Set against the desert backdrop of West Africa, “The Dead” is a story of survival as American mercenary Brian Murphy (Rob Freeman), must battle his way to sanctuary through a throng of the walking dead. Aided in part by a local military man (played by Prince David Osei) searching for his family, Murphy’s will to survive is put to the ultimate test.

“The Dead” was shot entirely on location in Burkina Faso and Ghana, West Africa, and provides one of the bleakest scenarios to hit the zombie genre. I have had the privilege to interview the masterminds behind “The Dead,” Co-Directors Howard and John Ford and Executive Producer, Amir Moallemi. Below is a small taste of the interview, with full details on “The Dead” to be disclosed next week! 

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Interview of "The Dead" Sneak Preview (Part 1)

DFTD: In our initial correspondence, Amir, you eluded to some "difficulties" before and during the shoot. Something along the lines of "malaria, robbery and cannibalism". Care to elaborate on some of the challenges met with the location of the film?

Amir: Within the first few days Howard (Ford) called me from Africa asking for a replacement bank card. He later revealed to me, after some coercing, that this was because he was mugged at machete point.

(further in the interview)

One of the most serious issues was that of our lead actor, Rob Freeman, contracting malaria. He collapsed on set and was immediately rushed to the hospital. (Freeman) Was on a drip for a week and we were later told he was within three days of death had he not been treated.

We also had an interesting visit from a cannibal one afternoon. The translator explained what we were doing and he eyed Howard up and mentioned that he never tried white meat, a joke I believe… or at least we thought it was a joke.

(For the full interview, stay tuned to From Dusk till Con sometime next week)

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“The Dead” will be making it’s premiere this weekend at Film 4’s Frightfest in England and its stateside premiere at the FantasticFest in Texas next month. Check out the following links for the official film trailer and a few nifty "making of" clips:

View "The Dead" Official Trailer Here!

View "The Making of The Dead" Part 1 Here!

View "The Making of The Dead" Part 2 Here!

View Official "The Dead" Website Here!

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