Morpheus Tales Presents: Women in Horror

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Edited By Trevor Wright Table of Contents EDITORIAL BY TREVOR WRIGHT

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INTRODUCTION BY BRITTNEY SCALF

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ANDREA ALBIN INTERVIEW

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ANGELA PRITCHETT INTERVIEW

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BRITTNEY SCALF INTERVIEW

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HEATHER DORFF INTERVIEW

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JASMINE CHAMBERS INTERVIEW

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JOCELYN ROSE INTERVIEW

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LINNEA QUIGLEY INTERVIEW

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SHAUNA TACKETT INTERVIEW

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SURRAH KEEN INTERVIEW

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DAI GREEN INTERVIEW

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STEPHANIE DANIELSON INTERVIEW

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ANGELA DENTON INTERVIEW

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BEA STROBL INTERVIEW

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Cover By Lubica Tothova Proof-read By Sheri White All material contained within the pages of this magazine and associated websites is copyright of Morpheus Tales. All. Rights Reserved. No material contained herein can be copied or otherwise used without the express permission of the copyright holders.

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Editorial By Trevor Wright I thought long and hard about what to call this issue you now hold in your hands.

Originally, this was to be the fourth instalment of the popular Scream Queens series entitled SCREAM QUEENS 4-EVER; a fun, if not juvenile, play on words if I do say so myself.

But I got to thinking. Are the women in these pages really Scream Queens?

I mean, sure, they look good. Some of them are actresses. Some are models.

All can probably scream. But are they really Scream Queens?

According to www.thefullwiki.org, a Scream Queen is an actress who has become associated with horror films, either through an appearance in a notable entry in the genre as a frequent victim or through constant appearances as the female protagonist.

Without a doubt, Linnea Quigley is a Scream Queen. But she’s also a producer and an accomplished musician.

Andrea Albin is a manager/producer/writer.

Surrah Keen is a tattooer.

Jasmine Chambers, a model.

But Scream Queens? I would say no. And for good reason. With the rise of female empowerment, not only in the horror genre, but as successful powerhouses both in front of the camera and behind the scenes in all of showbiz, I could not in good conscience call them Scream Queens, or title this issue with that moniker.

As you will soon discover, starting with Brittney Scalf’s fascinating introduction, the women in these pages are much, much more than just Scream Queens. They are the frontrunners of a new era in horror.

They are the future.

They are the WOMEN OF HORROR. And they are just the beginning.

This is VOL. 1…

The Morpheus Tales Special Issues Collection Limited availability!

Visit our website to order your copies now! www.morpheustales.com

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Introduction By Brittney Scalf Many people see horror movies and think, “Anyone could have done that.” And shoot straight for the hot chick that’s half-naked running from some killer. They see a horror actress as someone who simply looks great in fake blood.

You can’t just throw on some fake blood and prosthetics and expect to have a good female character. You have to have true beauty. Not necessarily just on the outside, but on the inside as well. You have to be smart. Not just book smart, but you really have to have some sort of common sense.

Being an actress alone is no easy task. It takes so much more than being able to deliver a line and do it correctly. You have to truly be able and willing to feel every emotion possible to deliver your performance. You have to travel to the deepest and darkest places inside you to effectively deliver a scene whether it is to cry, to scream, to get angry, or even to be involved in a romantic scene. That isn’t exactly a piece of cake either. People never really know how hard it is to make yourself cry until they are asked to do so. What about romantic scenes? They can be ridiculously hard to pull off. You have to truly make it seem like you are into that person. I’ve never personally had a scene where I have had to kiss someone, but I’m sure that can be pretty hard as well.

There are so many people who think that a horror actress just has to memorize lines and be able to scream. It is so much more than that. As a woman in the horror industry, we are criticized so much in today for so many things, it’s hard to decide what to be and what not to be, or how to go about a scene. Acting is a lot harder than people think. I really enjoy the challenges I am faced with as an actress. It’s always nice to overcome an obstacle. They say that practice makes perfect. Acting, in my opinion, is a perfect example of that saying. You can’t just show up and expect to deliver an amazing performance when you have no idea what you’re doing... At least I can’t.

