dwayneyancey

Chad stars as the goldfish in “The Secret Lives of Goldfish.”

I recently collaborated with Salem filmmaker Hank Ebert to create a short film for the annual “Bike Shorts” film competition. The main rule is, it has to feature a bicycle. I adapted my short script “The Secret Lives of Goldfish” (actually this is episode 6 in the series of short stage plays) for the project.

The main thing you need to know about “The Secret Lives of Goldfish” is that it involves a goldfish riding a bicycle — our riff on the line about “a woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle.”

I wrote the script; Hank Ebert was the director and videographer. Chad [last name withheld] and Kevin McAlexander are the two goldfish (although only Chad appears on camera; Kevin is there in a voiceover.) Hank’s wife, Marianne, made the goldfish suit; my wife, Trina, made the headpiece. We did the outdoor filming in March in Green Hill Park in Roanoke County, then finished up with voiceovers in the studio in April.

I’ve worked with Hank on two other short films — “My Kid Could Paint That” and a Sweded version of “Back to the Future” in a local competition. Both Chad and Kevin had key roles in that project, as well.

The films will be screened, and judged, on May 3, with the winner advancing on to national competition.  I’ve held off posting still photos now, until after the entry deadline has passed, so here goes.

Trina Yancey models the goldfish head — before the “googly eyes” are added.

Chad  tries on the headpiece, now with the eyes.

Chad suits up for the filming.

Ready for action. Filmmaker Hank Ebert on the back of the truck, with Chad in full costume.

The filming begins. Hank Ebert rides on the back of the pick-up truck. With him is Dick Howard, who had a bit part as a bicyclist in another scene.[/caption]

Hank Ebert gets another angle of a goldfish riding a bicycle. You can’t have too many.

While filming a scene on a sandy bank of the Roanoke River, we encountered fisherman Jamer Preston, who agreed to take part.

Hank gets a close-up of Chad at the water’s edge.

Hank Ebert, our director and videographer.

We later finished up with voiceover work in the studio. From left: Chad, Hank Ebert and Kevin McAlexander.