Freestyle Digital Media, the digital film distribution division of Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group, has just released the romantic horror-comedy The Zombie Wedding. The film is based on hit interactive play The Zombie Wedding and is the first title to launch the Weekly World News’ IP-driven studio slate of movie projects.
It was shot almost completely in Vineland in 2022 in many locations and featured local residents as extras. Production work was done in the former Vineland Downtown Marketplace.
Vineland was identified as the site of the zombie uprising and Vincent Pastore, famous for The Sopranos, plays Mayor Anthony Fanucci. Both Fanucci and Pastore are pictured above, flanked by Sandy Forosisky, Vineland’s economic development director, on the right and Bob Dragotta on the left. Dragotta, of Bridgeton, passed away suddenly last month. He was an executive producer on the film and moving force in having the film made here. His home served as a location, along with Landis Avenue and downtown Vineland businesses.
There was a special Friday the 13th of September screening of the film in New York City at the rock club/lounge The Cutting Room. There was also the digital release and a limited theatrical release of the film on that day. The Zombie Wedding opened the next day at theaters in Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta. Houston, and Denver.
The film tells the story of what happens when a young New Jersey couple decides to go through with their dream wedding—during the Zombie Apocalypse. Unfortunately, the bride is a human, and the groom is a zombie. Both families are fearful, but the humans’ behavior is downright beastly. When the Zombies become brain-deprived, the ceremony takes a turn for the weird. Weekly World News reporters cover this wild, wacky wedding—while trying to get out alive!
Written by Greg D’Alessandro, The Zombie Wedding was directed by Micah Khan and produced by D’Alessandro, Joe Corcoran, Sue Wolf, Maria Capp and Jeff Mazzola. Executive producers are Bob Dragotta, John Harris, John Fahy, J. Todd Harris, Jijo Reed, and Grace Lovret.
It features a large ensemble cast that includes Cheri Oteri (Saturday Night Live), Seth Gilliam (The Walking Dead), Heather Matarazzo (Scream, Princess Diaries), Kevin Chamberlin (Jessie), Siobhan Fallon Hogan (Men In Black), Ajay Naidu (Office Space), Micky Dolenz of The Monkees, and featuring Deepti Menon and Donald Chang as the bride and groom.
“We are excited to be launching our first movie with Freestyle Digital Media, and with the enthusiastic support of the wonderful people of Vineland (and Bat Boy) we made a fun, family film that speaks to our times and the need to celebrate our differences as we embrace this crazy, beautiful world,” says filmmaker Greg D’Alessandro. “Our cast and crew put in a great deal of heart, soul (and brains!) into this film. We can’t wait for all humans and zombies to enjoy the wedding of the apocalypse!”
The digital distribution unit of Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group, Freestyle Digital Media is a is a home for independent films. It is a multi-platform distributor with direct partnerships across all major cable, satellite, digital and streaming platforms.
