‘Employee of the Dead’ Adds Nick Helm as Crowdfunding Launches

Nearly two decades after a secretly filmed supermarket zombie short became an unexpected cult favourite, Employee of the Dead is taking its next step towards the big screen. The long-gestating comedy horror has launched its Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign while confirming BAFTA-nominated comedian and actor Nick Helm as the latest addition to its growing cast.

Helm, best known for BBC Three’s Uncle and Nick Helm’s Heavy Entertainment, will play Joe Miotti, as well as Rik Venger in the film-within-the-film that sits at the heart of the project. His casting accompanies the public launch of the campaign, with production on the feature expected to begin in spring 2027.

Written and developed by filmmakers Aaron Truss and Joe Acres, Employee of the Dead draws inspiration from real events in 2008, when the pair, alongside Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince actor Rob Knox, secretly filmed a no-budget zombie short inside their local Sainsbury’s store without management’s knowledge. The short gained lasting attention after becoming Knox’s final screen appearance before he was tragically killed in a knife attack just weeks later.

The feature expands that premise into a fictional story centred on a frustrated supermarket employee who secretly shoots a zombie film during overnight shifts with the help of his sister and colleagues, risking both his job and personal relationships in pursuit of becoming a filmmaker.

The cast is led by Dani Harmer, whose portrayal of Tracy Beaker made her one of British children’s television’s most recognisable faces. She is joined by Ellie Raé Winstone in her feature film debut, with Joe Acres also appearing on screen.

Speaking about the screenplay, Harmer said: “The script is just awesome, it made me laugh, it made me cry in parts and who doesn’t want to attack some zombies? I know horror fans are going to absolutely devour this!”

Behind the camera, the production has also attracted several familiar names from the genre community. Doghouse director Jake West has supported the project, while Hellraiser actor Nicholas Vince, stunt coordinator Pete Pedrero, composer Simon Boswell and cinematographer Vince Knight are all attached. Knight’s recent work includes Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey and Pinocchio Unstrung.

Truss described the journey from the original short to the feature as something far beyond what the filmmakers had imagined. “Now, almost twenty years after a bunch of kids took over a Sainsbury’s in Chislehurst to make a zombie movie, here I am approaching forty and doing it all over again but with a bunch of absolute legends,” he said.

The film will also pay tribute to Rob Knox by making him a central character in the story, portrayed by Detectorists actor Paul Casar. According to the filmmakers, the decision was made with the blessing of Knox’s parents, Sally Holder and Colin Knox, as a way of recognising his passion for independent filmmaking and the influence he continues to have on the project.

The Indiegogo campaign offers supporters a range of rewards, including digital and Blu-ray copies of the completed film, signed memorabilia, on-screen credit, set visits, personalised cast videos and producer credits. Funds raised will contribute towards locations, cast, costumes, visual effects, props and production costs ahead of filming next year.

The Employee of the Dead crowdfunding campaign is live now through Indiegogo, with production scheduled to begin in spring 2027. Fans can also sign up to the project’s newsletter to receive exclusive updates and a video message from stars Dani Harmer and Joe Acres.

Find out more about the campaign and join the team here: indiegogo.com/en/projects/q-cumber-films/employee-of-the-dead

Employee of the Dead teaser trailer

Horror trailers