My life as a horror actress takes me back to my childhood. I was the kid who snuck into her parents’ room and watched old 80s horror movies with the lights out, and still slept soundly through the night. Of course they scared me, but I had it in my mind that they weren’t real.

I loved everything to do with horror, whether they were movies, games, or even magazines. Anything alternative has always appealed to me, and I continue to follow that sort of lifestyle to this day. I love tattoos and find anything that the average person would consider taboo to be very fascinating. What I really love to see is a strong female lead in a movie sort of taking on that strong independent character.

Sheri Moon Zombie, Danielle Harris, and Jamie Lee Curtis revolutionized the horror industry and became amazing role models for young women getting their start in the horror industry, or even as actresses in general.

Working in the entertainment industry is a very tough, rocky road to venture down, and it can really thicken your skin over time. The biggest problem in today’s times is that too many people are being influenced by the terrible things that happen in something that is merely for people’s entertainment. Some people can’t handle what they see. Something I’ve learned over the years is to not be afraid. Many actors and actresses will hesitate to really push the envelope when they are performing because they are afraid that they will look stupid or that people will be unsatisfied with their performance. You cannot ever be afraid to “look stupid.” If it’s something you constantly worry about, your performance will suffer, and in all honesty everyone you are working with will likely share the same feelings as you. A very amazing

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photographer once told me that trying different poses and in a sense making stupid and weird faces is an amazing thing. Some of the best shots come out of not being scared to try something different. The same rule can apply when you are acting.

Messing up on a line can bring about some awesome scenes and sometimes you screw up your line and you have to try again. I think when I first started acting that was my biggest fear, of being myself. I was so afraid that people were going to judge me as an actress. But over time, through practice and working with the people I have, I’ve grown as an actress.

Not a single actor or actress on this earth is perfect. If they say they are, then they are full of it. There’s always room for improvement in the industry, and there is always something new to learn. You take a little bit of wisdom with you every time you leave for the day/night.

Another amazing thing about being an actress is that nothing is ever the same.

One of the many reasons I decided to follow this road that is very much less travelled is because everything is always different. I feel like if I chose a more common job, I would get bored. The same thing all day every day is very boring to me. No script is ever going to be the same. Sometimes even the people you work with are going to be different. You can be very sure that when you show up to your call time, that the day will be totally different from the day before and the same thing goes for the day after that.

Women have taken on many important roles and have been idolized now for being something other than just the hot chick or the one that has to be saved by the strong male character. Women are gaining strength and are taking on these killers or whatever happens to be killing you in horror movies. I must say it’s rather nice to see it. You take a look at movies such as Night of the Living Dead and you see Patricia Tallman, who seems like the sweet quiet girl who will be killed off very soon, take the reins and start kicking butt and fearlessly killing the zombies. Or even Jamie Lee Curtis in Halloween, who starts out scared senseless and in the end she ends up being the one who kills instead of being killed. I’m glad to see women finally taking on better roles other than helpless victims and sex icons in the industry. I hope that as I advance in my career I will be able to take on roles like that and really be able to show people what I am capable of.

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Andrea Albin Interview Growing up, were you a fan of horror movies? If so, which ones were your favourites?

My mother was a huge horror fan - so my obsession occurred as a result. She was obsessed with just about everything horror you could think of and introduced me to my first scary movie at the age of 6. I guess you can say I literally grew up on horror!

Growing up, I’d have to say my earlier favourites were Candyman, Nightmare on Elm Street, the original Omen, and of course, Scream. I also had this fascination with The Fog. My taste has changed a bit over the years, but I’m pretty loyal to the films I grew up on.

When did you know you wanted to work in the industry?

