The making of a Zombie music video
Having missed out on being an extra in the soon to be released zombie movie Gangsters Gangs & Zombies we were a little gutted to say the least, but when word came through from various sources online that a zombie music video was being shot in London we were first to get our names down!
Typically the weather for the shoot looked pretty damning and our drive down was interesting to say the least, with not only torential rain but snow! Luckily by the time we arrive in Balham things had calmed down, although the temperature had got me questioning my choice of clothes somewhat.
Before we knew it we're were shaking hands with Desire McNeish - the artist (and hero of the video) and making friends with fellow 'soon to be' zombies. We take over a corner of a local hostelry and begin working on our makeup with just a few odd looks from the regulars – it would seem a horde of zombies is a regular sight in the local Wetherspoons of Balham! The actors are made up of both newcomers and veterans with actors, students, makeup artists and even a burlesque dancer. With makeup tips coming from left right and centre it was obvious that everyone involved in the project had a high level of passion and energy.
An hour later and we were on location – a block of flats overlooking the busy London night-life. The cameras by now are rolling and the director is shouting orders up to us from the ground level. The zombies are spread over five floors with a victim screaming from the top floor. It's really cold but our spirits remain high through each take while we roam around our floors with enthusiasm.
Typically the weather for the shoot looked pretty damning and our drive down was interesting to say the least, with not only torential rain but snow! Luckily by the time we arrive in Balham things had calmed down, although the temperature had got me questioning my choice of clothes somewhat.
Before we knew it we're were shaking hands with Desire McNeish - the artist (and hero of the video) and making friends with fellow 'soon to be' zombies. We take over a corner of a local hostelry and begin working on our makeup with just a few odd looks from the regulars – it would seem a horde of zombies is a regular sight in the local Wetherspoons of Balham! The actors are made up of both newcomers and veterans with actors, students, makeup artists and even a burlesque dancer. With makeup tips coming from left right and centre it was obvious that everyone involved in the project had a high level of passion and energy.
An hour later and we were on location – a block of flats overlooking the busy London night-life. The cameras by now are rolling and the director is shouting orders up to us from the ground level. The zombies are spread over five floors with a victim screaming from the top floor. It's really cold but our spirits remain high through each take while we roam around our floors with enthusiasm.
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All of a sudden we hear an ear piercing scream that isn't from our intended victim. On investigation we find out that a couple of children have opened the door to one of our terrifying zombies who quickly diffused the situation, and very soon we're invited in to the family home in-between takes. There's something very contradictory about tucking into a slice of cake and a warm cup of tea whilst in full zombie gear but it's cold outside and we're eternally grateful for such hospitality. The children very soon realise that everything's fine, we aren't infact going to eat their brains, and proceed to take pictures to show their friends at school in the morning.
Very soon there's a knock at the door and we're back in the cold shooting our big zombie death scene. In short we're wandering around on our balcony as the hero walks up the stairs and turns to face us. Within seconds we're being shot at in a sea of bullets and fall to the ground temporarily stunned. I look up and Desire fires one final shot into the head. The scene is great fun to film and we nail it within two takes.
Downstairs a couple of police officers showed up having received a few concerned phonecalls about creatures lurking about in the block of flats. Thankfully they see the funny side and even take a few photos of the team to show around the office.
All too quickly the night was over and we weree saying our goodbyes to everyone with the prospect of the long drive home ahead
So...was it worth it? Some people might say that a 340 mile roundtrip to be a zombie might be a little crazy or perhaps a little obsessive (after all we LOVE zombies). However we'd argue that it's one hell of a thing to say you've been involved in, and something to tell our kids about when they grow up so that they, inevitably, fall in love with the scare industry as much as we have. It also bridges the gap until our next Scare fix!
Very soon there's a knock at the door and we're back in the cold shooting our big zombie death scene. In short we're wandering around on our balcony as the hero walks up the stairs and turns to face us. Within seconds we're being shot at in a sea of bullets and fall to the ground temporarily stunned. I look up and Desire fires one final shot into the head. The scene is great fun to film and we nail it within two takes.
Downstairs a couple of police officers showed up having received a few concerned phonecalls about creatures lurking about in the block of flats. Thankfully they see the funny side and even take a few photos of the team to show around the office.
All too quickly the night was over and we weree saying our goodbyes to everyone with the prospect of the long drive home ahead
So...was it worth it? Some people might say that a 340 mile roundtrip to be a zombie might be a little crazy or perhaps a little obsessive (after all we LOVE zombies). However we'd argue that it's one hell of a thing to say you've been involved in, and something to tell our kids about when they grow up so that they, inevitably, fall in love with the scare industry as much as we have. It also bridges the gap until our next Scare fix!
Preparing to shoot
Not so scary here!
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Creepy Colin
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The final video will be released soon and you can be sure that ScareTOUR will be one of the first places you'll be able to see it. Keep watching this space!
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