Apocalypse Nerd: The Movie

Apocalypse Nerd began life as a comic book series created by US-based writer and illustrator Peter Bagge. It tells the story of Perry and Gordo, an entertaining pair of friends battling through a range of personal issues – together with an ill-timed apocalypse. And now Perry and Gordo, beloved of Bagge fans the world over, are being given a new lease of life in a film adaptation of the original tale. Bagge has collaborated with acclaimed writer-director Tupaq Felber to reimagine his comic in the form of a script, a venture which has garnered impressive comparisons to Withnail and I and Old Joy. Realised with the enthusiasm of a celebrated crew, this darkly comic story is set to make an exciting addition to British independent cinema. Kickstarter-funded, the project relies on the interest of the general public, whether people passionate about graphic novels, independent filmmaking or just those with an eye for a worthy cause. We cannot encourage you enough to contribute to this undertaking. 

How did you get started in filmmaking?

Although I've been making films of one type or another since leaving school, it's really only in the last 10 years or so that I've been doing this professionally. There just came a point when I decided that this was what I wanted to do. I started knocking on as many doors as I could find, showing my work to anyone who'd look. I eventually found a small cable-TV station that needed some adverts made, which I directed and edited. I guess it all started from there. 

What drew you to Peter Bagge's work?

I've been a comic-book nut since I could read. Actually, since before that, as comics were pretty much the only books my parents could get me to pick up as a kid. I spent my entire childhood drawing and writing comics. I was also lucky enough to be the right age during the golden age of independent comics in the ‘80s and ‘90s. I can't begin to explain how exciting it was. Not just a vibrant, genuine counter-culture, but artists of the highest calibre with the freedom to do stuff I'd never imagined. The Hernandez Brothers, Alan Moore, Kazuo Koike (Lone Wolf and Cub was originally published in the 1970s, but I didn't get to hear about it until Dark Horse re-published it in English in the ‘80s), Paul Chadwick, Dan Clowes, Chris Ware, Stan Sakai and Katsuhiro Otomo are just a few of the people I'm talking about. And then of course there was Peter Bagge. As much as I loved it all, including the super-hero stuff, I think my favourite books were the Hernandez Brothers’ Love and Rockets and Peter Bagge’s Hate. They were beautiful and brilliant and truthful and they didn’t give shit. And, in the case of Hate particularly, they were hilarious.

How did the idea for the Apocalypse Nerd film come about? 

I'd had my first script in development for quite a while with a big UK producer. It was a cool little thriller based around the underground music scene in London.  It was pretty funny and had some good bits, but I soon realised that structurally it was a disaster. I never formally learned how to write long-form narrative, and figured that adapting something with a solid construction might be a good way to learn. Apocalypse Nerd had recently concluded and, being the huge Peter Bagge fan that I am, I couldn't think of anything I'd have more fun working on. I ended up with something that I was pretty happy with, so thought I'd send it to Peter just for the hell of it. Not only did he actually read it, but (despite being slightly confused as to why I'd set it in Britain!) he was so encouraging and supportive that it went on to become the origins of this movie. 

You wrote the script. How long did the writing process take?

This iteration of the script is very much a character-driven, dark comedy. Scripts aren't ever really 'finished' until you shoot them (and even then they're not really finished), but I reckon this came together in about 10 months. Before that there were other versions, including something much more epic and expensive, and a six part sitcom for British TV.

When do you hope the film will be released?

Summer 2014, if Kickstarter turns out to be a feasible funding option. 

We're seeing this theme of cataclysm being continually revisited in recent cinema and literature. Why do you think this is? 

It seems to be massive cultural change that triggers off apocalyptic fascination in the popular imagination. World wars, economic shifts and huge technological development have all triggered periods of this kind of fantasy in the past. I honestly believe it reflects a desire for fundamental change. In these stories, people tend to emerge from the rubble with a revised set of values and beliefs, and I think the crux of it lies around there.

Could you tell us a little about the intended crew for this project? Was it difficult enlisting their help? 

The crew is fantastic. There honestly isn't one member who wasn't my first choice to do this. You can see most of them listed on the Apocalypse Nerd IMDb page. The only reason I'm not going to start singing the praise of every single one of them is because there isn't enough room on the internet to fit it all in! We have a group of amazing filmmakers, who it was a joy to enlist because every one of them has as much belief in this project as I do. 

Do you have any specific actors in mind for the roles of Perry and Gordo?

I do, but I'm afraid I have to keep this under my hat right now. Suffice to say I reached out to my dream cast, have had a very positive reaction and am now lucky enough to be talking to some of my favourite British actors working today.

What advice would you give independent and aspiring filmmakers looking to pursue a career in film and media?

Learn everything you can about filmmaking and filmmakers. I've heard film-school is great for some people, but there's a lot of great literature out there too, and no better way to learn than by doing. It's never been easier to make a great looking film, so use every tool at your disposal to get really, really good at telling stories. And watch films. Lots and lots and lots of films. 

What does the future of independent filmmaking look like? 

I don't know. I don't think anyone really does. Cinema is in a state of flux, which means the possibilities are endless. Look at all the different paths that have already been established. The future is for the taking. However this doesn't necessarily end well. So it's important that people with real passion and knowledge of the form lead the way. And there are a lot of people with passion and knowledge and ideas out there. But as old gives way to new, there's always potential for compromise, and I think this is where the pitfalls lie. Cinema can be transformative, and I see it could transform into something much more relevant, powerful and positive for this new age we live in. I only hope we get to see that happen.

Apocalypse Nerd: The Movie