I hated my day job. I was working nights at a community centre to pay the bills and I watched this documentary called Cocaine Cowboys. Suddenly the juices flowed, the ideas hit paper, and before I knew it I had written my first original screenplay, Cocaine. It was that process that made me realize I wanted to work in entertainment. I loved it - that screenplay wasn’t work to me, it was fun. It was something I actually LOVED to do. From there, I began writing professionally, my husband and I started ADA Entertainment Group, I began working for several horror websites, and the rest is history. I always had a love of movies, so it’s just fitting that I fell into this career.

You’re a trained dancer, screenwriter, journalist, pin-up model, actress, producer, manager; the list goes on. Anything you haven’t done that you would like to do?

When I was in college, my degree was sports-oriented. I would have done anything in the world to be a basketball coach. Basketball was my first love; the career that I had originally seen myself falling into. If I could do anything in the world, I would coach a men’s basketball team. I’m talking college, NBA... I would love to be at the helm.

At age 19 you wrote your first produced screenplay. What was the film and how was the experience?

The film was this little indie-flick called By Chance. It’s supposed to officially come out on DVD this year, so I’m pretty stoked. Oddly enough it was a romantic comedy, which is NOT my favourite genre, but it was fun. It was a good way to break in.

The experience itself was pretty rewarding. I worked with a fantastic producer, I learned from a screenwriting mentor that has taught hundreds of screenwriters what they need to know, and I was able to get my name out there. I didn’t see dollar signs, and that’s what ultimately made this the best early experience of my career. It was pure, and that’s what made it special.

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Tell us about Ms. Mayhem. Who is she and how did she come about?

Ms. Mayhem is my alter ego.

She’s cool, fun, sexy - and she knows everything there is to know about the horror genre and the industry as a whole. She can be overly opinionated at times, but damn, I love that bitch.

Basically I created Ms. Mayhem to mask my writing and modelling career from the rest of my life, both personal and professional. I was starting to get stalkers here and there, and it gave me a way to ‘hide’ from reality a bit. It basically gave me the freedom to separate one portion of my career from the other. I know that it’s incredibly obvious now that Ms. Mayhem and I are the same person - but it certainly added a bit of flair to what I was doing on the side.

What is ADA and how did it get started?

ADA Entertainment Group is my baby; my life. My husband and I originally started the company to catapult my screenwriting career, and over the years it became so much more. We focused for several years on literary development and eventually moved on to include talent representation and production. Now it’s a full-fledged entertainment management firm that I have seen grow from a small, second bedroom in my house to something that I’m incredibly proud of. I honestly never saw it becoming what it is today - but I’m happy. What 25-year-old with her own successful business wouldn’t be?

Who are some of your clients we might be familiar with?

I work a lot with the horror genre; if you’ve met me at a horror convention, chances are you’ve seen me with Tony Todd. I also have the privilege of representing Jonathan Tiersten (Ricky from Sleepaway Camp), scream queens Barbara Crampton (From Beyond, Re-Animator) and Brooke Lewis (Slime City Massacre, iMurders), Nick Principe (Laid to Rest), and Leatherface himself, R.A. Mihailoff (Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3). These are just a few of the faces that I have had the honor of working with and I am so grateful to be on their team.

What’s your favourite movie (already filmed) that you’ve had a hand in? Why? I’m new at producing. Many of my screenwriting experiences have been great - but in terms of producing, I think the best has yet to come. I’m working on a huge project in 2013 that I think is going to define the rest of my career, and for that, I’m excited.

What’s your least favourite? What problems can you cite which led to the project becoming an un-enjoyable work experience or less than stellar end product?

I worked on a web series last year that just wasn’t what I expected. The team I was working with didn’t fulfill expectations, investors fell through, and as a result the end product just wasn’t professional. It was after I walked away from that project (midproduction, mind you) that I realized exactly what I needed to do as both a working

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industry professional and as a producer. It changed my entire outlook. Despite being a horrible experience at the time, it’s shaped the future.

Do you see yourself continuing to work in horror, or would you like to predominately do other genres?

