Interview with Bob Michelucci, "Scope Zombie" from

Dawn of the Dead.

Conducted on July, 16 2006.

How did you first get involved in Dawn of the Dead?

My publishing office (QUESTAR magazine) was on the first floor of the same building that Romero's [office] was in. He was on the fifth floor. I met Tom Savini in 1977 when I wrote and published THE COLLECTORS GUIDE TO MONSTER MAGAZINES and we built a friendship. He introduced me to George and his crew and I was asked, along with my entire staff if we would like to be zombie extras in a film they were currently working on. Naturally, we all agreed. I was given a close up as I knew George and Tom.

Were you familiar with Night of the Living Dead Prior?

I was familiar with NOTLD as I did interviews with many cast and crew members for an article in QUESTAR (Later I published THE COMPLETE NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD FILMBOOK).

Did you have any reservations about playing a zombie?

Absolutely NO reservations, rather looked forward to it.

What was a typical night like for you on the set of Dawn?

A typical night was showing up at the Monroeville Mall around 8PM and going to the large room that housed all of the extras. There were literally hundreds of zombies being made up. Most of us used our own clothes. There were different areas for regular zombies and "special" zombies that would also need either prosthetics or squibs placed before filming. Shooting couldn't begin until after the mall closed and was emptied out of all shoppers and employees so that usually didn't start until at least 10PM. The nights were long. I remember waiting from 9PM until almost 7AM before we finally shot my "scope" scene.

What was it like working with Savini?

Working with Tom was fun as we knew each other as friends. He was very busy though, along with his make up and special effects crew plus he was also acting in the film and doing stunts!

What did you think about the zombies appearance?

I think the make up was groundbreaking for the time. I still like the use of mostly make up vs. the appliances now used. remember, these are "recently" dead  folk, not monsters.

What was it like working with George Romero?

Again, working with George was easy. He is so easy going and so was Mike Gornick, his cinematographer. As for direction for the scene, very little. I remember George just telling me that when I hear the sound of the gun to just drop. Now, as I hear action, I realize that he didn't tell me how? Where? Forward? To the Side??? Turns out it didn't matter as it was a close up.

When your death scene was filmed, how was the scope effect achieved?

The scene was shot very simply. I was actually standing in front of Equibank and had a blood squib attached to my hair electronically to a box. When "action" was called, I was to listen for the gunshot sound (Electronically made and later dubbed into the film). At that point, the squib would be electronically exploded and I drop to the floor. The scope crosshairs were also placed into the film post production.

We've heard rumors of zombie extras partying a little too hard before coming to the set.  Did you ever witness anything like that?

Never saw any rowdy activity when I was on the set.

How did you think the film would turn out?

Wasn't sure at the time we filmed, but was pleasantly pleased and disgusted by some of the gore when I saw the finished product. It was a real shocker at the time. Remember, it was released un-rated as it was going to receive an X rating which would have killed it at the time.

What was your initial reaction upon seeing the film theatrically?  Did you attend the premier?

I did attend the premiere, I also produced the DAWN OF THE DEAD FILMBOOK. It was fun as the audience was primarily those of us in the film so even though it was tense and gory, most people were applauding and laughing at themselves or their friends.

Who came up with the design for the cover art for the Dawn home video release? Was there a separate photo shoot of Reiniger?

I did that cover art design that was based on the poster-book. I used three separate photos that were airbrushed to give the appearance of him rising. We then superimposed a sunrise photo into the background.

Have you seen the film recently, and/or own the DVD?

Not recently, I saw the new version with my daughter and wasn't impressed. I like the original much better. Ain't broke...don't fix it! I do own a copy in both VHS and DVD.

Do you ever get spotted in public/attend conventions?

Not too much in public although many people know I was in the film. I have been at several conventions signing photos and other Dawn memorabilia. It's fun.