A REAL KILLJOY: PIZZAZ FOR LIFE

Los Angeles, California | Film Short

Horror, Comedy

Green Light

This campaign raised $23,100 for pre-production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.

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A Real Killjoy: Pizzaz for Life is the third film in the award winning A Real Killjoy series. This post apocalyptic zombie short film explores loss, regret and addiction through the vein of our hopeless, sarcastic and sexually questioning hero, Sam Jones.

About The Project

  • The Story
  • Wishlist
  • Updates
  • The Team
  • Community

Mission Statement

We are excited to inject new life into the zombie horror genre by combining practical special effects with anime-inspired sequences. We aim to bring vibrant visuals, empowering stories, and a female-led cast to the zombie genre.

The Story

Welcome to the gritty and unforgiving world of A Real Killjoy: Pizzaz for Life, set in the desolate wasteland of District 3 - a post-apocalyptic sector of the city known as “The Down Below” where men are scarce. Here, survival is a daily struggle for the castoffs of society, predominantly women, who live under constant threat from the relentless zombie hordes. In the third thrilling installment of the A Real Killjoy saga, we follow the unrelenting Sam Jones, our beloved beer-guzzling zombie-slaying hero as she continues to fight for her life in a world where the undead loom around every corner. With her past addictions and flaws haunting her every move, Sam must confront her demons, both internally and externally. She will face the flesh-eating undead in a heart-pumping race for survival. Get ready to witness Sam's battle with her inner demons and flesh-hungry zombies in A Real Killjoy: Pizzaz for Life.

In this world of darkness and despair we are leading the charge against the undead with female heroes and heroines at the forefront of our battle against the zombie apocalypse. With our sights set on a new era of zombie horror, we are determined to bring you a story that will thrill, terrify, and inspire. This is our moment to shine, to show the world what we are made of and to prove that in the face of the darkest horrors the human spirit will endure. Join us in our fight, and let's show the zombies what we're made of.


In the past decade the zombie genre has become increasingly popular with numerous iterations appearing on our screens such as Zombieland, The Walking Dead, The Last of Us, Fear the Walking Dead and so on.  As a result, like the Spaghetti Western the zombie genre has been heading towards over production and an inevitable stagnation.  Now is the time to inject new life into the undead scene by introducing a fresh twist by combining practical special effects with anime sequences inspired by Genndy Tartakovsky's work.


Imagine a sensory explosion that blends the gritty look of a Mad Max-style live-action with spine-chilling practical horror special effects, all while reaching new heights with the visually stunning aesthetics of anime. And if that wasn't enough, add the undeniable wit and dry comedic sarcasm of Tara Erickson, resulting in a truly unique and captivating experience. By taking this approach, we aim to bring vibrant visuals, empowering stories, and a female-led cast to the genre. This marks a new era for zombie films with a creative and electrifying shift in the status quo. Join us on an uncharted journey into a world of anime-infused zombies and experience the undead like never before.


Director Matthew McWilliams is coming off his successful hybrid live action/animated award winning horror noir short Angel City Horror. Looking to expand this integration of visual elements he teamed up with Actress and Filmmaker Tara Erickson to bring A Real Killjoy to the next level. Our script is locked and loaded, ready to unleash a horde of zombie terror upon the wasteland. We've recruited the toughest, most battle-hardened cast and crew, all of whom have faced down the undead and lived to tell the tale. As we scour the blasted landscapes for the perfect post-apocalyptic settings, we're gearing up to take the undead hordes head-on. So grab your weapons and lock and load, because it's time to take on the zombie apocalypse in all its gruesome glory. The end of the world has never looked so terrifying...and so thrilling!



Are you ready to make a difference? We know that every dollar counts and we are committed to putting your contributions to good use. With your support we can bring our creative vision to life and deliver an unforgettable production.


From pre-production to post-production, we will spare no expense to ensure that our project is a success. Your contributions will go towards securing the best cast, crew, and equipment, as well as ensuring on-site safety.


By contributing, you will be an essential part of our journey towards creating a truly remarkable experience. Your contribution will help us to:


  • Secure cinematic filming locations.  
  • Purchase and rent props, vehicles, and set dressing.
  • Rent state-of-the-art cinematic camera and lighting packages.
  • Pay cast and crew.
  • Provide craft services and meals for the crew.  
  • Pay for post-production (editor, sounds and score, SFX, and colorist)
  • Purchase and rent practical SFX.


