Z is for Zombie

[Magicmann]

As of recently, I have had an interest in zombies. I've seen almost all the recent zombie movies, but want something more realistic. There's a forum I'm a member of, about survival. Not just zombie survival, but any form of it. (Though we use the zombie theme to make it more fun and have a worst-case-scenario) One thing we always talk about, "Why are there no realistic movies?" We always want movies, where not only is the main characters trying to survive the on-coming hoards, but is actually surviving. Being a member here, I've decided to try and sketch up a short film to work on over the summer. Me, being the worst writer ever, will need help. It'd be nice to find someone who can write me a screen play, based on my ideas, but I doubt I'll find anyone that'd do it knowing they may not get much compensation. I am pretty sure if I don't find someone that can write a screenplay for me, I'll end up just making ideas for a scene and improvising the rest. (I do find imrprov fun)

The actually story of it, would be about a teen that was active on zombie survival forums(me), and it really happens. But it started to happen when he was walking home from school with one of his buddys,(my actor buddy Peter, I'll post a link to an interview of him on Great Day SA) and the stages of an outbreak occur. First with the random protest, then the rioting, and then the looting of stores. What happens, is he gets a call from his mother, as the looting of stores occurs, she is at some retail store, trying to get away in a car, and you hear a crash. We goto my house, and wait it out. Stuff happens, that leads to them being travelers, as that is just the story of what happened that's explained later in the film. It'll actually start with them traveling, and the events that happen.

It'll be recorded by the two main characters, AKA, a fictional documentary. Some parts will be able to be recorded in various spots around town, and some we may have to improvise, but it will be fairly good. I'll cast some of my friends as extras, and we'll get family friends, family members, and anyone else as needed. As it will be on a tiny budget, we aren't going to use any fancy cameras or such, just my Sony Webbie, and whatever Peter has. Please, feel free to question me, that's why I posted this. As soon as I can make a chart to organize my ideas, I will post it and update as needed. But yes, please ask questions, it might help me get a story line going. As for the title of this thread, that's what the film will most likely be called. I think it's a cool name.

 

[Graeme]

Read before Survival

The only issue I'll point out here is that you want someone to write a screenplay about true survival when you are the survival expert, seems counter intuitive to me.

Like the pictures show, your asking someone to read the book on survival why trying to write another one. It can be humorist at time but in the end your going to get burned. That is not to say it cannot be done, but what your going likely need to do is write the first draft yourself then send it to a screenwriter to have it "fixed-up" into something that would make a good movie (better dialogue, timing of scenes and general flow of the story). That way you have added in all the survival decisions and the screenwriter is only making it watchable (script-wise).

Just a thought...

 

[Magicmann]

The only issue I'll point out here is that you want someone to write a screenplay about true survival when you are the survival expert, seems counter intuitive to me.

Like the pictures show, your asking someone to read the book on survival why trying to write another one. It can be humorist at time but in the end your going to get burned. That is not to say it cannot be done, but what your going likely need to do is write the first draft yourself then send it to a screenwriter to have it "fixed-up" into something that would make a good movie (better dialogue, timing of scenes and general flow of the story). That way you have added in all the survival decisions and the screenwriter is only making it watchable (script-wise).

Just a thought...

That's a great idea, what I WAS going to do, would be to make a mind map of the different ideas I had, than maybe a word document with different things about survival, and have someone the could be trusted write it, but I like the idea about making the first draft. I could probably manage a first draft.

I've been working on my mind map, and once I have my ideas on cold, hard files, I'll open up word and begin to write my rough draft. One thing I do need to do, before getting too into it though, is get consent from the owner of the forum I want to actually use as what one of the main characters(me) frequents. The survival thread I talked about, I actually want to use for the movie. Maybe I can start the film with me posting on the forum to get your shit and get out, because the SHTF. (the Sh!ts Hit The Fan) One thing I'll need to do, is make a bug-out bag to use as the backpack my character carries around. I'd already have one made, but I don't have the backpack to use. D: Ok, I'm getting back to brain storming now. Feel free to post.

 

[Graeme]

Don't use word, use a screenwriting software like celtx (its free), easier to pass on to someone else later with all the correct formating.

 

[Magicmann]

Don't use word, use a screenwriting software like celtx (its free), easier to pass on to someone else later with all the correct formating.

Celtx, ok, I'll look into downloading it, and see just how great it is. I trust that it's a good program, just the last screen writing program I used gave me a headache. (Not literally.)

Also, I posted a thread on the forum, directed towards moderators, attempting to get permission to use the forum in the film, and to get some ideas. And if anyone wants to view the post, or maybe join the forum() here's a link to my post! Linky link. It's linkalicious!

