"Operation Z" is a 12-part series that prepares citizens for the devastation that could befall us. The first two volumes, focused on firearms training, will be unveiled at a launch party Friday night at the Soapbox in downtown Wilmington.
While a horde of undead brain-suckers may never roam the streets of the Port City, Smith uses the zombie as a metaphor to heighten an interest in preparation.
Smith got his start working on films and TV series in Wilmington. He then started Legion Productions, which produced shows such as "Top Sniper," "Top Sniper II," "Modern Sniper" and "Sniper Comp."
Have you noticed a theme?
In the first volume of "Operation Z," Smith takes five untrained citizens (a school teacher, a professional single mom and a college student among them) and puts them through a course with firearms expert Chris Costa.
The unscripted format allows participants to ask questions that other untrained citizens might have.
Future volumes of "Operation Z" will cover emergency medical training and explore some emergency situations in which government agencies might not be available to provide immediate help.
"Wilmington is not going to be a federal government priority in the event of a national emergency," Smith said.
As desperation sets in, and with limited resources available to help, survival instincts motivate everyday citizens.
"If this sort of thing were to happen, when people have their backs against the wall, they come up with ingenious ideas," Smith said.
