More than 400 people from across West Virginia and surrounding states auditioned for JC Films’ “Zombie High School,” to be shot in Bridgeport mid-July. Featuring an anti-bullying message, the movie has been endorsed by Harrison County Schools and will be primarily filmed at Bridgeport Middle School.

 

To wrap up the week of filming, a Zombie Fun Run will be held July 13 at Bridgeport City Park. Monies raised will help fund the project which, when completed, will be distributed to schools, churches and organizations across the country.

 

A passion project of JC Films President Jason Campbell, “Zombie High School” has the potential to make a positive impact on the way teens see and treat others. The movie stars world-known actor Dean Cain (“Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” “Ripley’s Believe It or Not,” “God’s Not Dead”), who is a true believer in Campbell’s work.

 

“I’m a reserve police officer and one of the things I do is serve on a task force which deals with anti-bullying and the pressures young kids face,” said Cain, during his last visit to Bridgeport.  

 

Participants in the July 13 Zombie Fun Run can choose between running as a human or as a Zombie chasing the humans.

 

“This is going to be a lot of fun,” Campbell said. “All of these events are designed for the entire family. Prepare for fun, not something scary.”

 

The course is just under two miles. Runners will wear and need to protect three flags to survive the race. Zombies will be staged throughout the course ready to chase runners and steal flags. The run will be divided into several 30-minute waves; two just for children under 10.

 

Each wave can accommodate up to 50 runners and runners and can choose their desired times while available. Early registration will help secure desired running times. Zombie shifts are 9-11 a.m. and 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Zombies should arrive at least one hour prior to their shift for makeup, training and positioning.

 

In addition to the main attraction, the Zombie Fun Run will also feature live music by “The Change,” meet and greets with Jeremy Ambler and other actors from “The Walking Dead,” a Zombie “Beauty Contest,” inflatables, food vendors and other family activities.

 

Registration cost is $25 for adult runners age 18 and older and $30 for adult zombies. Student runner (17 and under) registration is $15 and $20 for student zombies. Those who play zombies will have opportunity to be in a "Zombie High School" scene as some movie footage will be shot that day. 

 

Kids age 3-10 can participate for $8 each. Donations are welcome from spectators. Registration fee pays for event entry and all activities, a race T-shirt, race bib and event entertainment. Runners will receive a signed certificate at the finish line signed by “Man of Steel/Superman” Dean Cain.

 

Zombie Fun Run sponsors are Dan Cava Toyota World, Courtyard by Marriott and Holiday Inn Express & Suites. To serve as an event sponsor, call 304-906-5957.

 

To volunteer or register for the event, visit www.zombieteen.com or www.ZombieRunWV.com.

 

Editor's Note: Pictured from top: Auditions for "Zombie High School" held at Bridgeport Middle School; head shots of some of those who auditioned; Superintendent of Harrison County Schools Dr. Mark Manchin, Jason Campbell and Dean Cain talk to area residents about the "Zombie High School" anti-bullying project.