It started with a guppy of an idea that is rapidly becoming a whale of a tale as virals go. Producers Rob Lieberman and Marilyn Petrokubi launched the idea of an animated music video starring a rock band of fish for agency client, Pam Goldstein, from Diversity Marketing and her client from USDA-APHIS. And the concept was received enthusiastically. 

Lieberman and Petrokubi first put on their songwriting hats and came up with lyrics and a melody that conveyed the fish's universal call to action against VHS disease. Concrete tips to prevent the spread of the disease were built into the lyrics, resolving with the message:  "it all depends on you."  "The trick was not to be too didactic," say Petrokubi.  "In the end, we've created a song that is an appeal for help from the fish world.  It's infectious, and we're humming it all day long."   

The song's music producer and composer, Rob Lieberman, worked with Tom Hammer  to execute the instrumentation and realize the track, adding layers of guitar performed by Clive Smith. Walleye's vocals were sung by Ray Andersen (aka Mr. Ray,) with background vocals by Tom and Leah Hammer.

Lieberman also produced the animation, bringing in the talented Lee Corey of Coreytoons, best known for the animated series "Doug" on Nickelodeon. TimeSteps veteran, David Bruce, animation and effects editor, cut the two-minute program using FCP and After Effects, and the results have been extraordinary.  The viral is quickly gaining traction on the USDA-APHIS channel.