This past Saturday was an interesting night because I had the opportunity to be behind the scenes of a new zombie film shooting in Brooklyn. Being that I’m from Central Jersey, I was not so familiar with the New York area. After asking three individuals, who I’m almost positive were criminals, for directions we found the film set. The location was the Greenpoint Gallery, which was perfect to film in because it was described as “a box, within a box, within a box.” So it would be perfect when things would fall and women would scream, which they did…a bunch of times.
I was under the impression that I was just going to sit behind the scenes of the production and then ask the cast and crew some questions during the after party. Nope! As soon as I got to the door I signed release papers and was notified that I was going to be an extra in the art party scene. I’m not an actor by any means, but it was still a pleasant surprise to get credit for being in a horror movie since that is obviously my favorite genre of film. I welcomed the opportunity as much as they welcomed me into their world of filming for the night.
Production was currently underway, and pretty much wrapping, for a new zombie mockumentary that is a mix of horror and comedy. The film is called Zombie Bohemia and is directed by Vince Brando. That name may sound familiar to die-hard movie viewers. Mr. Brando, along with producer Mark Bell, co-owns a production company named Two Man Island Productions. They had a successful year in 2010 when their short film, Hushed, was screened overseas in the Cannes Film Festival. The duo was hard at work on Zombie Bohemia when I got the notice to check it out.
Zombie Bohemia is a film about two rivals in the art world. Michael (played by Shawn James) is a zombie artist, literally. He is a zombie who makes zombie art, whether it is paintings, sculptures, or wood carvings. Michael is trying to make it in the New York art world, while his arch nemesis One (played by Tim Urian) has somehow captured fame and success with crappy art that is far less creative and wonderful than Michael’s. Throw in some unpleasant comments from One and a zombie who can’t be tamed, and yeah, bad stuff happens. Can you imagine the bad press Anton (played by Will Carey) is going to have to deal with after trouble goes down?
Zombie Bohemia is an independent film. However, what it lacks in glitz and glamour, it makes up for in passion, determination, and creativity. This was not a production where the crew just pointed the camera and pressed record. There was a lot of detail put into the scenes that I was either taking part in or just witnessing. Vince’s saying for the night was, “let’s do that one more time.” Aside from the production staff on hand, the actors and extras were very enthusiastic and dedicated to the project. I could tell that everyone involved was doing it for the love of making film and the love of acting. When Vince asked, “Who wants to be covered in blood?” The hands sprang in the air real quick. One extra even let them rip her shirt up.
It is also important to note that while this was an independent horror film, everyone involved with Two Man Island Productions did their very best to bring you the best quality work possible. Our set for the night, The Greenpoint Gallery, is a set that has been used for multiple big name productions. For example, Gossip Girl had previously been filming at our location. The art showcased in Zombie Bohemia is real art that professional artists donated to production. This proves to me that with determination and innovation you can create something amazing, even if you don’t always have the biggest means.
After shooting had wrapped and everyone was chowing down on pizza, I had a chance to talk to Vince Brando and other actors. When I asked him when Zombie Bohemia would be completed and released, he said he hoped within the next month or two. Mostly because he doesn’t like letting a project sit on the shelf and he was hoping to get it circulating at film festivals. I’ll be waiting for the release, not just because I’m in it, but because I’m genuinely excited to see how the project turns out. The plot is really original and I was interested in what little part I was able to witness. Hopefully I will be kept up to date with Zombie Bohemia and can share the news of its release with all the readers on HorrorSociety when that time comes. I mean, come on, I know you’re going to enjoy it. One of the lines during filming was, “therefore, I must remove the heads of our guests to prevent the apocalypse.”
I would like to thank Mitch “Dr.Gore” of HorrorSociety for letting me know about filming and to thank Vince, Mark and the rest of Two Man Island Productions for welcoming me into production.
OFFICIAL SITE: https://twomanisland.com/(contains youtube, facebook, and twitter)
SET: https://thegreenpointgallery.com/
Also, it has come to my attention that Hushed will be screened January 23rdat the Oneota Film Festival in Decorah, Iowa. Check it out if you’re in the area.
Here are some stills from the night of filming, courtesy of Vince Brando.
One and his entourage arrive.
Hard at work filming. I think the cast, while in character, was discussing the art work.
Director Vince Brando.
From left to right: Me, producer Mark Bell, and Danielle Graziano (and her lunchbox purse)
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