Howdy from the Zom Ranch! Yes we are closer that ever to the release of 'The Killing Strain'. New crew member Daniel Behrman is an editor from LA and quickly cut us a trailer to replace the aging one we have used to raise money and create interest in the Film.
Here it is. Please comment.

Closer to the finish line

OK guys and gals it's been a while since we've let everyone know what's going on. Well yes we are editing away like salt mine workers. Picture is locked and finishing up open and close credits and the last shot of the movie which is a complex CG shot (computer generated). Also the audio mix is coming along. Derrick Rutledge is doing the mix and of course like any fine low budget feature he's working around his working schedule. I'm assisting him and we're getting close to a final screener.

Yes we are going to have a premier, just when and the details are not worked out yet. One thing I've learned on this film is next time raise more money! I guess it the life of the low/no budget independent filmmaker (LOL). I have shot some video but haven't had the time to download it yet so look for some of those chronicles coming soon. Also look for a new trailer soon.
Thanks for your support.

Maria Returns

Maria (Nina)was done with half of her shots early in the corn fields. Then she went off and worked for some director guy named Robert Rodriguez (Spy Kids, Grindhouse etc....) On his latest film Machete as Machete's wife. The Killing Strain crew is so happy for her.
She Returns to us for one day at the exterior location for a dream seq. This is some of that day. Enjoy.

Shooting outside in 100 degree weather.

As we continued shooting the exterior Texas continued on it's longest above 100 degree day count. I think we had like 62 days where the temp was above 100 degrees f. and we decided to shoot a movie this summer! All in all the extras, actors and crew hung in there.

exterior shoot

Well I've got around to editing more behind the scenes video's. enjoy.
During this phase of the shoot our biggest concerns were the heat and keeping everyone hydrated. We also had a great number of extras (Zombies) running around and trying to keep everyone safe. The crew was great!! Thanks to everyone who put in 150%

Update

Hey Gang just wanted to let you know we're still alive! Working on a lower budget film you ware lots of hats and often times the blog hat doesn't quite make it on that day. Right now we are wrapping our exterior location and working on getting everything back to it's owners. I'm going to post more behind the scenes video's very soon. We are trying to shoot some small stuff to finish out the film and I'll be back with our usual bare-naked-behind-the-scenes info. Yes we want you fans to be there all along the way. Because it's really about you guys. Fans make a movie happen.

I had several people ask me about the helicopter shot Jacob (1st AD) and I were discussing on the speaker with Daniel (director) in the last webisode, it wasn't the helicopter that is the problem (it's a computer generated shot)- we just had 60 Zombies to manage and set up for a shot it's called Zombie Management.

Keep those comments coming and stay tuned I will have more updates and video for you VERY SOON!!

Make up Dept. RULES!!

We are chugging along on our exterior location. I wanted to give a kudos to our make-up dept. and our zombie volunteers. These people sit for hours waiting for when the 2nd AD comes over and picks them for their shot. This sometimes can take 8 hours! You guys are the best and THANKS from 'The Killing Strain' staff.

Also I must mention the great job that our make-up staff is doing. I've worked with Cynthia Hancevic for about 15 years and never knew she had special fx skills at this level. She started as our make up artist for our regular cast and when our SFX make up had to pull off the job she stepped in and made it happen. Then one of our zombies Dorothy Wilson told us she had trained in special fx make up and would help out she went way beyond what we expected. Then Gordon Wise cautiously checked us out and agreed to help us a little WOW he as well stepped up way beyond expectations. Gordon runs one of the most successful and long lived (20 years) haunted houses in Texas 'Nightmare on Grayson' and took time off to join the team in working tirelessly in making up zombies. These virus infected zombies came in all sizes, but the team worked to get them ready to be on screen sometimes working through lunch.
THANK YOU MAKE UP DEPARTMENT!!!