Production has begun on “holySmoke,” the post-apocalyptic horror film starring Will Yun Lee (“The Odyssey”), Don Benjamin (“HIM”) and digital creator Adam Waheed.
Rounding out the cast are Terrence J. (“Think Like A Man”), Alexis Knapp (“Pitch Perfect) and Yancey Arias (“Queen of the South”). Filming is taking place in Winnipeg, Canada, with additional locations in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Kat Bloom and Lycee Anaya of Vault Studios are spearheading VFX.
The official description of the film states, “‘holySmoke’ unfolds in the underbelly of Chicago after a viral outbreak throws the city into chaos. A mismatched group of survivors – led by an ex-soldier (Arias), a brilliant epidemiologist (Lee), an unconventional food courier (Waheed.), a by-the-book firefighter (Knapp) and an eccentric stoner scientist (Benjamin), are tasked with neutralizing the threat and making sure the disease does not spread outside of Chicago.”
Helmed by Rhyan LaMarr, “holySmoke” will explore themes of horror, faith and fire. Braxten Smith will co-write the film and Lee J. Buckley will serve as its cinematographer. The production is utilizing support from the Manitoba Film and Music Rebate Program.
“With ‘holySmoke,’ we’re looking to examine what happens when science fails, community fractures and faith is all that remains,” LaMarr said in a statement. “This film will speak to the passionate believer, those wrestling with doubt, and anyone caught in between.”
Benjamin added, “This isn’t a faith-based film, but it’s absolutely spiritual. It’s raw, it’s gritty, and it challenges how we look at survival, community and what we put our faith in when the world is falling apart.”
“holySmoke” is seeking global brand partners, with distribution spearheaded by Marvin Neil of Inaugural Entertainment under the Relativity Media banner. Executive producers on the title include Benjamin, LaMarr, Jaron Marquis, Greg Carter, Camille Janiffa Bradshaw, Krish Sidhu, Juliette Hagopian, Dee Dryden, Jalene Mack, Michael Owens, James McFadden and Chris Stokes.
Lee is represented by Buchwald and Felker Toczek Suddleson McGinnis Ryan LLP. Benjamin is represented by Momentum Talent Agency and Venture Entertainment Partners. Terrence J. is represented by WME and Yaneley Arty.
Knapp by Elevate Artist Management and Wonder Street. Arias by Global Artists Agency and Luber Roklin. Adam Waheed. by Made By All. LaMarr by A3 Artists Agency.
