already proved a huge success, racking up 3.2 million views in its first 48 hours and is now almost at the 5 million mark. The fourth season of The Walking Dead makes its premiere on FOX channels outside of the US on February 10th. Credits after the jump.
Credits:
Client: FOX International Channels
FOX client: Alex Marinescu: VP, Marketing at Fox International Channels
Agency: The Corner London
ECD: Tom Ewart
Creatives: Robert Amstell/Matthew Lancod
Business Director: Oliver Morgan
Agency Producer: Daisy Mellors/Natalia Guarin
UK Production Company: Mind’s Eye
Director: Andrew Gaynord
Prod Co Producer: Apostolos Kondeatis
DOP: Ed Saunders
Editor: Nick Guest
Japanese Production Company: Kiramek