I will always love and work in horror. I love gangster movies, dramas are always special, and science fiction brings out my inner nerd. I love movies, I love what I do. I don’t want to pigeonhole myself, but I keep coming back to what I know and love. If that means a bit of blood splatter and a couple of ghosts; I’ll keep coming back for more.

What do you think is the current state of horror, both mainstream and independent?

Mainstream horror in recent years has been garbage. The lack of originality in the genre astounds me. Looking at the depth of talent that I not only work with, but support, it’s disappointing to see remake after remake, sequel after sequel, tired idea after tired idea hit the big screen. You can only see a Scream plot so many times.

Without Robert Englund, there is no Freddy Krueger. And don’t even get me started on that Friday the 13th remake. There are so many outstanding projects out there Darren Lynn Bousman’s recent film releases, The Soska Twins’ Dead Hooker in a Trunk - the last time theatres took a chance on releasing original horror into mainstream cinema was back in the early 2000s with the release of films like Cabin Fever, Hostel, Saw - just to name a few. I’m impressed with the Paranormal Activity franchise and of course Insidious, but I want MORE films like that. I know so many independent filmmakers who just deserve a chance; and hopefully the genre will not only learn to appreciate the art of fear, but start to downplay the importance of remakes and sequels, regardless of what’s popular. I miss originality.

What are your predictions on the next big thing in horror?

There has to be another Saw franchise. Period. I also love the new trend of ‘horror comedies.’ I’m not talking Scary Movie 112, I mean REAL horror comedy - like Zombieland. Why should everything be so serious?

What exciting projects are in store for you and your company?

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Unfortunately most of our upcoming projects I’m not at liberty to discuss, but when the time comes I can honestly say that myself and the team at ADA are going to be a household name. There are so many huge opportunities awaiting us that I can’t contain my excitement. You’ll just have to wait and see!

This magazine does a lot of interviews with horror authors and publishes a lot of horror fiction. Do you have a favourite horror author and/or book?

Everyone says Stephen King, but I believe the true master of horror for my generation was R.L. Stine. To this day, his books scare the piss out of me. I loved being able to read about creepy puppets and possessed animals. Those choose your own ending books were amazing too. He WAS my childhood.

What do you look for in choosing future projects?

It has to click with me. I have to have passion for the project; whether it’s something I’m writing, producing, or even a new client; there HAS to be passion.

I am an extremely hands-on person and in order for me to succeed, or for the project or the client to succeed, I have to have passion. Not a single project that comes from ADA will not have my stamp of approval; for that reason you’ll be able to analyze what I truly love about horror and films in general.

How do you unwind after a long day at the office?

I hit the gym a lot. I think a good run can help anyone forget about the stress of the day. I’m also a bit addicted to video games, especially Guitar Hero. On any given Saturday night you can find me in front of my TV jamming out to Green Day or Metallica. I’m just that kind of girl.

Where can your fans go to learn more about you?

My company’s website has all the professional details. You can visit us there at www.adamanagementgroup.com. I also have a Twitter account, @andreaalbin. Jenna Jameson follows me, so I must be pretty cool. There’s also my blog too, but I’ve been horrible about updating - so it’s probably better to hit social media. But just in case you’re curious, Ms. Mayhem’s Musings can be found at andreaalbin.blogspot.com.

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Angela Pritchett Interview Growing up, were you a fan of horror movies? If so, which ones were your favourites?

I was a huge fan of horror films growing up! I loved everything spooky and scary, from watching Night of the Living Dead on Halloween night to reading and watching the Goosebumps series. Some of my favourites were Alien, Nightmare on Elm Street and pretty much whatever I could get my hands on or what was on TV. My mother was not a fan of horror films; however, my father would always let me watch them anyway.

When did you know you wanted to be an actress (i.e., work in the industry)?

I have always loved acting and performing on stage; I also play many instruments (and have performed on stage with them as well). I first performed on stage in fourth grade in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and loved every minute of it. I have always wanted to do something artistic and creative, and acting gives me that creative release.

