NMFO Announces Production "Kidz at Play" Wraps Filming in Albuquerque

Michelle Lujan Grisham

Governor

Rob Black

Cabinet Secretary-Designate

Steve Graham

Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 18, 2024

Contact: Dolores Martinez

dolores.martinez@nmfilm.com

"Kidz at Play" Bites into New Mexico's Film Scene

Short film by local filmmakers finds comedy in parenting

Albuquerque, NM — Forget playgrounds and swing sets. The short film, “Kidz at Play,” takes parenting to a whole new level in a post-apocalyptic world. This darkly comedic horror, which recently wrapped production in Albuquerque, explores the lengths a mother will go to protect her "unique" children—who happen to be zombies.

Director Brent Peterson ("Angelito") and producer Crystal Thomas ("Made for Her") bring a fresh perspective to the zombie genre, blending horror with heartwarming family dynamics. The film stars Vic Browder ("Rez Ball"), Arianne Martin ("Fancy Dance"), and Thomas herself ("The Stress is Killing Me").

“Parenting is a hard job, so I like to find ways to have fun while pouring my love into my family and to make sure I don't lose too much of myself along the way,” Thomas said. “’Kidz at Play’ is a satire that pokes fun at our experiences as parents and our place in society by using zombies as our little ‘monsters’ that we love so much and would ruin

the world for, if need be.

But "Kidz at Play" isn't just about flesh-eating monsters. It's a testament to New Mexico's thriving film community. The production showcases the state's raw beauty and the talent of its crew, with 16 New Mexico crew members, 8 principal actors, and 8 background actors contributing their skills. Even the makeup artists got in on the action, creating unique and heartwarming zombie looks.

"New Mexico is committed to building a sustainable film industry, and that means empowering our local filmmakers as well as those from out of state," Steve Graham, Director of the New Mexico Film Office, said . "'Kidz at Play' is a fantastic example of homegrown talent shining bright. By using the incentives to produce here at home, projects like this build our above-the-line talent and grow a more robust film community in New Mexico."

For more information, contact runningwolftalent@gmail.com

###