Zombiez in da Hood
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Comedy, Horror
When zombies hit South Central, an LA native trying to leave the hood finds herself trapped defending her house from chaos, gentrifiers, and the undead. With a bold Black cast, this horror-comedy offers a fresh take on Black survival. It's loud, funny, and unapologetically ours.
Zombiez in da Hood
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Comedy, Horror
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $10,655 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
115 supporters | followers
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When zombies hit South Central, an LA native trying to leave the hood finds herself trapped defending her house from chaos, gentrifiers, and the undead. With a bold Black cast, this horror-comedy offers a fresh take on Black survival. It's loud, funny, and unapologetically ours.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Nayomi just wanted out—out of South Central, out of her childhood house, and out of the emotional chokehold it still has on her. But when a zombie outbreak turns her neighborhood into ground zero, she ends up barricaded inside with her cousin, his gang member friends, and a gentrifier who picked the wrong hood. As the chaos builds and bodies drop, Nayomi has to face the truth: maybe this house isn’t just a trap… maybe it’s the only safe haven she’s got left.
Feeling trapped—physically, emotionally, and generationally.
The zombie outbreak forces Nayomi(main protagonist) to confront the environment she’s been trying to escape.
Turning the “trap” into a sanctuary
What used to represent confinement becomes the place of safety, family, and resistance.
Gentrification and community politics
Illuminates the inherent absurdity of gang violence, class tension, and survival strategies.
Now more than ever, we need to laugh. People of all walks of life are going through it and comedy is survival. This story is about showing Black survival in a positive, funny light. Not the doom-and-gloom narratives we see all the time, where everything is lost. South Central is being gentrified faster than ever and my twist imagines zombies taking over instead of rich developers. As a young Black woman who’s personally felt the effects of gentrification, I’ve found comedy is my way to cope with watching my neighborhood change. For me, this film is my way to share that same resilience and joy with others.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Crafty Items + Lunch & Coffee
Costs $550
A fed crew is a happy crew, and keeping folks energized helps us power through long days!
Costumes & Props
Costs $650
Costumes and props set the tone! We’ll need doubles when things get bloody.
Crew
Costs $3,500
Your support helps us fairly compensate crew for the long days and hard work they’re putting into this project!
Post-Production
Costs $2,400
There are a lot of moving parts from VFX to special sound mixing. We want the film to look beautiful and professional!
Talent
Costs $1,500
The talent is the main artery to bringing this story to life! Supporting this ensures we can fairly pay our actors for their performances.
Filming Equipment
Costs $3,400
To make all the magic happen, gotta have all the right tools. This will help us get everything to make this film feel like a blockbuster!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Sierra Shephard - Writer
Sierra Shephard is a drama/comedy writer from Detroit, Michigan. Her love of storytelling began in an unexpected place...watching Kill Bill as a kid and seeing Uma Thurman redefine what it meant for a woman to be powerful on screen. That spark has carried through her career, shaping her commitment to centering tenacious women in her writing. She’s worked across Netflix, Disney, and FX, gaining experience in both production and post while shaping her voice as a writer. Her work is rooted in humor, resilience, and the belief that laughter can carry us through life’s darkest moments. Through Zombies in Da Hood and her future projects, Sierra’s mission is to tell humorous, character-driven stories that highlight Black survival, joy, and empowerment.
Sydney Owens - Executive Producer
A native Detroiter from the west side of the city, currently working in entertainment finance and a burgeoning producer. Sydney’s hope and motivation are to blend the business with the creative and tell interesting and diverse stories for all audiences. She relishes new opportunities and is always down to learn and explore any situation put in front of her. Networking and making connections fuel her passion, and believing storytelling can help educate, heal, as well as entertain, is a particular interest for her.
Gary Jay - Director
Gary Jay is a filmmaker and director based in Los Angeles with a passion for telling bold, visually striking stories that carry real emotional weight. He has directed several short films, including Lucky Lucy, Fistful of Hate, and What Happened to Grandma Sonya?, and has collaborated on projects across film, television, and music. His background spans behind-the-scenes work for major studios and networks as well as content for global music artists. With an eye for both cinematic style and cultural impact, Gary approaches every project with the goal of creating something that not only looks powerful but resonates deeply with audiences.
