John Pata

John Pata is a filmmaker based in Wisconsin and the owner of Head Trauma Productions. Even though he went to school for graphic design, Pata decided to make his first short film during his last year of college. Upon graduating, he started a screen-printing shop that he co-owned for two-and-a-half years before selling his share of it in 2010 to help fund his first feature film. Since entering the world of filmmaking, Pata’s work has been screened at festivals all over the world including the Fantasia International Film Festival, Sitges Film Festival, and Fantastic Fest. He listens to far too much punk rock, has continually defended ska for over 25 years, can’t stop reading Stephen King, and will eat all the veggie burritos.

Pity (2014)

This is a portrait of a man at the bottom, struggling to find an answer, when the wrong things happened at the wrong time. This is a story of loss.  (more)

DIRECTION:  John Pata
CAST:  Jake Martin

This is a portrait of a man at the bottom, struggling to find an answer, when the wrong things happened at the wrong time. This is a story of loss.  (more)

DIRECTION:  John Pata
CAST:  Jake Martin

Dead Weight (2012)

In the wake of an apocalyptic viral outbreak, Charlie Russell treks through the wilderness to reunite with his girlfriend, Samantha. As Charlie’s journey brings him closer to his destination of Wausau, WI, he must face physical exhaustion, malicious survivors, and ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  John Pata  •  Adam Bartlett
CAST:  Joe Belknap  •  Mary Lindberg  •  Michelle Courvais  •  Aaron Christensen

In the wake of an apocalyptic viral outbreak, Charlie Russell treks through the wilderness to reunite with his girlfriend, Samantha. As Charlie’s journey brings him closer to his destination of Wausau, WI, he must face physical exhaustion, malicious survivors, and ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  John Pata  •  Adam Bartlett
CAST:  Joe Belknap  •  Mary Lindberg  •  Michelle Courvais  •  Aaron Christensen

Better Off Undead (2007)

Marcus, Chris and Evan find themselves stuck in any normal day, when without warning, zombies begin to infest the city. Not knowing exactly what to do, the three attempt to seek shelter at Marcus' house, but first they have to get there. Facing the undead, Marcus, ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  John Pata
CAST:  Drew Schuldt  •  Dale DeVries  •  Jordan Brown  •  Sam Warnke

Marcus, Chris and Evan find themselves stuck in any normal day, when without warning, zombies begin to infest the city. Not knowing exactly what to do, the three attempt to seek shelter at Marcus' house, but first they have to get there. Facing the undead, Marcus, ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  John Pata
CAST:  Drew Schuldt  •  Dale DeVries  •  Jordan Brown  •  Sam Warnke

Black Mold (2023)

While exploring a decrepit and abandoned facility, an auspicious photographer faces off against her traumatic past.  (more)

DIRECTION:  John Pata
CAST:  Agnes Albright  •  Jeremy Holm  •  Maisie Merlock  •  Caito Aase

While exploring a decrepit and abandoned facility, an auspicious photographer faces off against her traumatic past.  (more)

DIRECTION:  John Pata
CAST:  Agnes Albright  •  Jeremy Holm  •  Maisie Merlock  •  Caito Aase