Think Globally Act Locally | The Power Of R

I've recently had the good fortune to produce a video about the Comox Valley Regional District's water system. The video personifies a rain drop as an average guy watering his lawn. The average guy just happens to be "The Murph" or as many people know him, Mr. Murphy from School District 71. Murph actually taught me way back when Courtenay Junior was in downtown Courtenay. We chose Celtic shirts for his wardrobe to represent (that's good luck) and my father in law donated his uber sleezy blue housecoat to complete the look. It was about 40lbs when it got wet so it really was like another character in the piece.

When I was writing the script and casting characters in my head Murph seemed like an obvious choice. My friend Kurt actually suggested him. I'm a big fan of Murph and so is everyone I know. He is a self proclaimed lawn freak, which makes him the perfect candidate for a rugged education in fresh water efficiency. Murph gets absolutely abused in this video but if it's any consolation we had a great time making it. I am really thankful for his help and his athletic ability.  He is the true Aquaman.

In the video Murph travels through the hydrological cycle from sky to sea in the Comox Valley visiting all the infrastructure that makes our fresh water possible.  I really pushed the envelope to get the shots I wanted and Murph was game the whole way. He didn't complain at all even after swimming multiple times in freezing cold water, nearly drowning after loosing his inner tube in the river and he even bordered on frostbite after losing his shoes in the snow. "I couldn't feel two of my toes for two weeks," he commented after with a smile on his face. What a guy. For the record this is my favorite kind of television production, right in the trench.

Zac - What was your favorite part of this experience?
Murph - the scene at Comox Lake - the long walk in and swimming over the camera - like Jaws - was 'cool' really cooooooool.

Zac- What did you learn about our water, yourself, etc.?
Murph - Lot's of things go on before we can get water. It is quite a process. Perhaps I'll think twice before watering my grass... Acting is fun - Zac you're a real pro!

Zac - What was the scariest part of this production and why?
Murph - When I lost the tube (inner tube) in the river. I thought about trying to get it back - but no way. I jumped off instead of riding it to the beach. I guess I was a chicken. hahaha

Zac - Has this project changed your perspective on how you use water - why or why not?
Murph - I will think twice about long showers, washing the car and truck... As well, I'll mentor kids and friends about the importance of water efficiency. This is an awesome experience - making a funny film about water efficiency. Thanks for including me.