 

[sidliajulia]

I've often wondered why there isn't a horror film that's focused on the characters surviving, too. Kind of what Ray Mears would do in a zombie situation. It would be much more interesting than watching people run around behaving completely irrationally, doing exactly what every other horror film character before them has done.

Before I saw 30 Days of Night i thought it was going to be like that...focusing on how the characters survived for an entire month when they couldn't leave a building...but it wasn't...

 

[Magicmann]

I've often wondered why there isn't a horror film that's focused on the characters surviving, too. Kind of what Ray Mears would do in a zombie situation. It would be much more interesting than watching people run around behaving completely irrationally, doing exactly what every other horror film character before them has done.

Before I saw 30 Days of Night i thought it was going to be like that...focusing on how the characters survived for an entire month when they couldn't leave a building...but it wasn't...

Well it is going to be survival based. Not only are they trying to get away from the zeds, (zed means zombie) but there's also going to be the constant issue of finding their next meal, water, supplies, not know how to use a gun, etc. When I watch zombie movies, I think, so, where'd you get that van with a full tank of gas that never runs out, and why do you never need to eat a meal?

 

[maxham]

That sounds like a really fun idea. Too bad I live on the opposite side of the country as you (san antonio is california right?) Otherwise i'd want to personally help. The thing I can say is what has already been said write a first draft and submit it to someone who knows how to write for screen to touch it up. scripts usually have at least three drafts before it can be considered movie ready anyway.

Side note: z is for zombie is the title of a book i used to own when i was a kid.

 

[Magicmann]

That sounds like a really fun idea. Too bad I live on the opposite side of the country as you (san antonio is california right?) Otherwise i'd want to personally help. The thing I can say is what has already been said write a first draft and submit it to someone who knows how to write for screen to touch it up. scripts usually have at least three drafts before it can be considered movie ready anyway.

Side note: z is for zombie is the title of a book i used to own when i was a kid.

No, I live in San Antonio, Texas! Silly goose! (XD) As for the draft stuff, not only am I going to go through a drafting process, but since it shall be written, based on two very real people (My friend and I) I actually plan on us sitting down, and passing the paper back and forth for conversations and whatnot. I want his character to be as real as he is, and mine, me.

As for the note about the book, I'm not too worried, as I'm sure it was published more than three years ago, and doesn't cause quite as much commotion as things like that Twilight crap. Plus, although I do hope I make it big, I'm totally prepared to not make it to the level that it becomes an issue.

Edit: And please don't forget to view my production blog that I just made to keep anyone that cares up to date!
http://z-is-for-zombie.blogspot.com/

 

[VPTurner]

One other option is to find a writing partner who knows how to write screenplays. Your partner can come up with the situations, and you'd tell him how you'd react in a survival situation. Role play it out with a tape recorder in front of you. That will get you started.

And, yes, Texas is definitely in another world these days.

 

[Magicmann]

One other option is to find a writing partner who knows how to write screenplays. Your partner can come up with the situations, and you'd tell him how you'd react in a survival situation. Role play it out with a tape recorder in front of you. That will get you started.

And, yes, Texas is definitely in another world these days.

Dude, that's a great idea! Excpet, I doubt Peter, and I would be able to meet someone to do that at the same time, he's in two plays that end in a few weeks, and I have random after school stuff. I'll just get my in-head ideas on paper, then we can go on from there.

 

[maxham]

another place you can try that may get you funding is a site www.*********.com you gotta kinda advertise all over the place and build a fan base but once you have folks are able to donate to your movie budget on that site.

 

[directorik]

Right now you have so much background information in your head
that you aren’t even telling us about the story.

You want to show the more realistic aspect of survival. I really
like that idea. My suggestion is you don’t spend any time at all
with the “zombie” background. Everyone knows the random protests,
then the rioting and then the looting of stores. You are jumping
into a genre that has it’s origin well established. Unless you
have some new, unique take on how the zombifacation started, leave
it out. Frankly, the idea of spending story time with these guys
on a zombie survival forum and then it really happens is boring.

Make your story personal. All the zombie movies I’ve seen from
teenagers emulate the “adult” movies - a kid with guns, shooting
zombies, a kid being chased by a teenage zombie. You have a unique
perspective that someone like me doesn’t have. What would a
teenager who has spent time on survival forums actually be able to
do to protect themselves? What is the teen perspective? I could
write that (I used to write for “BH 90201”), I remember what it
was like to be a teenager, but you are living it. And you are can
make the story of your time much better than I could. Tap into
that perspective. Don’t try to emulate other zombie movies, make
yours unique.

Before you start coming up with “stuff happens” work out your two
main characters and your story. I love the fact that you are going
to use what you have available - make that part of the story. But
have a story not just a series of events and skits. You can
improvise and you can experiment, but you should do that within
the framework of a story with a beginning, middle and end.