Besides acting you’ve seemingly done it all from make-up to writing to directing, and everything in between. Which position do you consider to be your predominant one in terms of filmmaking? And where do you see your career heading in the near future?

I have such a hard time choosing between acting and makeup FX work. I love both so much. Acting gives me a chance to be someone else and be creative in an entirely different way than makeup FX does. It is incredibly hard for me to choose one or the other.

What’s your favourite movie (already filmed) that you’ve been in? Why? Short film, probably The Gnome Before Christmas. The atmosphere, entire project was just so much fun to do. It is also incredibly enjoyable to see how people react to the film as well, since it has now screened at a few different film festivals.

Feature film - it’s a tie between Plan 9 and Porkchop II. Plan 9 was an amazing set to be on, and I got to do so much with the film (acting, makeup FX, costume making) and it was with a great cast and crew. Porkchops II was also a great filming experience. It was my first time working with Razor Sharp Studios and they were great! The entire filming experience was fun and everyone was so excited for the film.

I have also had so much fun seeing how the audiences are enjoying Porkchops II since it has screened at many festivals and conventions so far.

What’s your least favourite? What problems can you cite which led to the project becoming an un-enjoyable work experience or less than stellar end product?

I do not have a least favourite role that I have done. I have times and situations I was not fond of on set, but so far not a project that was not entirely enjoyable. I try to stay positive for everything I do and enjoy the opportunities I am given. I may have problems with certain scenes my character is put in, since they make me feel uncomfortable, but an actor is there to portray a character in a situation, and those situations are not always the best.

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Do you see yourself continuing to work in horror films, or would you like to predominately do other genres?

I have worked in a few other genres, but I do really love horror films. I would love to do more sci-fi and high fantasy style films in the future, but I have always loved the horror genre and want to continue to work in it for as long as I can.

What do you think is the current state of horror, both mainstream and independent?

As long as writers and directors are trying to create new and fresh stories, the industry will be good. I do not mind remakes, but when remakes are the only ones coming out, then I start to worry.

There are a lot of great fresh ideas out there which, if given the chance, could make amazing movies. However, it is people making them and taking the chance on those ideas. I have seen some amazing films in the last few years, and some good remakes. As long as they are quality films people are trying to make, hopefully the audiences will like them and go see them.

With that said, I think that there are mixed emotions with the current state. There are some wonderful mainstream films; however, there are some that also make me want to cry (in a bad way) for sitting there and watching them. The same can be said for the indie scene. There are a lot of amazing films, and then there are films that are thrown together and do not look like their makers had pride in what they were doing.

However, the same can be said for someone who thinks that everyone working on their film, as well as their audience, are doing them (the film maker) a huge favour by working on or watching their film. That type of attitude is what kills the indie film industry.

What are your predictions on the next big thing in horror?

I am really not sure. I would have never guessed that so many “found footage” movies would be so popular right now. I will say Paranormal Activity was a great jump scare, but I am amazed that so many are being made. I would like to think that films where common objects coming to life and killing people would be popular. But I may be a little biased towards that since I love doing that in my own films.

If you could be in any movie already made, what would it be? And whom would you play?

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This is a really hard question, and I am still not sure if I am happy with my choice since there are so many amazing movies. I would have to say I am torn - I mean, every girl growing up watching Star Wars wants to be Princess Leia. But I would have to say for horror movies I would have wanted to be Nora in the Vincent Price version of The House on Haunted Hill. I adore that movie, and I think that would have been a great role to play in a film.

What exciting projects are in store for you?

I have a few films I will be working on in the upcoming months, some voiceover work, and lots of fun acting and makeup FX projects. I can’t really say much about them here, though. I am just excited that people who have seen some of the stuff I have worked on are contacting me with interest to work with me; very happy for the opportunities!

This magazine does a lot of interviews with horror authors and publishes a lot of horror fiction. Do you have a favourite horror author and/or book?

