Not to be outdone by Hollywood blockbusters such as “Knowing” and “2012,” University of Wisconsin Oshkosh students began work on a short film set in post-apocalyptic Earth, shooting scenes in the basement of the University’s Dempsey Hall.

“Surface,” directed by Trent Hilborn and Mark Mazur, tells the story of a world where survivors are forced to live in underground shelters. When the power supply fails, two young men must venture back to the surface to save their community.

The film is being produced in partnership the radio-TV-film “Motion Picture Workshop” course.

“Surface” is currently in post-production and is set to be released in early 2010. Hilborn and Mazur hope to screen the film in festivals across the country and possibly overseas.