It's a big week for zombie fans. Not only does part two of the final season of The Walking Dead kick off tomorrow, but AMC has also announced some major hitters that have been cast for their upcoming anthology series Tales of the Walking Dead.
Believe it or not, there are still zombies that exist outside of the universe that Robert Kirkman created! In fact, a new zombie-thriller called World Ends At Camp Z just landed on digital and VOD. Though it isn't related to The Walking Dead in any way, the director lists the series as one of their many inspirations.
With a cast led by horror alum Anne Carolyne-Binette (Age of the Living Dead), the thriller also stars Dean Persons, Michael Czemerys, Osawa Muskwa, Rafaela Salomão, James Chapman, and Arthur Bussières Gallant. The Canadian film was directed by Ding Wang who had the following to say during a brief Q and A.
HOW DID THE IDEA FOR THE FILM ORIGINATE?
Year 2020 is a year the entire humanity will remember. As we were trying to adapt to the "new lifestyle" and everything started to close down,I figured it might be a good time to start creating. My other Producer-Mr Li- introduced a friend to me who happens to be a campground owner- Mr Nan- in the City of La Tuque, he shows great interest in our project, and later became an EP on the project. Then same with all the low budget productions, we came up with a story based on the locations we have access to, and the world we were living in, what's the worst case scenario when a fast spreading virus is spreading all over the world? That's right, zombie apocalypse!
People were depressed at the time, covid news 24/7, so I wanted the story to be fun and entertaining in this already unpleasant situation, bringing up some classic values about love, friendship and social relationships.
WHY A ZOMBIE FILM? ANY INSPIRATION FROM OTHER PROJECTS?
I've been a "walking dead" fan, not only because of its awesome zombie fx, but what interests me the most are the drama on the post zombie apocalypse, the love and friendships, the survival instinct and what separates us as humans from the living dead . "World Ends at Camp Z '' movie did draw some inspirations from "28 days later" and "Black Summer" for shooting style, as most zombie films require a substantial budget amount to start with. It was really a challenge to us with our budget constraints especially under the covid restrictions situation.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE AUDIENCES TAKE AWAY FROM HAVING SEEN THE FILM?
I’ve read a Bill Gates Quote early in the pandemic that went viral on social media, but later was proved to be fake, but it makes a point that really in line with what I am trying to say in this film:
“It(the virus) is reminding us that our true work is not our job, that is what we do, not what we were created to do. Our true work is to look after each other, to protect each other and to be of benefit to one another.
It is reminding us to keep our egos in check. It is reminding us that no matter how great we think we are or how great others think we are, a virus can bring our world to a standstill.
It is reminding us that the power of freewill is in our hands. We can choose to cooperate and help each other, to share, to give, to help and to support each other or we can choose to be selfish, to hoard, to look after only our self. Indeed, it is difficulties that bring out our true colours. “
When the world ends, all men are equal!
Do you think this movie seems up your alley? We were able to obtain a small exclusive clip for you guys in case anyone is interested in a first look ahead of checking it out on VOD.
Be sure to check out the clip and synopsis below, share your take in the comments section!
Brand new zombie thriller World Ends At Camp Z has just been released on digital and we have a short exclusive clip from the film to share!
"Highly-anticipated Canadian zombie thriller WORLD ENDS AT CAMP Z is now available on Digital and On Demand from Média DW. Headlined by Age of the Living Dead‘s Anne-Carolyne Binette, WORLD ENDS AT CAMP Z is set during the pandemic and fixes on a camp owner that learns that the person he is selling the grounds to has evil intentions for the land. In order to stop the sale, he has tricks up his sleeve, but a zombie uprising was never one of them.
Ding Wang directs from a Diane Janna script. Dean Persons, Michael Czemerys, Osawa Muskwa, Rafaela Salomão, James Chapman, and Arthur Bussières Gallant co-star."
World Ends At Camp Z is now available on Digital and VOD.