Using a little computer magic, “Dystopia 2013” is able to create a post-apocalyptic world. / Zomular Media
By: Linda Leicht
Published: March 2, 2012
Springfield News-Leader.com
“Dystopia” director focuses on redemption and keeping the faith
Johnno Zee doesn’t really expect civilization to implode on Dec. 21 when the Mayan calendar ends, but he has certainly thought about what life might be like if it did.
Zee and his Zomular Media production company developed a film that looks beyond the mythical doomsday scenario to consider what might happen afterward. “Dystopia 2013” takes the viewer into the post-apocalyptic possibilities, right here in the Ozarks.
“I’m a big fan of post-apocalyptic movies,” Zee admits.
But he is no doomsday prophet. Zee has written, directed and produced a movie that focuses on redemption. “I used my four main characters to convey a message of maintaining hope, keeping faith alive,” he says. “It is a very meaningful and poignant message.”
Movie fans can decide for themselves when the film plays at the B&B movie theater in Ozark Thursday. The film sold out both screens at the Moxie Theatre in Springfield in January, and viewers in Waynesville last week sang its praises.
Cody Brown
Cody Shiloh Brown stars in “Dystopia 2013.” The Nixa native broke into movies with a significant role in the 2010 independent film “Winter’s Bone.” After performing in the Oscar-nominated movie, Brown continued to seek out roles in locally made indy films. That is how he found “Dystopia 2013.”
He responded to an item in the News-Leader calling for auditions, landing the lead. Today, the 26-year-old is living in Hollywood where he has a manager, is taking acting classes and has appeared in a few music videos and webisodes. While Brown works on breaking into the Hollywood scene, his local work is making some big splashes.
Though he’s the lead in “Dystopia 2013,” he has learned more about working as part of an ensemble than about being a star. The movie’s story also teaches that lesson.
“It’s a movie of what ifs,” Brown says, adding that the characters are often as confused as the audience about what has happened. “They’re trying to survive the best they can.” One of the ways they are able to survive is by working together. “It’s a story of survival and the kind of individuals that might not otherwise get along … getting use to those qualities in each other.”
That is what Zee aimed for. “Their relationship with each other turned out to be quite meaningful and touching,” he says of the characters in the film.
Making movies
This is not Zee’s first movie, and it won’t be his last. He had his most success with “Red Neck Carnage,” a zombie comedy released in 2009. That film won best feature and best effects at the Hollywood Asylum 13 Film Festival in New York in 2011. Locally, the film sold out the Moxie, where it holds the auspicious record for beer sales.
Now on DVD, it’s website is popular on the Internet and it’s a good seller in Europe. “It’s kind of got its own cult following,” says Zee.
The success of “Red Neck Carnage” helped to finance “Dystopia 2013,” he says. Support also came from the Missouri Film Alliance of Springfield and the Springfield Arts Council.
His next film, “Momo,” is a comedy about “Missouri’s answer to Big Foot.” With local actors, it is wrapping up shooting in Greene and Pulaski counties and is expected to be released this summer.
Since Zee does not expect the world to actually end on Dec. 21, after that date he will remove “2013” from the film’s title and replace the first scene. “We’ve got an emergency escape plan,” he explains.
When Zee and his partner, actress Macy Elizabeth, aren’t making movies they are making pizzas at their shop, TK’s Pizza in St. Robert.
It’s all about survival.
Cast: Steve Arvig as Peter, Cody Brown as Nick, Kristin Mothersbaugh as Samantha and Sam Senovich as David.