Filmmakers Aaron Truss and Joe Acres (The Rob Knox Story, Pareidolia) are launching a crowdfund for their debut feature comedy horror, EMPLOYEE OF THE DEAD, on Tuesday 4th August through Indiegogo with specially filmed teasers with all the principal cast that offer a tasty flavour of what to expect. Production is expected to begin in Spring 2027.
Based on a true story, the film is based on events that took place in 2008 when Truss and Acres, along with the late Harry Potter actor, Rob Knox, secretly filmed a short zombie film in their local Sainsburys without management knowing. The short has gained a cult status over the years not least to being the last film Rob Knox appeared in before his murder in a knife attack in Sidcup just weeks later.
In EMPLOYEE OF THE DEAD, a frustrated supermarket worker secretly shoots a no-budget zombie movie during his night shifts with help from his sister and coworkers, risking his job and relationships for one last shot at becoming a real filmmaker.
The script gained the attention of CBBC icon, Dani Harmer, best known for playing Tracy Beaker. She had previously worked with Rob Knox on the sitcom, After You’re Gone, and was a patron of the 16-year long Rob Knox London Film Festival, which held its final event at Picturehouse Central in 2025.
Dani says, “The script is just awesome, it made me laugh, it made me cry in parts and who doesn’t want to attack some zombies? I know horror fans are going to absolutely devour this!”
The film has also attracted horror veterans such as director Jake West (Doghouse, Evil Aliens) who was responsible for encouraging the filmmakers to make their debut feature film. Other familiar genre names who have signed on include Nicholas Vince (Hellraiser, Nightbreed), Sean Cronin (The Mummy, Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation), film composer Simon Boswell (Shallow Grave, Mother’s Pride), stunt co-ordinator Pete Pedrero (The Bond Films, 28 Days Later) and director of Photography, Vince Knight (Winnie The Pooh: Blood and Honey, Pinocchio Unstrung).
One cast member who impressed producers was Ellie Raé Winstone, daughter of Ray Winstone who auditioned with a scene from Channel 4’s Dead Set, originally performed by her sister Jaime Winstone. Joining the line-up is BAFTA-nominated and British Comedy Award-winning comedian and broadcaster Nick Helm, best known for comedy series Uncle and Nick Helm’s Heavy Entertainment, both on BBC Three who brings his own unique brand of humour to the project.
Here’s a teaser trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hS58iHznCxU
Aaron Truss says, “Suddenly, the ridiculous little supermarket zombie film we had once made as teenagers evolved into something far bigger than we ever imagined. Now, almost twenty years after a bunch of kids took over a Sainsbury’s in Chislehurst to make a zombie movie, here I am approaching forty and doing it all over again but with a bunch of absolute legends”.
From the outset, it was decided to pay tribute to the late Rob Knox by making him a main character in the film, who will be performed by Detectorists actor, Paul Casar. The filmmakers felt it was important to not only acknowledge Rob and his influence but to keep his spirit alive and honour his love of indie filmmaking all these years later – with the blessing of Rob’s parents, Sally Holder and Colin Knox.
Preparing for the Indiegogo crowdfunding launch, the team filmed scenes and proof of concepts for audiences in the hopes they will join them on this final journey for EMPLOYEE OF THE DEAD.
Contributors can expect to get their name in the credits, appearances in the film, used props and costumes from the film, personalised videos from the cast on set and lots more, including the chance to become a producer on the film.
All money raised from the Indiegogo will go towards paying for locations, cast fees, catering, props, costumes, visual effects etc. Production is expected to begin at the start of 2027.
For anyone who signs up to the mailing list, they will be greeted with a special video message from both leads, Dani Harmer and Joe Acres.
For further information, and newsletter:
Website: www.eotdmovie.com
Indiegogo: https://www.indiegogo.com/en/projects/q-cumber-films/employee-of-the-dead
