Photoplayer Hater

For the most part I encourage actors to get ideas for interesting acting choices from real life. When we play a character that has never existed in real life then we have no choice but to mimic and expand upon media portrayals alone. Elderly people in nursing home can seem like zombies, but there is no such thing in real life. Though they aren't real that doesn't mean they are no fun to play. Use your creativity to come up with a unique zombie with these general guidelines.

One Or More Limbs Don't Work

Zombies have been in the ground for a while and stuff doesn't work like it once did. You may have a limp or a bum arm, you may have a sprained ankle or a twisted neck. Your body will not work as it did when you were alive. Mostly what zombies do is walk and eat brains so that is your canvas: make a new type of zombies that walks and eat brains like we've never seen before.

Little Muscle Control

Along with limbs not working you will generally have difficulty controlling any part of your body. Your head may fall over a lot, you may fall over on your side often, or your hands may move in fits and starts but not smoothly. As you walk come up with a routine that will give your zombie a unique look. It's almost like dancing but in a much more subtle fashion, obviously. You will probably come up with a pattern of steps, head moves, arm swings with some improvisation in between depending on the terrain you encounter.

Tries To Talk, Can't

Most zombies have one thing on their mind and on the tip of their tongue: brains. Though many try to speak, you may be a more articulate zombie who doesn't just proclaim desires but also instructions to other zombies on the best strategy to attain brains. The problem is that you cannot speak. You can gurgle and choke but you will make no sounds that can be easily understood. So command the other zombies, but do so in a manner that mortals can't understand and use to undermine your intentions.

Not In A Hurry

It seems the consensus of zombie-dom is that they are not in a hurry. They already died, so really what's the rush? Take it easy and keep focused. You have little muscle control, no speaking voice, and broken limbs but luckily time is on your side. In fact the slower you go the more scary you look and the more likely a human you are pursuing will trip over a branch and make so many mistakes as they scramble to get up and reach the cabin where their rifle is that you will catch up to them and get you some brains.

This is just the way to not put together most characters but a holiday is coming up, so whatever. Mostly you want to observe real people doing real things in real situations and take interesting bits, but I have a soft spot for zombies.

Happy Halloween. Go get some brains.