Are you thinking of making a full length (80 plus minutes) or a
short?

I have ideas I’d be glad to discuss with you, but I think you
should write it. You’re the one with interest in zombie movies and
survival and the unique perspective.

I envy you.

 

[wheatgrinder]

I disagree with the OP comments.. check the Omega Man, and even Legion, both have solid survival aspects. Hunting food, preparations, etc.

And as zombies by definition are AFTER YOU, survival usually means short term. Great Idea to have plans for long term "bug in," but when the Z's are going for your brains, you gota move NOW.. action NOW.. you must respond to NOW or there wont be any long term!

Here is an idea for you...

ACT I

Start the movie about a loaner guy who KNOWS the end is coming (via zombie hordes) nobody believes him, etc.. he becomes a big "prep-er" gets into the deep subculture of survivalist (http://www.survivalistboards.com I'm a proud member!) he can have lots of personal conflicts with his family, friends, etc. He does have one friend, an office worker, Susan but hes kinda blind to it, but she been quietly listening to our heroes rantings about the end.. anyway... Mini climax with him getting in a fist fight with his boss, maybe over the bosses harassing the beautiful, but quite, office assistant, Susan.. he is fired.. as he his packing his office.. the news comes.. the zombie hordes are on the way.. maybe the boss comes back and we see our loner, become a hero, but only a little bit..Susan comes to his side.. of course now our hero sees that shes pretty hot, and that shes packing a .45 in her purse.. now hes in love!

ACT II

And here is your main characters first BIG challenge. The dude is at work in the CITY, when the "big event" happens, the zombie hordes are ON THE WAY! his "bug out" place is in the country.. now he has to fight his way out of the city, avoiding not only zombies, but coming in to conflict with other people in varying degrees of stress. Does he have a run in with LE? ("law enforcement") does he sneak, or blast his way out of town? Susan is by his side, but her loses her in the action and is forced to leave her behind.. (our hero is not as brave as we hope?)

At the exact middle of the movie and the middle of act II have a major event, a big showdown with a mob, or something like that.. maybe he loses some of his supplies etc.. maybe he kills a bunch of zombies, and becomes the object of obsession of the "SMART" zombie.. this is also where he loses Susan.

Once out of the city, now on foot, with many miles to his hide out, the conflict becomes between him and one very smart zombie.. the heroes woodcraft and survival skills are put to the test.. can he make traps out of found materials? Is he the hunter or the hunted? Lots of obstacles, some failures some successes.. building to a mini showdown between the dude and the smart zombie..

He somehow wins against the smart zombie, and makes it to his bug out cave. he thinks he safe..

ACT III

your hero needs to have made a few mistakes .. like buying lots of batteries, but they were "on sale" and are all dead when he needs them, his radios don't work etc... (make sure we see him make this mistake in ACT I)

now in he physical safety of the cave, the danger, the conflict, is now between the hero and himself. Should he have gone back for Susan? Could he have done more? What about his parents and kid sister in Montana? He is slowly going a bit crazy, recognizing that he must do "something" anything to survive this current danger, he makes plans to leave his secure place and find Susan, if she is still alive!

Placing him self BACK in physical danger and of course the smart zombie is waiting for him.. chase to climax, but he cant win alone.. he needs OTHER people to meet this last challenge..

Resolve with a happy ending.. meeting a beautiful survivalist woman (Susan?) or something like that..

 

[Tinalera]

Wow, that's a TOME Wheatgrinder, with some great ideas

btw, shot you a PM

 

[wheatgrinder]

Im nothing if not an idea guy..
my problem is execution (ask my boss )

 

[Tinalera]

Im nothing if not an idea guy..
my problem is execution (ask my boss )

You're executing your boss? Isn't that a little harsh......oh wait

I know about the execution part-I've got a whack of short stories which aren't....quite....finished....because of that

 

[Magicmann]

Today, I got my friend Peter to say that he WILL take the part as the character I was modeling after him, but the only condition is that his character becomes a zombie. As he is an actor, and a damn good one, he can do mean makeup. He is probably going to be doing all the stuff, as I have no experience. It'll slightly change my plans, but I am going to grant his wish, as to killing off his character a little towards the end.

@ maxham Can you possibly PM me that address, or maybe email me? Can't read it cause of the asterisks. If you wanna e-mail it, I'll PM you my e-mail.

@ directorik Well, I'm not actually going to be spending time talking about the SHTF on the forum, just kinda doing something that my character, which is essentially me, would do. And because I don't have the time, or ideas for a different view of the zombifacation, I was going to leave out that.

