A casting call next week could turn everyday residents of central Minnesota into stars of a full-length zombie thriller. Director Joel Trujillo plans to shoot his latest independent film, working title Darkness, in Otter Tail County this summer. The project offers locals a chance to join a character-driven survival story filmed right in their own backyards.
Casting Call Opens Doors for Local Talent
The open casting call takes place Thursday, April 9, from 6 to 9 p.m. in room 108 at the New York Mills High School Media Center. Organizers seek actors for various roles and people interested in makeup work. No prior experience is required.
Trujillo, who runs JFT Film Productions, keeps it simple for newcomers. “You can bring a resume and cover photo, but it is not necessary,” he said. “I’m not Hollywood.”
Participants will receive a script excerpt, get direction on the emotional tone, rehearse briefly, and perform a camera read. Trujillo and a casting director will review the footage and announce selections shortly after. Most roles target adults 18 and older, though some minors may participate with parental approval.
Filming runs late May through early June across several county spots. Expect 10- to 12-hour days, often starting in the early evening and running until midnight. Cast and crew must stay flexible during this short window.
Story Dives Deep Into Survival and Human Nature
Darkness unfolds as a gripping, character-driven survival thriller set in modern times. A pandemic strikes, and many of the dead rise as zombies. Society crumbles, forcing a group of survivors to battle not just the undead but tough moral choices.
“This film explores not only survival in a physical sense, but also the psychological and emotional toll of a world turned upside down,” Trujillo said.
The story hits home after real-world experiences with COVID-19. It shows how ordinary people face fear, loss, and hard decisions when everything familiar disappears. Rural Minnesota locations like quiet roads, small-town streets, and open fields will add authentic grit to the post-apocalyptic feel.
Trujillo’s Passion Started With a Borrowed Camcorder
This marks Trujillo’s 12th film. Most fall into the zombie and horror genres that first sparked his interest as a child. His journey began in 1993 during a summer visit with his father in Oklahoma. A borrowed VHS camcorder sat unused after a family road trip until young Joel picked it up.
He started by filming action figures, then moved to live action. “I decided to give live action a try,” he recalled. “I went to my dad and said, ‘let’s do a zombie movie,’ and he’s like, ‘OK.'”
With no real supplies, he created effects using toilet paper, Elmer’s glue, and watercolors to make flesh look rotten. His uncle joined in, chasing the “zombie” dad around. That five-minute short film launched JFT Film Productions.
Trujillo grew up splitting time between Colorado with his mother and Oklahoma visits. He later lived in Kansas before love brought him to Minnesota. His wife grew up near Bertha, so the family settled in New York Mills. Today, he balances filmmaking with a job at a local mass communications company in Perham and time with his wife and six children, two of whom are adults.
He draws inspiration from filmmakers like George Lucas and George A. Romero. Advances in AI now help him create better action sequences and original scores on a limited budget.
Small County Set to Feel Big Impact From Production
Otter Tail County, with its more than 1,000 lakes, farms, and tight-knit communities, provides the perfect backdrop for a story about collapse and resilience. Filming will hit Perham, Ottertail, New York Mills, and Wadena.
Even as a low-budget indie project, the production will bring fresh energy. Crew members will spend money locally on food, supplies, and lodging. Past film productions in Minnesota have shown how even modest shoots support hospitality, retail, and other services.
Locals get more than just economic ripples. They gain hands-on experience in front of and behind the camera. Trujillo emphasizes community involvement and fun. He provides meals during shoots, gives cast members a DVD copy of the finished film, and hosts a wrap celebration dinner.
Here is what participants can expect:
- Flexible evening and night shoots
- Credit in the final film
- Real-world set experience
- Meals provided on shooting days
- A copy of the movie upon release
Release Plans Include Local Premiere and Online Access
Trujillo hopes to screen the completed film at a local theater in October. He plans to offer it free to audiences so the theater can keep ticket sales and host a special event. The movie will also appear on his YouTube channel and be available on DVD.
This approach reflects his lifelong love of cinema and desire to share stories with the community that helped bring them to life. It gives small-town residents a chance to celebrate together on the big screen before wider release.
Otter Tail County already draws visitors for its lakes, outdoor recreation, and peaceful pace. A locally made thriller could spark new interest, showing the area in a dramatic new light while highlighting its real strengths in community and resilience.
Trujillo’s story reminds readers that big dreams can start with simple tools in small places. From a kid experimenting with homemade zombie makeup to directing his 12th feature film at home in Minnesota, his path shows persistence and passion pay off.
The casting call on April 9 marks the first step for many who might discover a new side of themselves this summer. Whether they land a speaking role, help with makeup, or simply cheer from the sidelines, the project promises to bring the community together in an exciting way.
What do you think about a zombie movie filmed in your backyard? Share your thoughts in the comments below. If you plan to attend the casting call, let us know what role you might want to try.
