
The Terrifying Make-Up Behind “28 Years Later” and How It’s Boosting North East England’s Film Future
The upcoming horror film 28 Years Later is already creating buzz—not just for its chilling storyline but for its equally terrifying makeup effects. For supermarket worker-turned-actress Laura Fulguzi, being transformed into one of Danny Boyle’s dreaded “Infected” was both thrilling and unnerving.
Laura, from Gosforth in Newcastle, was working a regular shift at Asda when she received the life-changing news—she’d been cast in the third installment of the cult zombie franchise. The experience, she recalls, was surreal: “I couldn’t tell anyone at first. I just had to carry on stacking shelves like nothing happened.”
Unrecognizable Under Makeup
Laura plays a Rage Virus victim—one of the terrifying “Infected” featured in the movie. The character’s appearance required such heavy and realistic makeup that she found herself spooked by her fellow actors. “The make-up was genuinely terrifying. Some people didn’t even recognize me once it was applied,” she said.
All extras, including Laura, received specific training to master the eerie, inhuman movements and guttural sounds of the “Infected.” The level of detail and realism in 28 Years Later promises fans of the franchise an unforgettable horror experience.
North East England: A Rising Star in Film Production
More than 80% of the movie was shot across stunning North East locations—Holy Island, Hexham, and Waskerley in County Durham among them. These scenic spots offered everything the production needed: historic castles, haunting countryside, and coastal backdrops all within a short drive.
Gayle Woodruffe from North East Screen praised the area’s cinematic versatility. “You can go from a vibrant city to a deserted beach or rolling hills in minutes. It’s a filmmaker’s dream,” she explained.
Hope for Local Talent and Tourism
For Laura and many others, 28 Years Later is more than just a movie—it’s a potential catalyst for the local creative industry. “Hopefully, this film leads to more opportunities for actors and crew from the North East,” she said.
Industry insiders also believe the film could boost tourism, drawing horror fans eager to visit the spooky settings showcased in the movie.
A Terrifying Transformation with Real-World Impact
As 28 Years Later gears up for release, it’s not just the horror and makeup grabbing attention. It’s also shining a spotlight on untapped regional talent and the scenic wonders of Northern England. With Laura Fulguzi’s journey from supermarket aisles to silver screens, the film is already proving to be a powerful vehicle for change.
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