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Vikings vs Zombies

By Adam Konvalinka

What could be better than an independent, locally made movie titled "Vikings vs. Zombies?" How about a fundraiser to make said movie, where attendees are encouraged to dress up as the side they support, Pabst Blue Ribbon is included in the $10 cover donation, a bunch of awesome local bands are playing and the night's events will include giveaways such as a chance to appear in the movie, prizes and a late night dance party.

The film will tell the story of a band of Viking warriors who, while out pillaging come across an island infested with the un-dead guarding a great treasure. The Vikings must do battle with the Zombies in order to obtain the treasure and return home heroes.

The idea for the movie came to local filmmaker Greg Kissner when he was listening to his cousin's Viking-inspired heavy metal band. At the time, he was living in New York City working as a producer for a comedy Web site. The former student from Columbus College of Art and Design recently returned to Columbus and wrote the script with friend and fellow founder of the film company True Studios, Aaron Syler. The pair teamed up while at CCAD, forming True Studios, and creating and starring in their first movie during spring break of 2006. "On the Lam" is a drama in which two friends escape into the wilderness to avoid the draft, which has been reinstated after America goes to war against Iran. The film, directed by another CCAD friend Corey Aumiller was an official selection at several film festivals, including the Ohio Independent, Texandance and Queens International.

The second movie from True Studios, "Viking vs. Zombies" is going to be more light-hearted and comedic then what Kissner usually creates. "It's a departure from what I normally do. I've not done a lot of horror, B-movie type stuff, but that's what people like," he said. "It's got a ridiculous name, but in a good way where you have to see it."

Thomas Edward Seymour, a friend and mentor of Kissner's from NY, told him he would distribute a movie for them through his company Brightly Entertainment if they shot a horror film. "It's a great opportunity because, as an independent film maker, distribution is what you're aiming for," Kissner said. Seymour will also help with production and post-production work, Syler said. Seymour is known for the films "Land of College Prophets," "The Bikini Bloodbath" series and most recently, "London Betty" featuring Nicole Lewis from the Broadway musical "Hair" in the star role. A comedy adventure about "thieves, whores and immigrants," it has received honors, awards and nominations on the independent film circuit.

In order to help raise some of the estimated $10,000 they will need for production costs, Seymour suggested True Studios do a fundraiser. "People have been great, we reached out to the music scene and all the bands are playing for free. PBR gave us a bunch of beer and Betty's is giving us gift certificates to hand out as prizes," Kissner said. The Junctionview Studios where True Studios is based is allowing them the space for the evening at no charge. A converted warehouse, Junctionview Studios houses work space for writers, painters, martial artists, sculptors, collectors, stilt walkers, musicians, dancers and photographers. The group runs various art events such as Agora, which attracted around 1,000 people last year.

The fundraiser will run from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. this Saturday, Jan. 16 at Junctionview Studios, 889 Williams Ave, Grandview Heights. It is 21 and over, so remember to bring your ID. Viking and Zombie costumes are optional but encouraged. Bands performing include the Terribly Empty Pockets, Karate Coyote, Dane Terry, Sleepers Awake, Midnight Wild Streets, Burglar, Ride to Ruin, Abbey In the Oaks, Obvious Lies and Walleye.

Many of the performers are friends of the filmmakers from CCAD. "We went to school with them and wanted to help support the movie," said Shawn Tegtmeier from Abbey in the Oaks and a fan of classic zombie movies. After the bands, a DJ and dance party will conclude the night's entertainment. In addition to the music, a raffle will be held for PBR merchandise, Betty's gift certificates and an opportunity to be a featured extra in the movie. A silent auction will also be held for executive producer credit. A successful fundraiser will help in obtaining investors to cover the rest of the production costs, Kissner said.

Some filming has taken place to provide a teaser to play at the fundraiser, and the filmmakers are planning on filming the rest in the spring, Kissner said. He is the director and executive producer, while Syler is the director of photography and co-editor. As the film moves into production, more people will be brought in," Syler said. The major acting roles have been filled, but anyone wanting to act in the movie should send an e-mail and photo to syler@true-studios.com."Anyone interested in being involved, we are interested in hearing from you," Syler said.

A change in the location for "On the Lam," resulted in some actors leaving the project and their roles being filled by Kissner and Syler who portrayed the main characters. This time around they plan on spending most their time behind the camera, but did write in some small parts. "I'm probably going to be a zombie who stumbles into a Viking sex scene," Kissner said laughing. "It's totally unique, I don't think I've ever seen that in a Zombie movie."

In order to create the mythical setting they need for the movie and work within a small budget, 90 percent of it will be filmed on a green screen. "It's ironic because I don't like that stuff," Kissner said. "I didn't like what they did with the new 'Star Wars' and that kind of stuff, but as a small film maker I see the advantages." He explained how a green screen allows more to be done with less funding. The movie will be violent, but do not expect a "Braveheart" level of gore, Syler said. "It's not going to be realistic, like 'Kill Bill' -you watch it and know it's fake," he said. "It's supposed to be funny." They hope to complete most of the filming by the end of 2010 and possibly release it in the fall of 2011.

The only thing on the home page of True Studios' Web site is the logo, links to news, photos, work, contact and a mission statement that reads; "True Studios' goal is to produce truly independent and inspiring films." For Kissner, that means doing all the work yourself - the funding, filming and editing without having any pull from a major studio. "What's scary to me concerning the industry is when I started being interested in independent film, it was an underground thing. You only heard about it through certain people," he said. "Now every major studio has a so-called independent studio. It's bastardizing the process." According to Kissner much of what is popular and makes money as independent films is not truly independent. A desire for more independence in his creative work helped bring him back to Columbus. He liked his job, but New York was expensive for what he was paid and he did not have time to pursue his own work. "It's hard being creative and not doing it for yourself," he said. "Now I get to work for my friends and myself."

Originally Published: January 13, 2010

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