Making a movie? It's not a frathouse initiation — it's work

You know you have a cool movie set when you get to use "zesty mint- flavored" fake blood.

Really, it says that right on the bottle, and it's what we used as we went into production last month in Wichita on my third feature-length movie, the Native American-themed zombie comedy " The Dead Can't Dance." How's that for a niche?

It's been a long, wonderful, exhausting, daunting, crazy, incredible journey so far. We're more than halfway through principal photography, and hope to be wrapped by the end of August.

I wrote the script in late 2007, polished it throughout last year, and began preproduction in January.

Eventually, I assembled a cast and crew, using family, friends and people who were willing to work for bread crumbs — literally. Food is about the only payment the crew gets. Most want to be involved simply to get film credit. And everyone has been amazing.

We had hoped to start shooting in April — until that became one of the rainiest Aprils ever and we had to postpone. But that allowed us to do more preproduction work.

Through the assistance and support of many individuals, we were finally able to start the shoot on June 6 at the Independent School (we were there for 10 straight days). The first couple of days included a small group of student filmmakers from the Wichita Association for the Motion Picture Arts on set. They jumped right in, head-first.

We all did, really. In addition to producing and directing, I was also playing the lead character, a lot to tackle since this project was much bigger in scope than my previous efforts — and the ulcer I was probably developing was proof. The level of antacids in my system would have disintegrated a battery factory.

Organizing the production has been overwhelming yet exhilarating. "The Dead Can't Dance" includes makeup special effects, numerous locations and a huge zombie cast. We've so far used more than 125 people as zombie extras — 70 in one day.

The support for the film has been staggering, more than I ever expected. People have helped in many ways. Some have endured lots of waiting and very long hours (the key crew has sometimes pulled 14- and 16-hour days).

Everyone is getting a crash course in the reality of filmmaking, through its highs and lows.

Here are a few things I have learned and can share with those who hope to make a film with little resources, but lots of ambition:

* Surround yourself with positive energy —I'm very lucky to have talented, supportive family and friends as cast and crew, who not only want to be involved, but also want to do a good job.

* It's not a party —I'm amazed at how many people think making movies is the equivalent of a frathouse initiation. There may be just as much sweat involved, but people quickly find out the amount of dedication, passion and sheer physical endurance it all takes. The ones who aren't up for it disappear quickly. Filmmaking isn't for wimps.

* Do what you would ask of your crew —I've lugged equipment upstairs, rewritten schedules, finalized shot lists, run to the store for batteries and mopped up fake blood, all with very little sleep. And last Sunday, I spent the day running through a grassy field and falling down for my scenes. An action hero I am not. But if you don't sacrifice, no one else will.

* Delegate and trust —I have a great director of photography (Jerod Cantu), who I trust to get fantastic footage, especially when I am acting in a scene. It's the first time we've collaborated on a project, but we've developed a great working relationship. That's crucial.

My key crew, which includes assistant directors Brandon Blaylock and Craig Ainsworth, have pulled off what crews three times their size accomplish. They are superhuman. And I'm grateful.

* Stay energized —Now we just have to keep on doing what we're doing — moving forward.

Hopefully, fate will keep lending a hand, because there's no turning back.

The zombie finish line is just ahead. And you know what that means.

Brains!