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They're here! The Zombies! Photo credit: Corry Vargo

“The Zombie Opera” Production Days #4-7

Time flies! It feels like just last week that we began production on “Evenings in Quarantine: The Zombie Opera.” Now that we’ve wrapped our seventh day of shooting, I can officially say that this show is going to rock! Obviously, I will not be able to discuss too much in great detail (or else you won’t be surprised at the show!), but I have jotted down some notes from what you’ve missed.

May 26: Production Day #4

Our first official zombie: Colleen Bogovich (Yep! Our Mom!) Photo credit: Arvin Clay

Still setup from Day #3 with the introduction of Izzie’s character, we filmed the second half of the scene, which gave us our first glimpse of an on-screen zombie! Arvin Clay, our Special Effects Makeup Designer, put together some great effects for a very scary look.

The Wednesday shoot also featured Jordan Speranzo, 14, playing the role of “Aidan.”

Preparing the next shot. Photo credit: Arvin Clay

Aidan (Jordan Speranzo) and sister Izzie (Liz Rishel) Photo credit: Barry Bogovich

May 29-30: Production Days #5-6

Party on! That’s right, and every good story about the apocalypse deserves a good party, so we set out with cameras ready and a great turnout of extras to create a hopping party scene for the show.

Party Lighting In Effect. Photo credit: Barry Bogovich

An exciting challenge for the shoot was creating the illusion of a truly rocking event. Digging through my past life as a DJ (you didn’t know that, did you?), I pulled out some old lighting goodies from the closet to enhance the scene. My favorite effects include the American DJ “Epsilon,” a multicolored light effect that moves colored beams to the music, and the Chauvet Abyss II, a very unique tranquil mood setting light that simulates running water! Add a strobe light and a fog machine then BAM, crazy lighting!

At the end of the two day shoot, we had captured enough interior and exterior footage of the scene to simulate a really fun setting. To add more realism to the scene, beverages were provided by Iron City, our generous beer sponsor for the show. Thanks to the extras who showed up to get down!

June 5: Production Day #7

Bring on the Zombies! This saturday’s shoot involved one of the most intense moments of the entire show (but we won’t tell you which one!) The scene called for a very large swarm of zombies, and that’s exactly what we got. Our special FX makeup team, Arvin Clay and Jessica Bala, were more than ready to face the challenge, and our extras were more than eager to dress up.