Here's some news on the animated film “Roaches” that Canadian comedy icon Rick Green and I worked together on. The film still has 5 festivals to hear back from. The last one won't be until December 13th, but we're almost done.

The film has been accepted by 18 festivals. We scored one win, two finalists, a quarter finalist, two nominations and one honorable mention.

Honestly?

It's not great numbers. I was more judicious about the festivals I entered this film in, ignoring a lot that seem like laurel farms and scams more that real festivals or awards. Even then, it has one of my lower acceptance rates. The fact is, the film had a dated and rather obscure punchline which didn't play well outside of the US and Canada. None of you will know this already, but I wrote the initial punchline. When Rick sent me his voice recordings he also wrote an alternative punchline. Rick's punchline was the better choice, I thought adding it after the credits would give it more impact, but I'm thinking it would have been better to just run with it 100%.

All that aside, I'm hugely glad I made this, if only because I had a chance to work with Rick. I spent my teen years growing up with 4 on the Floor. I still own a Frantics LPs. I spent my summers glued to CBC Radio for the specials on history and the future, I listened as Rick and Peter searched for Canada, and I had very vivid mental images of Fran of the Fundy. There was a point where the only TVO shows I ever watched were “Prisoners of Gravity” and “Doctor Who.” Red Green was a big part of my entire life. I once heard Rick being interviewed with Steve Smith, talking about the beginning of their collaboration. I wished I could have a life like that.

A few years back, I got my IMDb entry. It was a bucket list moment. Now, that page will link with Rick Green's, for as long as the database exists.

They say you die twice. Once when you pass, and again the last time someone mentions your name. This film isn't going to grant me immortality, but it may add years to my second death, and for that it was far more than worth the investment.