Interview with a zombie movie, I recently sat down with Philip Stevens, Director for a new UK Zombie movie, called Humans. Joining us were, Archie, the lead actor for Chester, the main protagonist, and co-star, Dave Clayton, who plays the leader for the humans. The movie short precursor won an award at the Celtic Media Festival in 2014, which in the past has honored such performers as Martin Sheen and Alan Rickman.
Here’s a transcript from that interview:
Q. Phillip, tell our readers a little bit about your movie Humans.
A. Our story starts in 1943, the Allied forces are secretly trying to develop a serum that would create super soldiers – however the experiments have not been wholly successful and they inadvertently created the first modern Zombies. A crack German paratroop team infiltrates to steal the ‘super soldier’ serum but in the process release a zombie epidemic into the world, destroying the human race. Obviously, this is a “what if” scenario, otherwise I wouldn’t be here talking with you about it. But at the time, it was a very real possible outcome.
Many years later the Zombies have become civilized and live peacefully, much like those around us today. However, their old enemy appears – Humans, and our protagonist, Chester, has to stop these monsters from their reign of terror.
Q. The history behind your movie is incredibly accurate. How did you manage to obtain so many specific details about Chester, and his actions?
A. We tried for as much realism as possible of course. Your Captain America was based on very real experiments, but purely fictionalized as to the results. As for Chester, we found several journal entries, and the 1950’s version of blogging, home videos. Through those, we managed to piece together what we hope, he would feel, was an accurate account.
Q. Finally, on behalf of zombies everywhere, I’d like to thank you for using real zombies and not actors. What is your view on allegations of Hollywood’s modifications of zombies as was uncovered a couple months ago?
A. It’s a disgrace that Zombies are being forced to participate in these stereotypical films – even more so when being drugged to either stupefy or enhance them. This reminds me of the Zombie Olympics drug scandal of the 1964 games, and not surprisingly it was the human coaches responsible there as well. It is for this very reason that we set up Zombie Aid (http://youtu.be/te00p3iY1oA). I just hope we can reach people and open their eyes.
Q. Archie, It must be a great honor to have been cast in this role. What do you feel helped you get the part over other zombies who may have auditioned?
A. I Gooooot Paaaaaart Rooooooole! (At which point, Archie tore a dinner roll in half and offered one to Philip, who graciously accepted.)
Q. What was your favorite scene in the film to shoot?
A. I Diiiid Thhheee Fiilmm
Q. Did you have any rituals, or special tools to help you get into character?
A. BRAIINNS!!!
Q. Dave, it’s not always easy being cast in the role of one of history’s most infamous anti-zombie humans. We appreciate you taking the role, however distastful it might have been. That being said, what interested you in the role to audition for it?
A. I have worked in the theatre and on screen with a number of undead actors and have always found them to be very giving. I have been privileged to be part of some of the serious work being done by the guys at Zombie Aid, and this has made me a recognized figure in the undead community. That being said it was difficult getting into the mind set of such a cold hearted Zombie Killer, it’s shocking to think that characters like this actually existed.
Q. Do you feel the zombies were distant towards you, or did they make you feel comfortable while on set?
A. I went out with my zombie co stars a number of times and Archie often stays at my castle in Scotland. We go way back. He’s great with the kids.
Q. I asked the lead zombie what sorts of rituals or tools were used for getting into their character. I’m sure your fans would like to know the same of you.
A. I always read J.D Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye, I’m not sure why but it seems to fit the character.
