Zombie Apocalypse

The zombie apocalypse is focused on a particular scenario based around the horror/science fiction genre. This usually has a plot involving a widespread rise of zombies that are unfamiliar to human life which vent a violent assult on civilisation. In some cases victims may endure being bitten by zombies which releases the 'zombie plague' therefore multiplying the numbers of zombies immensely. This rapidly grows out of control as they are precieved as mindless and disorientated. The response of this matter by authorities is slower than the rate of growth therefore resulting into ultimate chaos giving the zombie plague to expand further. As zombies are left in control it means there are pockets of humans that must fight for their survival, which are caught in a sudden crisis. Recent films have recreated the zombie apocalypse by using fast rapid figures, prefered to the sluggish mindless beings. Zombieland (2009) and 28 Weeks Later (2007) demonstrate a fantastic example of this.

Here are a few shots from the opening of '28 Weeks Later' which have caught my eye and given me inspiration:

Here we can see a very dynamic shot of the victim running away from the zombies. As they are entering from the side it alternates from the traditional approach of running towards the victim from behind. Also the figures are blurred which emphasises their presence in numbers.

This shot also captures the fast paced movement emphasised by the zombies body postions which appear ridgid, their extended fingers demonstrates their violent nature and destruction.

This fantastic establishing shot shows us how isolated this character is as he appears to be making an escape towards potential safety. This shot also emphasises how victimised and intimidated the character is. As you can see the potential terrain alternates from land to water as the constant shots of the chase on land may appear visually boring.

This is one of my favourite shots as it visually looks effective and again captures their sharp movements as well as their gormless appearance as they wander through the water aimlessly.

I believe that this opening sequence represents the zombie apocalypse perfectly as the characterisation and setting has been established clearly through variety of short, sharp effective shots combined with fast pace and movement to create suspense and tension. The use of props and make-up are quite simplistic which makes our opening sequence achievable.

I would quite like our sequence to be filmed in an open landscape such as a field as it creates tension and the unexpected that something will inevitably occur. I am hoping to find a location that suits my wants and needs which I aim to find around my local village.