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McKeon, who grew up in Darien and worked first as a clerk and then as an assistant manager at the store, is about to preview his first film at the Greenwich International Film Festival (GIFF).
"Wifey Redux," a drama/comedy that he directed and produced, follows the story of man who becomes maniacally obsessed with chasing off his teenage daughter’s handsome new boyfriend, putting his familial bonds and his own sanity to the test. It's based on a short story by Kevin Barry that McKeon said he became obsessed with after reading.
"I just knew once I read this that it would make a great short film," he said. Though not a dad, he said he can relate to the feelings of being in a situation where, deep down, you know you're wrong and that you're being a hypocrite but you still can't somehow admit to yourself or anyone else.
McKeon, who now lives in Los Angeles and has worked in the entertainment and advertising industries before directing commercials for corporate clients, said he tried to present the story in a funny, empathetic way that was entertaining and sympathetic. The short, which was filmed in Ireland and took more than a year to complete, started when McKeon sent a crazy email to the author saying how much he loved his story and how he knew he could do it justice.
The result, he said, is something he's proud of and excited to show at GIFF. One: because GIFF has such a well-rounded and impressive slate of films and two, because he knows many of his family and friends will be in attendance.
Added McKeon: "My deepest thanks go out to the cast and crew for everything that they did to make it happen, and to Kevin Barry, for allowing us to adapt his story to the screen.
"Wifey Redux" is playing as part of the Narrative Shorts Program on Thursday, June 9, at 3:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 12, at 5 p.m. at Bow Tie Cinema in Greenwich. Go to www.greenwichfilm.org/ for more information.
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