A Real Killjoy does not end with this short film. With the completion of this project we will be submitting to film festivals all over the world which will help promote the next chapter of this story, a full feature of A Real Killjoy! We have the synopsis ready to go with a writer attached. This will be an in-depth zombie narrative that dives even deeper into our main character Sam Jones and the post apocalyptic world where she lives. With your help we can make this a reality. One step at a time!


LINK TO A REAL KILLJOY FACEBOOK PAGE


LINK TO THE AWARD WINNING FIILM A REAL KILL JOY










Wishlist

Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.

Location Fees

Costs $4,000

Locations, like all visual elements on screen are story telling devises that add texture, tone, color, lighting as well production value.

Camera Package

Costs $4,000

Having the right camera package with the right lenses and equipment are needed to fulfill the vision of any Director.

Practical SFX

Costs $5,000

Special FX fulfill specific storytelling needs such as props, blood and prosthetics which are vital to our horror film's success.

Production Design

Costs $2,000

One of the most important aspects of a production. Used to create the physical story telling environment through props, decor and more.

Wardrobe

Costs $1,000

We will outfit our cast, hero and zombies with the appropriate post apocalyptic garb needed to tell our story.

Cast and Crew

Costs $8,000

Top of the line Actors and professional crew members.

Cash Pledge

Costs $0

About This Team

Tara Erickson is an actor and filmmaker who has worked in the industry for over 15 years. With her background in improv and sketch comedy, she brings her comedic sensibilities and wit to every film she produces. After writing and directing Killjoy 1 and 2, Tara is teaming up with a bigger crew to bring her Killjoy vision to its peak. After garnering awards for her films, including Best Actress, Best Writing, and Best Short Film, Tara plans to make A Real Killjoy: Pizzaz for Life, the kind of jaw-dropping film she always wanted to make, with a budget that will finally allow her full creativity to come to life. Although she won't be directing this one, she will have a hand in every part of this film. Tara plans to make it a one-of-a-kind zombie film with a kickass flair that will leave the audience cheering for more of a bloody fun time.  


Link to Tara's Website


Once a small town boy from Prior Lake, Minnesota, Matt's passion for storytelling took him on an epic journey across the American West. After earning his film degree from the University of Arizona, he roamed the rugged landscapes of Montana and Wyoming, seeking inspiration for his cinematic creations. Over the last decade, he has honed his craft in various mediums, from gripping films to captivating TV shows and commercials.


Matt's boundless imagination has earned him a reputation as a rising star in the horror genre, thanks in no small part to his directorial debut, the spine-chilling indie film, Chupacabra Territory. He's also garnered accolades for his work on other bone-chilling shorts, including Bath Bomb (CryptTV), Mushtown, Candy (Happy Horror Days) and most recently his award winning horror short Angel City Horror. But his talents don't stop there; he's also lent his artistic eye to the Bachelor and Bachelorette Television reality series, helping to create the perfect romantic ambiance for the show's lovestruck contestants in the Art Department.

Link to Matthew's website


CASTING


Mary O’Neil was born and raised outside of Chicago and is the youngest of seven children. While growing up, Mary’s singing abilities led her to the arts where she fell in love with performing. After studying at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York, Mary made her way to Los Angeles. There she has worked in film and television both in front of and behind the camera. Preferring to tell her own stories, she began writing screenplays. Mary still resides in Los Angeles with her husband, son, and two fluffy cats. She is known for Malum (2023)Psycho Storm Chaser (2021) and Second Chance Christmas (2017).



Christopher Matthew Cook is known for Dog Eat Dog (2016)Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire (2023) 

and The Walking Dead (2010).



Khaula is a Pakistani Muslim filmmaker and Meisner-trained actress with a decade of theater expertise. Rooted deeply in her cultural heritage, she initially pursued traditional paths, earning a degree in architecture and a master's in social entrepreneurship. Yet, her enduring passion for theater led her to the Ruskin School, where she honed her craft in Meisner technique. As a writer, actor, and director, Khaula's rich experiences from living in over 50 countries shape her storytelling. She infuses her work with empathy, celebrating diverse cultures and uplifting minority voices, making her a unique and compelling force in the world of film. She Is known for Into the Forest (II)The Passenger -Spooky Hours (2023) and Above the Clouds (2023).



CREW


Chad Griepentrog is a Director of Photography with over 20 years of experience in the film and television industry.  He has filmed in over 40 countries both above and below the surface. 


