Director's statement:
Stanley Crumpler and his goldfish Albert have been living inside my head for at least eight years. I’ve explored many different ways to tell their story—writing shorts, a feature, a short story, a radio play…even generating concept art for a graphic novel. But, the original dream has always been to see the pair on screen.
It’s about two things. One, bringing these characters to the audience in a way that allows others to easily identify with their struggles. And, two, challenging myself creatively by promising the audience something different from what they’ve seen before. That in mind, filming a live-action, practical-effects-driven short has always been the ideal first step. I get excited thinking about the techniques we’ll have to develop to bring Albert to the screen.
The uniqueness of the script requires special rules for the world. 1. Albert, the goldfish, can do anything a human can, we just never see him directly DO it—only the result. 2. Albert and his fish bowl are one. Anything that happens to the bowl, happens to Albert. If a human were, to say, kiss the bowl…it’s the same as kissing Albert. 3. Albert can talk, but only other characters can hear him, not the audience. 4. Albert’s size will never hinder him, but it CAN be used to his advantage. So, he can drive a bulldozer, but he can also go for a swim in a coffee pot.
I created these rules in order to enhance the quirky nature of the story world, but also to make it more accessible. The hope is that by asking the audience to participate more actively in the viewing experience, they’ll be more likely to connect with it.
Of course, the rules and character choices make for filming challenges, which, in my mind, only make things more fun. How do we convey character movement without showing it? In most cases, it will be through camera placement. For example, if Albert opens the refrigerator door, we see the door open, but our view of Albert is blocked by a low cabinet or another character. How can the audience understand Albert’s dialogue when they can’t hear it? Generally, through the reactions of other characters.
It’s a crazy little project, I admit. But, these characters keep fighting to be heard, and I’m excited to meet the challenge of bringing them to the screen.
A quick word about the project’s message: At a time when it seems everyone is retreating further into our own worlds, it’s good to be reminded of the power of establishing new relationships and pushing out into uncomfortable places. My hope is that by telling Stanley and Albert’s story in a comedic, heartfelt way, we might inspire people to examine how their own worlds can be expanded. The world needs more connection. We need to get back to the shared human experience. If Stanley and Albert can adapt, so can we.
