HD Video; Duration: 4’ 55”
After portraying Winston Churchill in the Oscar winning The King’s Speech
Timothy Spall has voiced the part of a Goldfish.
Finished April 2011
Last summer writer/director Peter Chipping had purchased some small sports
action HD video cameras for some re-enactment dramas he was shooting at
Pinewood studios. Capitalizing on their small size, strength and underwater
capabilities he wrote a story that played to their versatility. Something that could
go into and out of water in one shot, was small, and cost effective to shoot. The
obvious story was the life and times of a goldfish. Timothy Spall very kindly
came on board (so to speak) and his vocal talents immersed to new depths
playing a goldfish that is looking for a new home.
About Peter Chipping
Written, directed, produced and edited by Peter Chipping.
Peter started as an editor in ITV before producing and directing for ITV,
Channel 4 and BBC Worldwide. He has also directed numerous commercials and
corporate communications along with re-enactment dramas and shorts. Peter is
now actively seeking opportunities to concentrate on directing drama.
He also writes speculative drama for cinema, shorts and television.
http://www.showreel.peterchipping.co.uk/Goldfish.htm
Peter Chipping, Director
Robert Shacklady, DoP
Music: Motion Sound Production
www.peterchipping.co.uk
www.robertshacklady.com
Festival focus:
The short will hopefully have a selected run on some festivals, but the main
thrust will be on-line marketing to garner support for the filmmakers and their
future projects.
Location
Was shot in South East England and the music composed and pictures graded at
Pinewood Studios. The fish shop where the goldfish was purchased has recently
closed down.
Funnies
The director had to sign a declaration that HE had actually bought the goldfish,
as opposed to 12-year-old Ava as depicted in the film, as technically, you have to
be 16 to purchase goldfish.
Two goldfish were purchased (one was an identical stunt double). But both fish
survived and are very happily alive today and gracefully sharing a large tank
with other goldfish.
While filming, the crew had to prepare treated water 48 hours ahead of the
shoot. All water the actual goldfish swam in was the specially treated water.
Goldfish substitutes were lovingly handcrafted by the DoP’s wife Christine from
carrots. These were used for the “stunt” shots when the goldfish was transferred
from one jug to another.
The small sports camera was flushed down the toilet, but tethered with string
which allowed the director to retrieve it from the U bend, with marigold gloves.