BIOHAZARD 2 TV-CM was created as a live-action film for two reasons: to better catch the attention of casual gamers,[1][excerpt 1] and to serve as preliminary research into the viability of a live-action Resident Evil film. Wanting a similar quality of makeup, cinematography, and directing as would be seen in a feature-length film, Capcom financed the short with a considerably larger budget than expected for a film of its length. American film director George A. Romero, famous for his Dead series of Zombie horror films, directed the short. The commercial lasted 30 seconds, with a 15-second cut also produced.[2]
Capcom manager Keiji Inafune was tasked with producing the film, and worked alongside Eiichi Yaji, of the Japanese advertisement agency Asatsu-DK. They flew to Los Angeles from Japan on September 27 to oversee production.[3] The two wanted the commercial to rely on location shooting and props worthy of a feature-length horror film, and notable professionals were added to the crew, such as Screaming Mad George, veteran special effects artist of such films as Predator and A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 4: The Dream Master. Consequently, the film cost $1.5 million to finance, which not only made it Capcom's most expensive commercial at the time but also more expensive than the game itself.[2]
Casting[]
The main cast consisted of actor Brad Renfro playing the part of Leon S. Kennedy, and Adrienne Frantz as Claire Redfield. Renfro was cast due to his popularity among young women,[1] and received top billing. To get Renfro on the project, the producers had to agree to his agent's demands it not be shown outside of Japan.[2] A number of special effects designers such as Bob Miller and Michael Deak also cameoed as Zombies.
Props[]
A $4000 wig was provided for actress Adrienne Frantz, which had to be modified at a further cost of $700 when it was found to be too long.[4]
Prosthetics were made by Screaming Mad George. George was under orders not to show blood and, as a result, he opted to have brown stains on the Zombie masks and costumes instead to give the suggestion of dried blood.[4]