Skye Wingo - 1st Assistant Director
Skye Wingo is inspired to make films by the stories told at our kitchen tables. This awareness fuels his commitment to creating environments that are welcoming, safe, and nurturing.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Nayomi just wanted out—out of South Central, out of her childhood house, and out of the emotional chokehold it still has on her. But when a zombie outbreak turns her neighborhood into ground zero, she ends up barricaded inside with her cousin, his gang member friends, and a gentrifier who picked the wrong hood. As the chaos builds and bodies drop, Nayomi has to face the truth: maybe this house isn’t just a trap… maybe it’s the only safe haven she’s got left.
Feeling trapped—physically, emotionally, and generationally.
The zombie outbreak forces Nayomi(main protagonist) to confront the environment she’s been trying to escape.
Turning the “trap” into a sanctuary
What used to represent confinement becomes the place of safety, family, and resistance.
Gentrification and community politics
Illuminates the inherent absurdity of gang violence, class tension, and survival strategies.
Now more than ever, we need to laugh. People of all walks of life are going through it and comedy is survival. This story is about showing Black survival in a positive, funny light. Not the doom-and-gloom narratives we see all the time, where everything is lost. South Central is being gentrified faster than ever and my twist imagines zombies taking over instead of rich developers. As a young Black woman who’s personally felt the effects of gentrification, I’ve found comedy is my way to cope with watching my neighborhood change. For me, this film is my way to share that same resilience and joy with others.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Crafty Items + Lunch & Coffee
Costs $550
A fed crew is a happy crew, and keeping folks energized helps us power through long days!
Costumes & Props
Costs $650
Costumes and props set the tone! We’ll need doubles when things get bloody.
Crew
Costs $3,500
Your support helps us fairly compensate crew for the long days and hard work they’re putting into this project!
Post-Production
Costs $2,400
There are a lot of moving parts from VFX to special sound mixing. We want the film to look beautiful and professional!
Talent
Costs $1,500
The talent is the main artery to bringing this story to life! Supporting this ensures we can fairly pay our actors for their performances.
Filming Equipment
Costs $3,400
To make all the magic happen, gotta have all the right tools. This will help us get everything to make this film feel like a blockbuster!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Sierra Shephard - Writer
Sierra Shephard is a drama/comedy writer from Detroit, Michigan. Her love of storytelling began in an unexpected place...watching Kill Bill as a kid and seeing Uma Thurman redefine what it meant for a woman to be powerful on screen. That spark has carried through her career, shaping her commitment to centering tenacious women in her writing. She’s worked across Netflix, Disney, and FX, gaining experience in both production and post while shaping her voice as a writer. Her work is rooted in humor, resilience, and the belief that laughter can carry us through life’s darkest moments. Through Zombies in Da Hood and her future projects, Sierra’s mission is to tell humorous, character-driven stories that highlight Black survival, joy, and empowerment.
Sydney Owens - Executive Producer
A native Detroiter from the west side of the city, currently working in entertainment finance and a burgeoning producer. Sydney’s hope and motivation are to blend the business with the creative and tell interesting and diverse stories for all audiences. She relishes new opportunities and is always down to learn and explore any situation put in front of her. Networking and making connections fuel her passion, and believing storytelling can help educate, heal, as well as entertain, is a particular interest for her.
Gary Jay - Director
Gary Jay is a filmmaker and director based in Los Angeles with a passion for telling bold, visually striking stories that carry real emotional weight. He has directed several short films, including Lucky Lucy, Fistful of Hate, and What Happened to Grandma Sonya?, and has collaborated on projects across film, television, and music. His background spans behind-the-scenes work for major studios and networks as well as content for global music artists. With an eye for both cinematic style and cultural impact, Gary approaches every project with the goal of creating something that not only looks powerful but resonates deeply with audiences.
Skye Wingo - 1st Assistant Director
Skye Wingo is inspired to make films by the stories told at our kitchen tables. This awareness fuels his commitment to creating environments that are welcoming, safe, and nurturing.