Two months before the shooting of the Derby sequence, the prime locations is selected.  We all had to get our minds around the bleak look of the site, knowing (hoping?) that it was just a matter of time before it would actually take on the look of a lush summer lake.  It was (note the past tense) our plan to get all of the footage for the Derby sequence from this one spot.
 
 

Ad-Master Signs of Calgary created the welcoming banner for the pivotal Derby Sequence. We were blessed with two days of brilliant sunshine, critical for the look of this scene...

...but it sure didn't start out that way.  Despite the dismal early morning conditions, not a single crew member, volunteer, or extra failed to show.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Gaffer/grip Michael Willis and Steve Hanon mount the Arri BL into the bucket for the high-angle crane shot.
 
 

Howie Abrahamson, owner of Write Signs, and asst. script supervisor Karen Smith prepare for the complex crane action which is about to be filmed.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The harmonies of a barbershop quartet greet derby participants, as well as providing some fine entertainment for the crew and extras.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Dozens of members of the Calgary Hook and Hackle Club generously provided their fishing expertise and acted as derby participants.  Their patience and good humor made a priceless contribution to this sequence.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Eric (the character) arrives at the derby armed with his killer lure and brimming with confidence. Sequence director Neil Gordon coaches Eric (the actor) to turn the volume up on his smile just a little more.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Derby 'o-fish-ials' Wendy Baker and Don Zerke register a supremely confident Eric.  After "competing" for 6 years straight, the expectaions for Eric remain constant.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

It was too good to hope for, but Eric's nemesise show up en force.  The "Wags" (Wayne Connelly, Kelly Eshpeter and Jim Rose) get as much pleasure out of fishing as they do tormenting Eric.
 
 

Warren Brunt serves as dolly grip for Steve Hanon for a low-angle tracking shot.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Let the derby begin!  The Hook and Hackle members line the lake, ready for their first take. Very little direction was required of these volunteers, who not only supplied all of their own equipment and gear, but were a genuine pleasure to work with.  Their contribution lent this project an unexpected richness you can only find in "guerilla" film making.
 
 

"HEY YOU GUYS, COME AND GET IT!"  The Angels of Catering kept cast, crew, extras, and volunteers not only well fed, but gave all a deep sense of appreciation.  Chef Nancie Eshpeter (right) along with Ray and Gwen Sheets prepare another outstanding meal
 

Michael Willis, the best kept secret of the film industry, totes a 1-ton reflector board to a new setup.
 
 
 
   
 

The hazards of filming behind a not-so-expert caster are only too apparent as demonstrated in this totally unre-enacted photo.  After this incident, it was thought that perhaps removing the hooks from the lures would be in Steve's best interest.
 
 
 
 
 

If everything went your way when making a movie, then anyone could do it.  Here we are using a second lake after our first location suffered a major leak.  Production was set back by six weeks while we combed Southern Alberta for a location that would closely match the original.  Thanks to the generousity of John and Lynn Fluger of Bragg Creek, we were able to film the coverage needed to complete the Derby sequence.  Don Zerke and Steve Hanon, outfitted in wetsuits donated by Sports Rent,  are precariously perched on a sunken platform.
 
 

The Iron DOP risks life, limb, and Bolex for art's sake. Did not hear a single complaint out of him all day.
 
 

Not to be out-done, Neil Gordon risks possible kinking of his neck while being ferried about on his royal barge.  The steady stream of complaints from "Neil-patra of the Nile" fell largely upon deaf ears.
 
 
 
 

Three artisans finally reach consensus.  Believe it or not, we are now at  yet our third derby site.  This time we have been donated the use of this land by Ritchie and Norma Dawson of Millarville. Isolated shots of Eric against the outstanding vistas provided by this location will be intercut with the original and second locations, giving the illusion of one large, beautiful , and varied competition site.
 

Click here to see how it all comes together!!....well, kinda