Jan 13, 20204 min read

FELIPE ALBERTO IS JIMMY WALTERS IN FEBRUARY'S DOG

Updated: Jan 14, 2020

FELIPE IS A FAMOUS LATIN SINGER SONGWRITER & ACTOR

FELIPE ALBERTO

‘February’s Dog ‘ and the plot centres around two oil field workers that get laid off and struggle with the false promise that they will be rehired in three months’ time. The struggle leads to depression and a dark ending.

It is based on what many in the region of Alberta have faced do to the economic struggles because of the falling oil industry during this time period.

The cast and crew have filmed in various locations including at Marv’s Classic Soda Pop Shop and AG Foods in Black Diamond, the Powder Horn Saloon in Bragg Creek, CL Ranch, and in around Calgary and Okotoks and High River.

The film stars Paul J. Chinook, Quinn Teechma, Kevin Davey, Will Webster, Sarah Wheeldon, Dan McDougall, Doug Wilson, Sheridan Pierens, Felipe Paredes and more.

FELIPE WITH CREATOR AND STAR PAUL. J CHINOOK

Tell us about your role in February’s Dog

I play Jimmy Walters, the self-absorbed, happy-go-lucky, nouveau-riche cousin of the protagonist, Dale Walters. Dale and Jimmy have years of history together and they especially bonded in their days as prodigal youth chasing women at bars and nightclubs. Having started and the bottom, and considering himself to have made it, Jimmy’s “high on life” attitude dulls his sense of empathy.

Felipe Alberto, screenshot in February's Dog

What was your first feeling about your character when reading the script?

At my first read through of the script I knew I could have fun with this role. For whatever reason my first instinct with the character of Jimmy was delivering lines in a New York/New Jersey Italian American accent, which obviously wasn’t going to work with a Canadian setting. I had to step back a few times to remind myself “you’re playing cousin Jimmy not cousin Vinny.”

What was your experience on set like?

The time on set was great and flowed very smoothly with the whole crew although I realize I was a bit of a hazard to the town of Black Diamond in the scene where I drive off in the pick-up truck. To our tech man, Paul, crouched in the back of the truck, take after take, with my abrupt stops, and hitting every pot hole in the road … my apologies brother!

What do you think audiences will think of the film?

I think what audiences will like is the authenticity and relatability of the story. Unemployment, depression, substance abuse, and emotional isolation as a result of friends’ and family’s “busy” schedule, are issues which have had an effect on everyone in one way or another. With that said, the light hearted moments of the film, give it a natural balance. In looking at the film from the perspective of Jimmy, I think audiences will appreciate the underlying message that no one can truly understand, at first glance, the pain that another person may be carrying in their soul. Similarly, no one can fully understand how one passing remark, one dismissive comment, or one fleeting conversation can affect another person, and as a result their family, friends, and community.

What actors inspire you?

I could go on for days. One artist whom I truly admire is the Mexican actor, Mario Moreno, known professionally as “Cantinflas.” He has always been a great inspiration of mine since childhood when I would watch his movies with my Nana. His incredible contribution to acting was the creation of all new style of comedy and line delivery which to this day, almost thirty years after his death, is unparalleled and is known to everyone throughout the Spanish speaking world.

I am also a huge fan of James Gandolfini. Most people know him as Tony Soprano, but his versatility as an actor goes way beyond his leading role in the six seasons of The Sopranos. He was truly a genius of contemporary film. May both these greats rest in peace.

What do you have coming up for 2020?

I’m hoping to record a third music album and am currently preparing for a summer 2020 South America and USA tour. Stay tuned!

LAST DAY OF SHOOTING FEBRUARY'S DOG WITH MOST OF THE CAST AND CREW

Starring and created by Paul J. Chinook as (Dale Walters Writer/Producer), also starring Kevin Davey as Nigel Loggins, Quinn Teechma as Emily Walters, Doug Wilson as Arthur Newbury, William Webster as Jedd Wilson, Sarah Wheeldon as Kate Carter, Jill Maria as the Store Clerk, Sheridan Peirens as Tamara, Dan McDougall as Pastor Frank, Felipe Paredes as Jimmy Walters, Scott Dumas as Fertility Doctor, Stephanie Wilson as Marv’s Diner Waitress and Marianne Hutchings as Nurse Jean.

Production: Jose Luis Gonzalez Cinematographer, Directed by Candace Gonzalez and LnC STYLE as the 1st AD. Paul De Toit Schreve Sound Technician, Camera Operator Derek Wilder and Mardell Chinook Executive Producer.

February's Dog Directed by Candace Gonzalez and created by Paul J. Chinook, will be in Alberta theatres this year. Stay tuned for the trailer.

February’s Dog takes place in Alberta in modern time and is set against the beautiful and iconic back drop of the Canadian Rocky Mountains under a shroud of winter snow.

It follows 2 uniquely different, yet typical men. Dale Walters is a very charismatic and lighthearted man that works hard to enjoy a life of adventure and excitement. Nigel Loggins is a military veteran that is quiet and calculated in his approach towards life. The film opens with these two men as they are finishing up work on a Friday. They get called into the office at the end of the day and are laid off by their boss Arthur Newbury; a very clean cut, to the point, middle aged manager. They are told abruptly by Arthur that this is just temporary, and that they will be back at work in 3 months as soon as market oil prices recover.

Dale and Nigel leave and begin their own unique journeys in the world of unemployment. The Alberta economy turns very bad and the downturn lasts longer than anyone anticipated.

READ ABOUT THE FILM