YOU’VE GOT RED ON YOU: the inside story behind SHAUN OF THE DEAD

When the words “You’ve got red on you” were uttered in 2004’s Shaun Of The Dead, for most of the world it was a throwaway line – but to the people of Britain it was a fantastic addition: typical British whimsy that told viewers these characters were like us. It has now become a staple of pop culture and its utterance is a sly nod and wink between film fans the world over. It’s also the title of a new book, which takes us behind the curtain of the seminal horror-comedy classic from inception to the glorious end product.

The book of the same name from Clark Collis – You’ve Got Red On You – delves into every aspect of the making of the movie – including Pegg and cowriter Edgar Wright’s affinities with the zombie genre, as well as their personal relationships with friends and family which they used to flesh out the story. Shaun’s relationship with his stepfather, played in the film by Bill Nighy, draws on Pegg’s offscreen life; the close friendship he shares with co-star Nick Frost, too, is reflected in the movie. They also tell the story of how they sought the acceptance of zombie movie legend George Romero before its release: one of hundreds of interesting titbits in a thoroughly compelling book.