As for emulating other zombie movies, I didn't plan on doing that. Let's suppose the two main character's were to find a gun, we might have a little, truly basic, knowledge, (safety, ammo, cocking, etc.) but we aren't like, right after our first shot going to be going Rambo on the zombies. And even if we did find a gun, who's to say we have any ammo for it? This IS going to be from the teen prospective, the prospective of a teen who had a bit of a thing in survivalism, and the prospective of a teen that's deep in the subculture of theater. These characters are us.

And because I know myself, and Peter quite well, I have the characters mostly worked out, I mean hell, I might even use OUR names as their names. And when you talk about doing all that good stuff, in a story that has a beginning, middle, and end, I was already going to do that. I've been in the advanced courses since the fourth grade. When we write, read, or even hear about stories, teachers have always made an emphasis on beginning, middle, and end. I've gone through units that take up a quarter of the school year or more, just for story telling. I love books, and movies, and I'm going to make sure people love this one. And if they don't, it's not (I hope) because of the story.

And depending on how my screenplay works out, it might end up being a feature length film. I don't think movies should be limited by time. Too many movies out there have had beautiful stories, but were horrible because they were rushed. That's not what this is going to be. If it's so long, I have to do two parts, so be it. I'm not going to let being rushed ruin this. And yes, I have decided I am going to write it, but with occasional help from friends and teachers in the English, and theater cultures. I'm assuming you envy me, for starting at a young age, and most likely having the ability to execute this idea?

@ wheatgrinder One thing the "OP" (Mwa) meant is that most of todays zombie based movies have little sense of survival realism. I don't mean all, just most. All the ones that hit big, like Resident Evil, have a bit of realism, but just not enough to attract people like me. I'm very picky about realism, and storyline. And yes, I do have plans for, towards the end, having my characters long term BO (Bug-Out) plans.

As far as your idea goes, it would work out so well, as I am a teenager. I don't work in an office in the middle of town. I don't have lots of conflicts with my family. If I actually were old enough to do something like that, I could pull it off. But ideas from it, I do like. Such as having that one zombie, that's not a total ***ktard.

I do plan on having many in-film conflicts, and conflicts with ones self. I'm not quite sure how the happy ending will go, I might not even end this film with a happy ending. For all I know, I may end up making a two parter, or even a trilogy. That'd be kinda cool, but is unlikely to happen, as my other main characters actor wants to die in it. As far as your idea, and your post goes. I love the way when I am in active forums, there are always people posting large post, therefor making me do the same. It makes me look smart posting big post that are actually spelled right.

 

[directorik]

@ directorik Well, I'm not actually going to be spending time talking about the SHTF on the forum, just kinda doing something that my character, which is essentially me, would do. And because I don't have the time, or ideas for a different view of the zombifacation, I was going to leave out that.

As for emulating other zombie movies, I didn't plan on doing that. Let's suppose the two main character's were to find a gun, we might have a little, truly basic, knowledge, (safety, ammo, cocking, etc.) but we aren't like, right after our first shot going to be going Rambo on the zombies. And even if we did find a gun, who's to say we have any ammo for it? This IS going to be from the teen prospective, the prospective of a teen who had a bit of a thing in survivalism, and the prospective of a teen that's deep in the subculture of theater. These characters are us.

And because I know myself, and Peter quite well, I have the characters mostly worked out, I mean hell, I might even use OUR names as their names. And when you talk about doing all that good stuff, in a story that has a beginning, middle, and end, I was already going to do that. I've been in the advanced courses since the fourth grade. When we write, read, or even hear about stories, teachers have always made an emphasis on beginning, middle, and end. I've gone through units that take up a quarter of the school year or more, just for story telling. I love books, and movies, and I'm going to make sure people love this one. And if they don't, it's not (I hope) because of the story.

Good to hear, Magicman. I didn’t mean to suggest you don’t have a
story. I appologize for giving you that impression. You didn’t
mention a story at all in your first post - only the set up to a
story - and you asked for help so I thought I’d offer some
suggestions.

You don’t seem to need them.

 

[Magicmann]

Good to hear, Magicman. I didn’t mean to suggest you don’t have a
story. I appologize for giving you that impression. You didn’t
mention a story at all in your first post - only the set up to a
story - and you asked for help so I thought I’d offer some
suggestions.

You don’t seem to need them.

Well suggestions are acceptable. I just was stating that beginnings, middles, and ends are always no-brainers when it comes to this type of thing. I mean, who wants to see a movie about two teens surviving zombies that stops right in the middle of where it's getting good? That'd be a horrid movie.

Also, as has been suggested to me before, I'm using Celtx for screenplay writing, and this program is EPIC! I wanna get some upgrades for it..!