I love to read, I probably read more than I watch movies. Horror fiction is one of my favourites (along with sci-fi). I have a collection of ghost story books from almost everywhere I have travelled. As for a specific writer, I am torn. I buy a lot of short story anthologies and love to hunt through used bookstores for old Clive Barker short story books (his short stories are great!). I generally pick up the horror anthologies (vampires, zombies, werewolves, etc.) at the book store.

What do you look for in choosing future roles?

I look for parts that are challenging to me as an actor. They may not always make me comfortable, but they help me grow. I also look for projects that look like they will be fun, or have a message that I really agree with and like.

How do you unwind after a long day on set?

I like to talk with some of the other people on set, read, or sleep. It just depends on how long the filming day is and how exhausted I am. It’s always a great day when you can finish filming and relax with the other people you are working with, or sit in the quiet and read and relax before it’s time to get some sleep.

Where can your fans go to learn more about you?

I am so bad at keeping a webpage, so I have been trying to keep a blog. So far it has info on films, conventions I have attended, and lot of other stuff. http://angelapritchett.blogspot.com/ Anything else you’d like to add?

Thank you for interviewing me! And thank you to everyone who read all the way through it! If you see me at a convention please stop by and say “Hey!” I always love meeting new people!!

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Brittney Scalf Interview Growing up, were you a fan of horror movies? If so, which ones were your favourites?

I’ve been a fan of horror movies for as long as I can remember. My mom and I would watch them a lot together. Of course she would try to hide the really bad ones, but I always managed to sneak them in. I’ve always preferred horror movies over any other genre. Now don’t get me wrong, I love good old comedy movies and cheesy romantic movies just as much as the next person, but I relate to horror movies so much more.

I would say as a kid the first horror movies I remember seeing were Return of the Living Dead, The Fly, Child’s Play, Night of the Living Dead, and the older Dawn and Day of the Dead just to name a few off the top of my head. Back then, they scared the living hell out of me. Things that would gross out my friends like blood and guts I always thought were so awesome, and I was mostly curious as to how they went about making the movies.

When did you know you wanted to be an actress (i.e., work in the industry)?

I didn’t really decide to make my career choice acting until I was about 14 or 15, and even then I thought it best to wait until I was 18 to seek representation so that I could make my own decisions and not have to have my mom escort me to all of my jobs and sign for me. In reality I think I’ve always known. I always wanted to be in the school plays as a child. Some people who have known me all of my life say that they knew deep down that I would choose a career in the entertainment industry because I always wanted to put on a show and make them laugh. I would take anything I could find, make a stage and lights and put on some sort of show.

Besides acting, you’re also a model. How did you get started with both, and where might we have seen some of your work?

I do a lot of freelance model work in my spare time and mostly for fun or for networking purposes. I’m only 5 feet and an inch tall, so runway is sort of out of the question because most big-shot agencies typically want a height of at least 5 feet and 7 inches. With my lack of height it is pretty hard to get modelling jobs, but I know a lot of people that do photography, makeup, etc. that I love to work with, and if I can do shoots to spice up my portfolio then I will. Although, I would absolutely love to does some serious print work some day.

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You can find a good amount of my modelling pictures on my model mayhem site and through various photography sites that I’ve worked with. I plan to have my own website up and running very soon as well.

What is your stance when it comes to nudity in either modelling or acting?

I typically will not work with nudity unless it is to my own discretion, which works in my favour more in modelling because it’s a still shot and I can cover myself more easily. I don’t shoot nudes a lot. Usually if I shoot nude it is because I have requested to do so and I stick with a photographer that I know very well and that I trust. I’m all for PG-13 modelling, but none of that X-rated stuff. I don’t have any issues with people that do because everyone has to design their life the way they see fit, but it’s definitely not for me. I do give a lot of thought to it if I am approached to model in the nude and if it’s for a good cause, I may give it a shot.

When it comes to acting I’m also very cautious about nudity.

What has been your most challenging assignment thus far (either as a model or actress) and why?

