Having been selected for a screening at the UK's most prestigious horror film festival FrightFest in London, it is currently out on release and winning fans across the country.

To coincide with the release, Pioneer talked with one of stars of the film, Russell Jones about working with zombies.

The Zombie Diaries is a shockingly realistic documentary style horror boasting incredibly authentic special effects and make-up.

What is thought to be a simple bird flu scare ends up being a deadly virus, which not only kills its victims, but brings them back from the dead in the form of flesh hungry zombies.

Through three documented accounts, we learn the true horrors people will endure in their bid for survival in the midst of the zombie plague.

Writers, directors and producers of the film Michael Bartlett and Kevin Gates use a cinéma vérité style of film-making to blend fictional horror with gritty realism: 28 Days Later meets The Blair Witch Project.

Despite showing numerous moments of zombie attacks, it is what you don't see that makes the film so effective.

Former Ysgol Creuddyn pupil and Penrhyn Bay resident Russell plays the ambiguous character Goke who has plenty of run-ins with the undead.

"I'm not a huge horror fan like the directors," said Russell. "But the film wasn't just about the horror factor."

After first tasting fame in Llandudno's Youth Music Theatre, Russell went on to study at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth where he achieved a degree in Film, Theatre and Television. From there he continued his training at the Method Studio in London and has had roles in Casualty and S4C programme Tipyn o Stad.

But this is the first time he has worked with zombies.

"It is strange, but you can't think about it. It does take a bit of work though," said Russell. "It's quite a hard slog shooting for 14 hours a day as well, but it's always interesting to play someone who is very different from you."

In usual independent style, funding was a factor for the film; but the confident helmers kept the shoot going with few hiccups.

"The directors never let us feel the pressure. People could feel they are losing control. No matter how big the budget that can happen, but they were great.

"It's an independent film so every hour was essential for cost. There was a real sense of camaraderie of everyone clubbing together."

The film was officially screened in London's Lancaster Square to a crowd of zombies, and was well received.

"You'll generally have people who like it and those who don't," admitted Russell. "You're going to have to decide where you are going to pitch from. Some people are going to be disappointed and want more gore.