"Rockstars vs Zombies" - a screenplay by Andrew Ward

Synopsis

Logline - The world brought to it’s knees by zombie hordes.

The hope of mankind is a group of rockstars...If they can stay sober long enough.

Comps – Shaun of the Dead, Airheads, Zombieland

Young wannabe rockstar, Damien escapes the zombies and finds rock legend Christian Blackheart (aka Leslie) to help him stay safe, until a pyromaniac arrives...

The zombie apocalypse is upon us and most humans have already been turned into mindless, brain-eaters. The six-part series of 25 minute episodes will follow the meanderings of Damien and Christian as they hazily shuffle through the hordes of zombies.

They will meet several other (fictional) heroes of rock music on their travels, as well as a few surprise faces. The group comprise of stereotypical rock stars from various eras; aging glam rocker, death metal, female rock star, punk rock, Britpop rock & roller etc.

The reason the rockstars are seemingly invulnerable to the zombie virus is the result of years of drinking and taking drugs. The rockstar’s blood (and brains) are poisonous to the zombies. Zombies are attracted to lights and some noise, but are scared of loud noises, another reason the rockstars are safe.

The group go through several comedic situations (usually involving Damien being in pain, or mocked) and eventually figure out that they will not be killed, as long as they are high, or drunk.

This helps them stay alive, but proves very difficult in getting them to their final destination of an ex-groupie who is a Scientist.

The only stumbling blocks are if the team can remember where they are going and why…

Damien is wilder than the average person, but nothing compared to the rest of the crew and acts as a voice of reason. He tries to keep the band together, helping them through the trip of a lifetime.

In the final episode, they reach the Scientist who is able to create a cure from their blood, but means anyone taking it is constantly high.

What Happens Next?

Two weeks ago, I created a contest on allpoetry.com, inspired by “Rumours”, a short film by Katlyn Cuilla-Martinez. Rumours is “A dark comedy about a young rocker couple who go through a break up at an inappropriate time.” My rules for the contest were simple: “Using not more than ten lines, write a poem about what happens next in this story. I am looking for creativity, humour and use of poetic devices. Have fun!”

Third place went to “Busted” by Hearthrob. The “stash” adds an interesting dynamic to the story! Second place went to “Nightmare Stage Night” by Alexander Boukal. It was a dramatic take on the prompt and was full of lovely poetic phrases.

First place went to “Sour Rock” by Red Head 1. The poem clearly answered the question “what happens next?”. Below is a sample of some of the comments on the poem:

“im an alcoholic...it's hard to iterate...i don't drink anymore...but i feel this deeply…”

“Oh, what a dramtic and gripping story. Your sure are an expert in creating imaginative narration... They sound and appear so possible and natural and yet the element of drama is so entertaining.”

Red Head 1 replied: “My husband is in a band, so some of it comes from second hand experience….But not the alcohol poisoning. Lol”

Director’s Statement:
“When I wrote Rumours, I gave myself the challenge to write something that, with a slight change in direction, could be equally hilarious or tragic. And so it became an excruciating tale of a couple in a moment of complete turmoil. I was intrigued with the raw result. Are Mickey and Nance two soulmates that are victims of a harsh environment? Or are they just two drunk idiots that bring out the worst in each other? We callously laugh at their ridiculous break up, as we are deign to admit that love is not for the faint of heart.”

About the director:
“K.B. Cuilla-Martinez is a feminist writer, director & actor. Known for her fiery personality on- and off-screen, Cuilla-Martinez fuels her work with passion, angst and acerbic humor. She is best known for directing Rumours, a punk-rock dark comedy; and Now Searching, a bleak take on friendship and dating in the modern world. She is currently working on several projects, including a semi-autobiographical series based on her tragic-yet-hilarious time as a Lyft driver. Originally a hippie-punk from Boulder, Colorado; she now assimilates in Los Angeles.”

“Rumours” is a #ROFFEKEOFFICIALSELECTION2017

Read Sour Rock, Nightmare Stage Night and Busted HERE.