Picture this: The world as we know it has ended. Zombies and aliens terrorize humans lucky enough to have survived the apocalypse. In New Missoula, a diverse yet tight-knit group of survivors hide away at their tenuous shelter until Chef John, who dreams of sharing his love of food, uploads his cooking show to the internet, inadvertently disclosing their secret location. So begins “Cuisine de la ‘Pocalypse,” the action-packed new movie peppered with dark humor that was filmed in the Bitterroot Valley and written, produced, and directed by Montana’s own Kyle Weingart.
Kyle explains that in basic terms “Cuisine de la ‘Pocalypse” is a post-apocalyptic comedy about a cooking show that has the potential to save the world, but “the core of the story is that you can’t let something like the apocalypse get in the way of following your dreams,” he says.
Kyle grew up in Frenchtown and now lives in Hamilton with his wife Zuzu and three children. After high school, he attended film school at the University of Montana. “I have always been writing, telling stories, and trying to do something big,” he says. “I’m sure my high school teachers wouldn’t be surprised to hear that film is the profession I chose.”
Since graduating, Kyle has assisted with other movies and television shows while tirelessly working on his own dream project. “I would say if there was one moment that gave me the spark to start producing my own films, it was when I met with a successful director/writer who told me if I want to make something different, I was going to have to do it on my own. I did, and was finally able to see my characters go from script to screen.”
Among writer, producer, and director, Kyle relishes the role of director the most. “I feel like directing is my strength and I enjoy the fast-problem-solving aspect of it,” he says. He also relishes that as both director and writer, he can bring his own words from page to screen. “I’m always considering how it will be filmed when I’m writing.”
Kyle wrote the screenplay for “Cuisine” but he is quick to say that Zuzu was instrumental in the entire process, offering suggestions and helping him work through his thoughts. “I couldn’t have done it without Zuzu. We’re partners in business and in life,” says Kyle. Zuzu also filled out the paperwork needed to secure a $50,000 grant through the Montana Film Office, which they combined with funds from investor Michael Burks.
Loyalty is important to Kyle, so everyone who had a hand in the original concept for the movie got to be in it, including his friend Nelo Butler. “We came up with this idea together so there was no world where we’re going to make the movie and cast someone else. He created his character,” says Kyle. Aside from Nelo and Zuzu, the main part of the cast consisted of people who believed in the project from the start. It didn’t hurt that they are all a talented bunch.
One of the few members of the cast that Kyle didn’t have a history with was veteran action-star Kevin Sorbo. A producer on the film had a connection with him, but the only part Kyle felt he could fit was Officer Joe, a role originally written for Kyle’s friend Joe McNeal. “I asked Joe how he felt about Kevin stepping in and he laughed saying, ‘Listen, if you can get Kevin Sorbo to play that part, I would gladly step back,’” says Kyle. Sorbo’s son Braeden is also in the movie. “People think he was cast because of who he was, but that’s not the case,” says Kyle. “The film is such a family affair to me. I know what kind of energy that feeling of family can bring so I knew I wanted to cast him, and I’m so glad I did.”
Despite the challenges of shooting a movie entirely in Montana, like working around the ever-changing weather, Kyle is passionate about filming here. “The film crew in Montana is amazing,” he says. “You’ll get ten times the dollar amount for your budget because people will work hard, and they’ll do it with a smile on their face.” Being a local also has benefits. “I grew up here, so I have a lot of connections. If you’re respectful and set reasonable expectations, locals are excited to be involved in helping you film a movie. We’ve found support from the community that we never would have found elsewhere,” says Kyle.
Kyle’s and Zuzu’s next project is a film entitled Counting to 1,000. Whereas “Cuisine” has robots and motion capture, this will be a more emotional and intimate film. The genre is different but the core message of following your dreams is the same. “When I make a movie, it’s always going to be something a little ridiculous and a lot of fun,” says Kyle. “I want to make sure there are multiple moments to make you laugh, make you cry, and make you want to stand up and cheer. I feel like “Cuisine” has that. To be able to come out and make a feature this big with Zuzu and my friends, and actors like Kevin Sorbo, it’s been a total dream come true.”
Look for the release of “Cuisine de la ‘Pocalypse” at theaters across Montana in February. For updates, visit cuisinedelapocalypse.com.
“I feel like directing is my strength and I enjoy the fast-problem-solving aspect of it."
What's Been Said
"Montana Filmmakers created an ode to '90s cinema in a new film starring Kevin Sorbo, Natasha Leggero, and Emilio Rivera. Cuisine de la ‘Pocalypse is inspired by Mel Brooks, Monty Python, and a love for not taking anything (even the apocalypse) too seriously."
"Cuisine de la ‘Pocalypse is a film about a chef refusing to give up on his culinary dreams, even in the apocalypse. It’s a wacky take on the hero's journey that will make you feel like you've just rented a VHS from Blockbuster, cracked open a pop, and are about to kick back with your old gang."