Glad you liked the "Short Film" Rich. The 442nd/34th ID bunch had a blast being part of this film.
From the way I understand it, they make these "Short Films" to Hollywood & Burbank Producers to sell an idea for the movie industry. It is also a way to showcase new talent. Other than the CHG reenactors, most of the people involved in the cast were aspiring actors who are in the Acting & Drama School in Southern California.
Although you saw a 5 min video clip of the event, it took 3 days (Fri-Sat) to film the scenes and a month to edit and add all the special effects that came with it. The military scene was a quick maybe 16 seconds but it took us about dozen takes to do that scene. There were always something that went wrong or was not done right LOL. Not enough fog, actors out of place, MG guns jammed, jeeps stalled in the river, jeep stuck, not enough blood, stunts not in-sync and so forth... Btw there were only 2 jeeps in that prop. The first jeep had to come around and play a third jeep with the medic and wounded added.
First Jeep:Driver - Victor Cabrera
Shotgun rider - John Burgess
Gunner - Taisho Ohara
Second Jeep:Driver - Tim Kano (zombie puncher)
Shotgun rider - Mexbob
Gunner - Russel Nakaichi
Third JeepDriver - Victor Cabrera ( changed jacket to camo)
Shotgun rider - John Burgess
Gunner - Taisho Ohara
Medic - extra crew
Wounded soldier - extra crew
Foot SoldiersBrett Hodgson
Greg Templeton
& 4 other extra crews
The original plan was to use WWII soldiers and set Era in the 1940's. But due to difficulty in acquiring WWII 40s props, it was decided to do the 80's Era as woodland camo wardrobe was more accessible at Army surplus.
Overall everyone had a great time. Meeting new people, learning about movie production, watching the back crews go to work ..etc... The only draw back was the waiting time for our scene to film. Pretty much coffeed out and munched out as the crew waited from 5 pm till 5 am release. Never thought I would be glad to hear the Director say
"Cut! Thats a Wrap!" so we can all go home.
Below is a short detail and description about the movie to better understand the "Short Film". And oh don't forget to check the "Credits" Section below the site. It shows the non-edited version of rehearsals and different takes as well as the cast having dinner during out takes & breaks.
In case your wondering, the compensation for our time was decided by everyone to use for purchase our new 2-way radios for the Unit. Hope this helps.
A Tolling Bell Productions
Producers/Director
Peter Horn & Jared Marshall
The Script:A remote town during christmas season in the 80's was infected from a government failed Plant Experiment near-by gone wrong and exploded. National Guardsmen were dispatched to neutralize the infected area but got out of hand as it started to infect some of the Guardsmen.
I. First Scene:Running to the Woods, Plant Explosion
(fake add-on effects) , Zombies Arrival & Transformation of zombies
Film Location - Angels National Forest, Sylmar Ca
II. Second Scene:Civilians running through the river, Entry of Army jeeps, Medic drops wounded soldier turned zombie, more shots fired from Helicopter
(fake add-on effects) and foot soldiers
(muzzle fire fake add-on effects)Film Location: Sanna Ranch, South Antelope Valley, Ca
A Big Thank You!
Dear Cast, Crew, Zombies and the likes,
We would like to thank each and every one of you for your support and help on Dark Times. There is no way we could have accomplished this without you. Your hard work during the long cold nights helped bring our vision to reality. We understand that sacrificing time and a weekend are never easy, nor is eating cold pasta three days in a row. But you persevered, and we feel blessed to have such great friends that we know we can count on to help us during these DARK TIMES!
Sincerely,
Jared & Pete
