Creators for web series "The Art of Zombie Killing" – Thomas Bosworth, Chris Kelly, Michael Kelly – talk to RAW about their collaboration and creative influences. Be sure to catch a screening of several Apocalyptic Doodle shorts at the Se San Diego Hotel on Thursday, August 26th!
Tell us about yourselves.
We are a group of three guys; Tom, Chris and Mike. Tom studied drawing/painting at the School of The Art Institute of Chicago, Mike studied acting at UCSD, and Chris studied Liberal Studies at San Francisco State University. Our passion for over-the-top action zombie movies inspired us to begin our web series, The Art of Zombie Killing.
How did you first get started in film?
Mike has always been interested in film and has been acting for years. Chris became interested in VFX during his studies at SFSU and began to teach himself different programs. Tom has always been an artist, so after the initial idea was formed everything fell into place.
Any other films you've produced?
Mike has been working on his webseries, Kip Perry: Adventures in the Unknown, which follows an Australian monster hunter. Other than that we have each worked on multiple art, acting, or VFX projects.
Tell us about the film you will be screening at the RAW showcase.
Our show is about a junkyard cowboy and his cohort, Vulcan, during the zombie apocalypse. We love the cheesy, one liner, exaggerated style and want to continue to push that aspect. We decided short, minute to two minute episodes would be best for the short attention spans of internet viewers. With no direct schooling for animation, we learn something new every episode.
From where do you draw inspiration for your work?
Comic book are a huge inspiration. Zombie films obviously had a huge impact on the direction of the show.
Do you engage in, or draw inspiration from, any other forms of art?
Tom: I have been working on a series of paintings which I will be showing soon, focused on making socially unacceptable subjects and actions seem pretty and sublime. My list of inspiration has grown pretty big, too big to name most of the people on it, but I'd put people like Henry Darger, George Grosz, and Ernesto Neto at the top of my list. I want to explore many different modes of creating art in the future.
From start to finish, explain your process; what does a typical film-making day look like for you guys?
Tom draws up some zombies or some zombie killing action, Chris textures and animates them, Mike then adds the voice over and additional sound FX. Voila!
When you are not filming, how do you like to spend your time?
Tom: Skating and Painting keep me sane. Otherwise, I work constantly to keep the bills paid.
Chris: Watching movies playing video games, maybe a day at the beach.
Mike does the same, so he doesn't get to answer.
All time favorite film?
Chris- Dumb and Dumber
Mike- The School of Rock
Tom - It's a tie between Yojimbo and Seven Samurai
Are there any filmmakers, past or present, who strongly inform and influence your work?
I guess without Romero there wouldn't be too many zombie films to influence us. There are a bunch of animated movies and shows that have as well.
I guess without Romero there wouldn't be too many zombie films to influence us. There are a bunch of animated movies and shows that have as well.
Are there any specific reoccurring themes or subjects that you explore and deal with most in your work?
The biggest theme we deal with is personal growth through slaying zombies.
Why showcase with RAW?
RAW has been pretty sweet to us. We appreaciate that they're supporting local artists too. The art scene in San Diego needs to be filled with as much energy and ass-kicking muscle as possible. It's time for us to start competing with cities like LA and New York. I'm sure a great deal of San Diego artists feel the same.
RAW has been pretty sweet to us. We appreaciate that they're supporting local artists too. The art scene in San Diego needs to be filled with as much energy and ass-kicking muscle as possible. It's time for us to start competing with cities like LA and New York. I'm sure a great deal of San Diego artists feel the same.