In the Valley of the Shadow of Death is a gripping zombie film that marked our second venture into filmmaking. Created as an entry for the DVXuser Zombiefest, it was produced under some of the most challenging conditions imaginable. With over 80 filmmakers competing, our goal was to make a bold impression with a compelling script and innovative visuals, drawing inspiration from classic zombie films like those of George Romero. Set during a global zombie apocalypse, the story follows two sisters as they struggle to survive while trapped in a broken-down car, surrounded by the undead.

The production process, however, was anything but smooth. From last-minute location troubles and actor health scares to equipment issues, we faced setbacks at nearly every turn. One of our lead actors fainted on set, our audio equipment malfunctioned, and we even had to improvise a major scene inside a garage to simulate a nighttime car ride. Despite the chaos, we managed to capture some incredible shots, and the dedication of the cast and crew made it all possible. The surreal visual style and heavy use of post-production effects, including rotoscoping and ADR, added to the eerie atmosphere of the film.

While In the Valley didn’t claim victory at Zombiefest, it was a tremendous learning experience for us as filmmakers. The project taught us invaluable lessons about problem-solving, post-production, and working under pressure. In the end, the film stands as a testament to our creative drive and passion for storytelling, setting the stage for our next project, Curse of Emily, which showcases our refined techniques and a more cinematic vision..

As told by Derek Johnson, Director

In The Valley of the Shadow of Death