Keven Meets The Zombies of THE WALKING DEAD: Part 7

EXCLUSIVE: Danny Capes is going to partake in some zombie shenanigans when AMC's The Walking Dead premieres this Halloween; check out what he had to say about the show and watch him ghoul it up some more in a new music video by the band Skeletonwitch.

When Capes isn't working as an extra you could probably get a hold of him when he's booking various musical such as Peabo Bryson and his newest R&B artist Keci whom you can check out here. Check out his website at www.myoldiesbutgoodiesbands.com

Keven: What prompted you to try out as an extra for The Walking Dead as a zombie?

Danny: I sent in my photo and me being as little as I am they responded right back with an e-mail stating I was chosen as one of the core 150 zombies. I felt it a privilege to be asked to go to zombie school to become a zombie for the new upcoming TV Series, The Walking Dead and still feel that today. It was a privilege to work with such a talented group of individuals.

Keven: What was it like working in a shut-down street in Atlanta - it must have been creepy to see it look so devastated - did any regular people not involved with the production catch a glimpse of you in zombie mode?

Danny: Yes, it was wild working on the deserted downtown streets of Atlanta. They made it looks so real, that the end had come, it still is kind of unreal. Yes, some people saw us from their apartment buildings and also when we would walk from the set back to our first holding spot of the day. It was actually funny, walking through Woodruff Park at like 5 in the afternoon on a Saturday and seeing everyone’s expressions.

Keven: Did you get to meet or speak with any of the other actors who played the still living or did you mostly converse with the other zombies?

Danny: I did converse with Rick (Andrew Lincoln) a couple of times when we was shooting the pilot. But, for the most part, I mainly conversed with the other zombies. Which are all great also.

Keven: Can you describe the scene you were in so viewers can get an idea of where to watch for you?

Danny: I am in the pilot episode but am a featured zombie in episode number #4. Per our signed confidentiality agreements, I cannot go into specifics. But, just look for the skinny little Caucasian dude wearing a long sleeve shirt. Don’t bleak you might miss me. (laughing)

Keven: Did you get to meet Greg Nicotero? What was the makeup process like for you and was it tough to act under all that grotesque stuff in the heat?

Danny: I did get to meet Greg and on the day that I was best made-up, he was the one that did it. He is a great guy. I felt that that day I was his special project. The make-up process was about an hour to an hour and a half. It was very interesting, as I thought I would have never put stuff like that on my face before but it turned out great. As for the heat…………me, my heart condition, and the extreme summer heat did not mix well at all. But, I made it through just fine. I think there were days they knew it was going to be super hot and would not call me in. Which I thank was very thoughtful on their part.

Keven: How do you get into the mind of a zombie and act like such a monster? What's the most difficult part in playing a re-animated dead person?

Danny: Please, you do not want to get into this mind at all. (laughing) But, when they say action, you just do what you are told and was taught in zombie school.

The most difficult part of being a re-animated dead person is the walking itself.

Keven: Are you a fan of any type of horror film in particular and do you draw inspiration from anyone or film in particular when you transform yourself into the undead?

Danny: I am a big fan of the Saw movies. I draw inspiration from within and from my higher power. I have been through a lot in my lifetime with health issues and probably will have to have another new aortic valve put in by years end.

Capes described another appearance in which he actually passed out while working as an extra in the film Hall Pass before his stint as a zombie in TWD. "I was sitting at the bar during a break from shooting at the bar and I laid my head on my hand and went dead asleep. Then, when they started back filming Owen Wilson’s’ co-star John S. nudged the director and pointed to me and they filmed the whole thing. So, when the movie comes out I am the drunk past out at the bar," said Capes.

Keven: Do you think you're going to be typecast now in these kind of 'horror' themed roles? Is that ok with you and what kind of roles would you like to get in the future?

Danny: Yes, I kind of feel like I am being typecast in these “horror” roles but that is fine with me. I think it is mainly because of my little size (5’6” and 100 pounds). But, work is work. Like I said, I would be fine in doing some more horror movies/videos in the future.

Keven: You also mentioned you were filming a music video for Skeletonwitch - which is a band that I actually enjoy personally, how did you land that job?

Danny: Totally by fate. I had done for copy and credit a movie, Tell-Tale Heart and the special effects artist on that movie helped the director of the music video in casting me as one of the lead zombies in the music video. He has gone on to cast me as a lead zombie in the Atlanta Zombie Apocalypse for the whole month of October. More information on the attraction can be found at www.atlantazombieapocalypse.com. Please come down and get the crap scared out of you.

Check out Danny Capes in Skeletonwitch's video for "Bringers of Death" right here:

In case you missed it, here's Part 6 of my 'Meet the Zombies' series: Interview with Addy Miller.