Zombie Extras Respond to The Cure By Brian Kirst. Photos by Coye Vega.
“Any excuse to be a zombie is a good one!” – Nora O’Sullivan
On Sunday, November 23rd, steps away from Chicago’s historic Hideout on Wabansia, the undead walked again! Shout outs on Facebook and Craig’s List brought between 20 and 30 joyous horror lovers together to help liven up (as the walking dead) film student Aaron Willett’s The Cure.
In attendance were Willett’s friends, fellow students, random zombie lovers and even a terror loving family from the suburbs whom had responded to Willett’s blood thirsty call. Mixed in with this group were a bunch of folks who take their blood thirstiness a bit more seriously than others – adding a truly accomplished air to this academic project. These included professional make-up artist and Zombie Army mainstay Ben Raffe (www.myspace.com/6demo6gorgon6 ) who was on hand to make the un-afterlife like even more hideous than it could possibly be. And proving that the horror community is one of the most enthusiastic and supportive, Dan Kiggins (Producer for Massive Ego Productions), Nora O’Sullivan (AKA Troma Films’ Tromette Dystopia), Kristen Pfeiffer (frequent writer for Jane Doe) and photographer Coye Vega were gladly allowing themselves to be transformed into the most ungodly of creatures to make Willett’s background burst forth with savage, rotting glory.
Despite the chill in the air, all the extras were enthusiastic, engaging in everything from movie talk to politic discussions to proclamations of love for grave rising corpses. “I’m a professional zombie,” jokes pretty, blonde Jennifer White (done up to reveal a hideous grin), “this is a dream come true!” “For me, too,” Pfeiffer joyously responds. And so it continues throughout the day.
As for the writer/director/producer, Willet claims the project is very Shakespearian in nature and believes he has several more zombie projects in him. This information should make one of The Cure’s lead actors, Jeffrey Kurnow happy – “I get to carry the zombie shield!” he proclaims, beaming from the sidelines.
Later, the intense Kurnow happily raises said deathly shield to wage off White, Vega, Pfeiffer and the rest of the zombie hordes – and as the sun quickly fades into evening – all (including budding fantasy screenwriter Mike Haas who guiltily admits he should be doing his homework instead of attacking Kurnow) eagerly get the final shots of the project completed.
Later, echoing the thoughts of White and Pfeiffer, Willet says, “This was a dream come true,” as he exhaustedly exits to begin celebrating his first filmmaking victory.
