CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait – The veterans, turned producers, of the movie Range 15, always intended their over-the-top zombie comedy for a military-centric audience. But, playing the film for military personnel in combat zones and forward operating bases has a special meaning for the crew.
“It was always our plan to go out to show this movie for the military community overseas,” said Nick Palmisciano, a Range 15 actor and producer, who spent six years in the Army as an infantry officer. “We started in April and we are finally here.”
More than 200 people filled the MWR Theater June 15 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait for two separate screenings of Range 15, a movie that followed the veteran actors as they wake up one morning to find a zombie apocalypse upon them.
Former Army Ranger Matt Best and Air Force veteran, Jarred “J.T.” Taylor, of Article 15 Clothing and Palmisciano, the CEO of Ranger Up Military Apparel, have been touring with Armed Forces Entertainment in Iraq, Kuwait and the Horn of Africa to screen their movie.
The actors’ military apparel companies combined to fund and film during the last year. This was a long-term goal for both companies, who have both built viral audiences in the Armed Forces and police communities through social media.
Palmisciano said big studios typically only want films about “post-traumatic stress disorder” or “over-the-top hero stuff.” He added that creating a film featuring veteran actors poking fun of military culture is a nearly impossible proposition without self-funding.
“We wanted to make something that is actually the way we act, actually the way we talk and a comedy – because people don’t think of veterans as funny,” he said.
The movie initially aimed to raise about $350,000 through a crowdfunding website. After nine rounds of funding, the movie had generated more than $1.2 million from more than 10,000 contributors.
The bigger budget allowed for the signing of stars like Star Trek legend, William Shatner and actor, Danny Trejo.
The movie also had appearances from Medal of Honor recipients Dakota Meyer and Leroy Petry, as well as cameos of decorated veterans that combined for a Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, more than 30 Bronze Stars and more than 30 Purple Hearts.
About 75 percent of the cast and crew were military veterans.
Taylor said one of the biggest challenges was not acting, but living up to the veterans who supported their film.
“That was a huge piece over our heads from day one, because the military community blessed us with $1.2 million, there is no messing this up,” Taylor said. “We cannot quit and put out a bad product.”