It’s that time of the year when some very fun movies will be coming to the big screen and straight to DVD. One of my favorites is Abraham Lincoln Vs. Zombies. It’s a movie set in the 1800′s during the Civil War. Union and Confederate soldiers are fighting more than just each other for the future of the country in this movie. They’re fighting zombies under the guidance of the 16th President of the United States. One of the key characters in the movie is Pat Garrett. He’s brilliantly played by Atlanta based actor Christopher Marrone (Twitter: @crmarrone). The Insite did a Q&A with the rising star and here’s what he had to say about the role in the fun science fiction movie that’s being released on DVD this week:
The Insite: What can sci-fi and zombie fans expect in Abraham Lincoln versus Zombies?
C Marrone: Sci-fi and Zombie fans can expect a nice “alternate history” storyline, with an amazing ending and a heck of a lot of Zombies. There are a lot of zombies in this film, that not many of the viewers will get to see and so many wonderful people came out to portray these zombies which was amazing to see. There is a bit of stretch to include certain historical characters into the storyline but it works out well if the viewer can stretch their imagination…which I think should be possible with a ZOMBIE movie haha.
The Insite: How will you distinguish your production from the soon to be released Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter?
C Marrone: I think the initial reviews and overall acceptance to our film, Abraham Lincoln vs Zombies, speaks for itself. Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter is a Big Budget film and I am sure it will be a great film, the director at the helm of that movie, directed one of my favorite films: “Wanted.” With our cast and crew, we knew what we were up against and knew the challenge of a much lower budgeted film and we executed it well in my opinion. My hats are off to everyone in front of the camera and ESPECIALLY everyone behind the camera.
The Insite: What role did you play in the film and how did you prepare for the role?
C Marrone: I played the role of Pat Garrett, as we all know he is famous for the supposed killing of Billy the Kid. Prior to filming there was a lot of research done for who Garrett was but since Lincoln vs Zombies took place before all his notoriety, it allowed me to put my own take on Garrett’s younger years. The hardest part was maintaining the southern accent I gave Garret. Keeping it the same, meant I had to keep it off camera as well, that was my biggest challenge as my accent would change randomly as I was hanging out with people on set haha they all got use to it.
The Insite: What will be the big selling point of this film to movie lovers around the country?
C Marrone: I think the fact that we were able to make an 1850s action period piece with Zombies in it for around 150k give or take, speaks volumes for what the cast and crew created. This is a fun film! Its a Horror Action Thriller so no one should expect something other than an awesome perfomance by Bill Oberts Jr. as Lincoln and a great amount of zombie heads flying Zombie lovers all over the world will hopefully enjoy this film and enjoy seeing Good Ole’ Abe kicking more then just Vampire ass
The Insite: Would you describe making AL Vs. Zombies a lot of hard work or lots of fun?
C Marrone: Every day on that set was a blast. It was tough and there were a few days that were the lowest but it comes that way with any production.Richard Schenkman (Director) had a lot of pressure that I didn’t know about and I am sure most of the cast did not, but during that time he was still able to work with us and get us to bring the story to life. I made some life long friends on that set and those friendships have carried into my everyday life. I enjoyed working with everyone and would do it again. I wouldn’t have got the opportunity if a certain casting director, Darla Clarkson, wasn’t a fan of mine, so I’m definitely thankful for her. One of my great friends today, Ron Ogden, him and I have continued to work together on our own projects and plan even more in the future. Here is a link to a short sketch we both created, after filming was over for Lincoln vs Zombies.(Baby Norman and Sean Freeland both fellow friends and cast mates from Lincoln vs Zombies are in this sketch) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjD9gnnYiCk
The Insite: What is your next movie project?
C Marrone: Currently I have a couple films lined up, One is a film that is based on the most law enforcement officer killings in American, done by the Young brothers (referred to as the young brothers massacre) the film is entitled “Come On In We’re Dead” and I am signed on as one of the Young brothers. Also there is another horror film, The Silent Darkness, that’s on my plate which begins filming later this year which I am excited about. Also a couple projects that I can’t say much about but once its set in stone and I can speak on it, You will be the first to know
The Insite: How did you catch the acting bug?
C Marrone: Both my Mother and Father were actors, they first met each other working on an Off-Broadway production in New York…so you could say its in my genes. I always wanted to get involved with film in whichever way possible, just wanted to work within my dream. However, the moment that solidified me to commit to acting was when: I use to play college football and right after my time was done playing, one of my Coaches called me up. He said “Hey Chris, I have this casting person calling me looking for football players who can act, I know you have wanted to get into film, would you want to do it?” I was like “Sure, I’ll go for it.” I ended up auditioning for this film, “Field of Vision” and it was my first REAL audition for a very big time casting director, Shay Griffin, I was the first one there and the first one in. I walked into that audition and I don’t know what it was but Shay to a liking to me, she could have turned me away as there were about 50 more people waiting outside to audition but she didn’t. Shay worked with me for an close to an hour, giving me other scenes to prepare for and had me do it deliver the lines differently. When I got done and was leaving, she looked at me and said, “Chris you have a natural talent to you, you should keep this up, I think you will do very well in this business.” I did get a principal role in the film and ever since then I have kept going at it headstrong, it was a huge blessing that I thank God everyday for that happening. With the support of my family, my friends, my girlfriend and my mentor Patrick ‘P-nut’ Monroe, who have all played a vital role into my “somewhat of success” I have so far. I am beyond thankful for each of them and know the future is bright as long as I keep myself surrounded by them.
The Insite: When can Houston fans expect to see you in the Bayou City?
C Marrone: I have not been to Houston yet but I would love to go. I am currently looking at some flights right now so maybe sooner than you think…Bayou City Look Out!
Zombie lovers all over the world will hopefully enjoy this film and enjoy seeing Good Ole’ Abe kicking more then just Vampire ass 
