HNR catches up with Vancouver's Rick Alyea writer/director spills the beans on Puck This May 29th 2005 07:31am | Posted by: Editor-in-Chief HNR chatted with local indie Writer/Director Rick Alyea last year at his personal screening of Part of the Game, now we catch up with Rick to see what he has on the go this year. So Rick, it sounds like you’ve been quite busy since we last chatted? I know, it’s been exciting. The screening at the Whistler Film Festival was an exciting time and I got to meet a lot of local people in the industry. It was a blast up there during that weekend. Is it true you shot a short film and a feature two weeks apart? Uh, yeah, but it’s a really long and funny story. Initially I was gearing up for my second feature, this is in late Jan. Suddenly, financing fell through and I didn’t know what to do. I was playing with a concept about the Hockey Strike (Lockout) and how it was affecting Canada. Next thing you know I’m at my computer pounding out a 15 page script. So what is this short film about? It’s called...Puck This. Essentially, it’s about the adverse side-effects the hockey lockout has had on men. It centers around three Canadian guys and how they’re coping without Hockey. However, to throw a spin on it, I’ve incorporated their girlfriend’s reactions as well. Very smart idea, tell us more... Well, I’m not going to stereotype women, but in MY relationship…I’ve been often told “If you could pay as much attention to me as you do sports, then we’d have a perfect relationship”. So with the film, I’ve basically set up this surreal world where that’s all men do. They’re without hockey; their more in-tune with their emotions, they bake cookies, all they do is cater their women! So are the women happy? Exactly the opposite! They can’t stand it! They want their space, time to themselves, they want their MEN BACK! It’s like that old proverb “what you really think you want, is not necessarily what you need!” Hilarious! What are your plans? Well we’ve just finished the first rough cut and it’s getting some great response. I’ve already shipped it off to Toronto in hopes of making this year's festival. As well, we’ll be kicking it out to all the Canadian festivals later this month. Toronto has the first deadline. After that it’s just a waiting game. Everyone says I should pitch it to TSN and SPORTSNET and it’s a great idea, but I’d really like to do the festival scene. Isn’t this your second film in seven months? Actually it’s my third. As I said earlier, I initially lost my financing for the feature. Two weeks later a friend of mine inquired about it, took a read and greenlit the film. Days later the hockey season was deemed over. I knew then, that this short had to be made, so I did pre-production on both films at once! It’s been so crazy, I love it! On my days off on the feature, I’m working on the post production for the short. I always say it’s better to be busy then not, but it’s a little overwhelming right now. We wrap the feature in a week, which I’d love to have ready for the Vancouver International Film Festival. Their deadline is mid June, so we’ve only got about 6 weeks. You’re a machine. What do you do on your downtime? Downtime? LOL! I’ll let you know in July! Right now, it’s go go go and I love it. But I’m thinking a Vegas trip is in order very soon. Sounds like a plan! Anymore info on the short? Lots...We’ve got Richard De Klerk, who was my lead in my first film Part of the Game he plays Adam in the film. Sam Easton (Delicate Art of Parking and the upcoming lead in Final Destination 3) as Jerry. Amy Couldwell and Ace Hicks are their respective girlfriends in the film and the chemistry amongst the four of them is amazing! I also put myself in the film, why, I don’t know? I can’t act, but I needed a chubby guy and I had no one else, LOL! Thankfully, Rich carried me in the scenes. How long was the shoot? It was a very quick three days. The climax of the film takes place at a candle party….YES A CANDLE PARTY and that was the toughest thing to co-ordinate, but turned out phenomenal. We shot the film on the DVX100 for only two grand and I’m very ecstatic about the final cut. Music and sounds effects will compliment the film nicely. Well it’s always great to touch base with you Rick, be sure to keep us up to date with Puck This and your next feature. Will do and much love to Hollywood North Report for taking time and helping out with Vancity’s indie scene! For more info on Puck This click the link below to check out the official site. Source: PuckThis.Net In: Interviews |Visit the HNR Forums

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