Filmmakers Aaron Truss and Joe Acres (The Rob Knox Story, Pareidolia) are launching a crowdfund for their debut feature comedy horror, Employee of the Dead, on Tuesday 3rd June through Indiegogo.
Based on a true story, the film is based on events that took place in 2008 when Truss and Acres, along with the late Harry Potter actor, Rob Knox, secretly filmed a short zombie film in their local Sainsburys without management knowing. The short has gained a cult status over the years due to it being the last film Rob Knox appeared in before his murder in Sidcup just weeks later.
The script gained the attention of CBBC icon, Dani Harmer, best known for playing Tracy Beaker and had previously worked with Rob Knox on the sitcom, After You’re Gone and was a patron of the 16-year long Rob Knox London Film Festival, which ended last year at Picturehouse Central.
Harmer states:
“The script is just awesome, it made me laugh, it made me cry in parts and who doesn’t want to attack some zombies? I know horror fans are going to absolutely devour this!”
Aside from Dani Harmer, the film has also attracted horror veterans such as director Jake West (Doghouse, Evil Aliens) who was responsible for encouraging the filmmakers to make Employee of the Dead their debut feature film.
The movie follows some struggling filmmakers trying to make a zombie horror film covertly against all odds in their local supermarket without getting caught.
Other veterans who have signed on are Nicholas Vince (Hellraiser, Nightbreed), Sean Cronin (The Mummy, Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation), film composer Simon Boswell (Shallow Grave, Mother’s Pride), stunt co-ordinator Pete Pedrero (James Bond, 28 Days Later) and director of Photography Vince Knight (Winnie The Pooh: Blood and Honey, Pinocchio Unstrung).
One cast member who impressed producers was Ellie Raé Winstone, daughter of Ray Winstone, who auditioned with a scene from Channel 4’s Dead Set. Her audition piece was originally performed by her sister Jamie Winstone.
‘Suddenly, the ridiculous little supermarket zombie film we had once made as teenagers evolved into something far bigger than we ever imagined. Now, almost twenty years after a bunch of kids took over a Sainsbury’s in Chislehurst to make a zombie movie, here I am approaching forty and doing it all over again but with a bunch of absolute legends.’ Truss said.
One important decision made early in the script process was to pay tribute to the late Rob Knox by making him a main character in the film, who will be performed by Detectorists actor, Paul Casar. The filmmakers felt it was important to not only acknowledge Rob and his influence but to keep his spirit alive and honour his love of indie filmmaking all these years later – with the blessing of Rob’s parents, Sally Holder and Colin Knox.
The team has been planning to launch a crowdfund with filmed scenes and proof of concepts for audiences in the hopes they will join them on this final journey for Employee of the Dead. Contributors can expect to get their name in the credits, appearances in the film, used props and costumes from the film, personalised videos from the cast on set and lots more, including the chance to become a producer on the film.
The crowdfund launches on June 30th on Indiegogo.
All money raised from the Indiegogo will go towards paying for locations, cast fees, catering, props, costumes, visual effects etc.
People who sign up to the mailing list will be greeted with a special video message from both leads, Dani Harmer and Joe Acres at www.eotdmovie.com
Social Media: Instagram / TikTok / Facebook: @EOTDmovie
