Zero budget zombie move shot in Romford mall has its premiere

A scene from Death Walks (Image: Archant)

Death Walks, a project led by writer, producer, director and Mercury Mall deputy manager Spencer Hawken, had its premiere at the mall on Friday, and the Recorder was there, cowering behind a bucket of popcorn.

Death Walks has clearly been created with passion and patience. It’s been more than three year’s work, it’s cast are predominantly amateurs and everything – including venues make-up and insurance – were donated.

I was hugely impressed by the result. All those involved have clearly put a huge amount of effort into creating a professional, engrossing film.

The zombies were really unnerving and their sudden appearances saw my popcorn jump out of its container (apologies to the Mercury’s cleaners).

Death Walks stars Daniel Smales, Joanna Finata and Scott Mullins (Image: Archant)

The film was not just unsettling, but in parts funny and ultimately surprising. The final twist was dark and shocking.

The challenge facing Spencer now is to see his creation screened as widely as possible.

After a successful premiere, complete with red carpet, he will be approaching festivals and distributors to reach new audiences.

Spencer said: “In terms of how it felt, to be honest I was very nervous, I sat there and thought, everyone’s going to hate it, because it’s got this wrong and that wrong, but I guess I’m overly critical.

“At first I started getting a buzz off the laughter, then at the first twist I heard someone say, in a rather loud voice ‘what’, then I heard someone say on the second ‘That’s really clever’.

“So the negativity just lifted away. Since the premiere the film has been accepted at two more festivals so far making its global tally seven festivals.”

With an IMDB rating of 8.4 the film looks destined for further success but none of those involved will profit.

Any money raised will be put into a fund to support first time filmmakers in Havering create microbudget movies.