During his sophomore year at Plant City High School, Arie Fry was given a challenge as a class assignment: to create a character for the morning announcements students would love to watch.
Fry created the Aussie native Ace Dingo, a Vegemite lover who served as a reporter for the morning news segment. Fry produced Ace Dingo skits with his friends, and the character quickly became beloved at 1 Raider Place.
This summer, Fry has joined forces with Andrew Rafalski, Emmy Menia and Jacob Cothren to produce “Ace Dingo: The Movie.” The estimated 40-minute feature film follows Ace Dingo and his trusty sidekick, Bathrobe Guy, as they take on Dingo’s nemesis, Jack Wallaby.
Shot and produced in Plant City by Fryed Egg Productions, the comedy features a car chase, fight scenes and appearances by many of Plant City’s own movers and shakers. Though there’s no release date set, Fry, the producers and the film’s other writers sat down to share what filming the movie was like.
Q&A with Arie Fry
Ace Dingo, writer, creator
How did Ace Dingo catch on at Plant City High School?
My sophomore year I had the morning show third period, and we were given a challenge to create something that students loved to watch. I talked in Aussie and put on skits. I’d get pointed out at school as Ace Dingo. Jacob (Cothren) helped me film on the abandoned golf course in Walden Lake or we filmed in the wilderness. I think with all the positive reviews, having a movie like this is something fans will like.
What made you decide to do “Ace Dingo: The Movie”?
All my friends wanted him to come back. I wanted to create more Ace Dingo with him in real life, and not just as a reporter. I’m glad that I have really good people to help bring him back.
What’s been the best part of the process?
My favorite part (as a writer) is just that in the moment, a lot of things come to your mind that you can ad lib and include. My favorite part as an actor is creating.
What do you do to get into character?
I think I’ve just been doing Ace for so long that it’s natural. I do it at school without realizing it sometimes. I just do it.
Do you have a favorite line in the movie?
When I (Ace) say, ‘Looks like you brought a gun to a boomerang fight.’
Q&A with Andrew Rafalski
Co-writer, director
How did you get involved in the movie?
I’ve helped Arie with various projects. I’m the voice of not-so-reason. It’s been a collaborated effort. I’m making sure
everything weaved together in the script and the film. I think we’re pretty proud of the thing as a whole.
As a writer, do you have a favorite part?
I have a whole bunch. Bathrobe Guy (played by Blake Dunn) is one of my favorite parts. There’s something that makes everyone laugh at least once, but Bathrobe Guy cracks me up. I also like when Boomie (the boomerang) is rushed to the hospital.
When did filming start?
We started filming on Sunday (July 3), and we’ve filmed every day except the Fourth. It’ll be about 30 to 45 minutes. We’ll be in post production for two to three months, depending on how the footage goes.
What’s been the toughest part about filming?
Our second day shooting at Sparky’s, we had six actors going on at once. It was a long, hard day. We were there from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Q&A with Jacob Cothren
Henchman #2, co-writer, crew member
What’s been your involvement in the writing process?
We were coming back from a different shoot, and we all just started spitting out ideas. Then the next few days we were at Panera writing. I wrote the car chase sequence. We would just kind of spit out ideas.
What’s been the most exciting part for you?
Probably acting. Normally I’m on a crew. It was a different perspective for me, and when I’m not acting I’m on the crew. My favorite part’s definitely been acting.
As Henchman #2, how do you get into character?
We’re just supposed to be kind of stupid. I’ve got to try not to laugh at every second.
Do you have any prior experience in the production industry, besides helping with the original Ace Dingo skits?
I’ve worked at Fryed Egg Productions as a field audio engineer.
Do you have a favorite part of the movie?
It’s not a single line, but the whole fight scene. That’s definitely the funniest thing.
What’s been one of the craziest scenes that you’ve done?
Probably the car chase. I’m up in the sunroof shooting and the car is still driving. That was pretty fun.
From Cast and Crew Members
“It was kind of stressful at first, but I got more and more involved. As the assistant director, I got to keep the shots organized. I started out as the makeup
director.” — Emmy Menia, writing credit, assistant director
“The coolest thing for me is seeing what they love, and Arie loves this. It’s hard work, and they can’t get enough of it. As a mom, that’s a beautiful thing to watch. And everybody in town that we asked for help, they did not bat an eye. That’s just a testament to our community.”— Yvonne Fry, producer, Fryed Egg Productions owner
“The last time I acted was in first grade and then in fifth grade. If the fight scene turns out well I think that will be my favorite part. For my character, I’ve just got to lose a sense of humor. I have to have a straight face.” — Blake Dunn, Bathrobe Guy
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.