After graduating with a film degree from Montana State University, Chad made his way to LA and began his journey in the industry as a background actor. From there, he worked his way up the ranks, from production assistant to camera assistant, to camera operator and eventually, DP. Chad's career has taken him to some of the most incredible locations on Earth, where he has captured breathtaking images and unforgettable moments. From 7 seasons on Survivor to Shark Week, Intervention to over 30 seasons of The Bachelor and Bachelorette, Chad has filmed it all. He also finds great pleasure in set lighting and uses his creative skills to bring a unique vision to each project he works on, including his last award-winning short film for Best Cinematography, Angel City Horror.



Matt Fore is an award-winning cinematographer who dove into the industry at the cusp of the film vs. digital collision. Having initially trained on film at the prestigious Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, CA, Matt also had the luck to experiment with some of the first 24p HD cinema camera systems available in the early-to-mid 2000s. This dual-format background still provides Matt with a rich technical knowledge from which to draw upon to create robust storytelling images for every unique project, no matter the budget.

Matt believes story and mood are the top priorities when making visual decisions, not just aesthetics, and as such, he possesses an extremely keen grasp of both the artistic and technical side of digital and celluloid filmmaking and makes it a habit of weaving the two together into every frame he composes.

Known for shooting independent features like the festival darling The Human Race, Matt also loves working on shorter formats, be they short films, promos or webseries. As well as shooting a bevy of commercials and music videos, Matt has also worked as a Camera Operator in the action/stunt units for some of today’s larger Hollywood films, including Limitless, Real Steel, Little Fockers, and Godzilla

In addition to his narrative work and 15 feature films shot from 2004-2023, Matt has also shot 2 feature documentaries, (Harvard Park, The Spirit of the Pony Express) as well as many docu-series, TV spots, and promos for corporate clients such as ESPN, CBS Sports, DirecTV, AT&T, VICE, Nvidia, NFL Films and more. 


Aexys is a freelance special effects makeup artist mastered in the art of creating lifecasts, masks, urethane props, silicone prosthetics, dentures, foam latex masks, and foam construction. Trained at the prestigious Stan Winston School of Character Arts, Alexys also honed their skills by interning at Alex in Wonderland, a company renowned for providing top-notch special effects and specialty costumes for the film and television industry.


But her journey started long before her formal training as a self-taught makeup artist in the Midwest, working on local haunts and Chicago student films while still in high school. After making the big move to California in 2017, she landed an internship at Alex in Wonderland Inc. in Burbank, spending three years perfecting her craft in special effects and foam fabrication.






From California to Oregon and back again, Shon LeBlanc's journey has been anything but ordinary. After graduating from high school, he returned to his roots in California to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. But it was in a local Pasadena costume shop where Shon found a new passion and career that would take him to new heights.


Shon's talent and hard work quickly made him a standout in the industry, earning him a feature in Stages Magazine as one of the people making theatre happen in Los Angeles. With multiple award-winning designs to his name, Shon has become a sought-after theatrical costume designer, showcasing his talent not only on stage but also in feature films and shorts. His creativity doesn't stop there. Shon has also created a costume design class for the Academy of Art College in San Francisco, sharing his knowledge and expertise with the next generation of designers.


Whether he's creating stunning costumes for the stage or teaching aspiring designers, Shon LeBlanc has truly made his mark on the world of costume design. His passion and talent have taken him on an incredible journey, and he shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.


Initiated into music at an early age, Carlos Vivas got his studies in Classical Piano as well as Classical and Jazz composition in his native Cali, Colombia.

At the age of 13, he started playing and composing music for a wide range of musical styles, specializing in Classical, Jazz, Latin Jazz and Salsa Music. In the salsa realm, he was a member of one of the world's most prominent and popular musical groups, "El Grupo Niche" of the well-known salsa music lyricist Jairo Varela.


During 1995-96 Carlos built his own recording studio, and began his stage as a musical producer, having big success thanks to his particular style and musical richness, becoming one of the most wanted musical producers in the Latin music business.


In recent years he began his career as a film composer, scoring several feature films, short films, trailers and TV commercials.

At the present time, he is living in Los Angeles where he has composed music for more than 40 independent features and shorts. Carlos' music is always driven by such a tremendous artistic versatility, and a unique color surrounds each and every musical note he puts in his scores.

Carlos is also a talented animator (2D & 3D) He has produced several animated shorts including his award wining "Gas Station".

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