Ultraman Clone Zero Trooper-F Defends Wisconsin

Sources: Wisconsin Film Festival / The Daily Page

It seems everyone is getting into the giant monster movie game these days, and UW-Madison graduate and film maker, Eric Lim is no exception. Lim's 39 minute short film, "Zero Trooper-F" is an Ultraman clone in the purest sense. The film, which was recently features in the Wisconsin Film Festival, draws from all the elements that made Eiji Tsuburaya's super hero series an international sensation.

A certified genius, and local celebrity, named Dr. Abrams (played by Rob O’Brien) has developed a special device that can be used to turn an elite group of soldiers, called the "Zero Troopers", into giant sized, Power Ranger-like, defenders.

While Greenside City, a town that looks amazingly like Madison, Wisconsin, is being attacked by a giant white, "fuzzy-wuzzy" monster, the Good Doctor's invention is put into use. A giant Zero Trooper appears and begins a knock-down fight with the monster. In a surprise move, Dr. Abrams quits the defense force, right in the middle of the battle, and goes in search of his ex-girlfriend, who he discovers has already moved on in her life with another man.

Official info from the Wisconsin Film Festival site:

Zero Trooper - F
(USA, 2007, 39 mins)
digital video

Directed By: Eric Lim
Special effects director: Niko Pueringe
Producer: Eric Lim

Cast: Rob O'Brien, Matt Sloan, Liz Holtan, David Schlachtenhaufen, Kevin Altier, Andy Schlachtenhaufen

In the midst of a devastating giant monster attack on Greenside City, Bryan decides to leave his position as the head scientist of the city's military defense force. This film was shot in Madison and features some of the cast and crew as the feature film Loose Cannons (playing at this year’s festival). Eric and Niko are both from the UW Communication Arts program.