I’d have to say the hardest thing I’ve had to do so far in acting is when I was shooting a scene for Scary Story Slumber Party and I had to cry. I’ve never had to do that and it is A LOT harder than some people think. I knew before I even arrived to the shoot that it was going to be a challenge for me so I brought a tear stick with me and eye drops. When it came time for that scene, with the time crunch as well as my fear of bombing the scene horribly, I loaded my eyes up with menthol from the tear stick and went in not having the slightest idea as to how it was going to work. There’s always room for improvement so that’s just something I will have to work on more. I’m proud to say that I did my scene and people have complimented it when they watched the scene. My guess would be I did ok.

What’s your favourite movie (already filmed) that you’ve been in? Why? So far, I only have one finished movie under my belt, so I would have to say Scary Story Slumber Party. In all honesty, even if I had made 50 movies, I would still have to say Scary Story Slumber Party is my favourite. It’s my first movie. Nothing will ever replace your first real movie. When you work towards something for so long and you finally pass that milestone in your life, it feels so rewarding.

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What’s your least favourite? What problems can you cite which led to the project becoming an un-enjoyable work experience or less than stellar end product?

It’s not uncommon to have at least one unenjoyable moment while filming. The only thing I can think of is filming in the cold. I hate cold weather, but I’m more than willing to take on any type of weather and any challenge to do what I love.

Do you see yourself continuing to work in horror films, or would you like to predominately do other genres?

I would eventually like to venture off and do some other work, but I mostly see myself working on horror. Call me weird, but I like being covered in fake blood and prosthetics. Most of the people I really want to work with like Rob Zombie, Adam Green, and Eli Roth are famous for their work in the horror movie industry, so I would like to see if I can work with them before I try to work on other genres. One thing I’m dying to do is voiceover work!

What do you think is the current state of horror, both mainstream and independent?

Horror seems to be taking over in my opinion. I’m more into the independent movies than mainstream movies, although I love them both. To me, there’s nothing better than a good old B-rated horror movie. You really appreciate the hard work that the film makers put into it.

What are your predictions on the next big thing in horror?

Zombie movies seem to be getting more and more popular nowadays as well as vampire movies. I’d like to see more actual horror movies based around other supernatural creatures.

If you could be in any movie already made, what would it be? And whom would you play?

Either Laurie Strode in Rob Zombie’s Halloween One and Two, or Mary-Beth in Adam Green’s Hatchet.

What exciting projects are in store for you?

I have a lot of exciting work coming up as far as acting and modelling. I’m being written into some work with Sick Flick Productions as well as some other projects that film makers are working on. A pilot I shot a few months back just got picked up,

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so hopefully that will be airing soon. I’m really concentrating on doing some horrorthemed photo shoots this summer and fall to promote myself as a horror actress.

This magazine does a lot of interviews with horror authors and publishes a lot of horror fiction. Do you have a favourite horror author and/or book?

I really like Anne Rice’s work! I’ve just recently checked out Brian Keene’s work as well. My buddy Andy Deane is also a great author. I just read his book The Sticks and it was amazing. Another thing I’ve recently gotten into is old comics. I love Spiderman!

What do you look for in choosing future roles?

I’m not very picky when it comes to work. As long as I fit the criteria and it’s doable, I’m all for it. I always like a challenge and there are quite a few things I haven’t been able to do yet that I would love to do.

Where can your fans go to learn more about you?

My Facebook page, as well as my website when it is finished. You can also follow me on Twitter: @actress_britt I’m always tweeting and I always answer people back!

A lot of my work is on Youtube like some of my scenes from Scary Story Slumber Party and interviews that I’ve done.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Acting isn’t for everyone but, like horror movies, it has made an impact on my life.

Acting isn’t just something I do for fun…it’s who I am. Anything I can do to better myself as an actress and model, I do it. I get to travel, meet famous people, and spend countless hours working on projects, and I wouldn’t change it for anything. One thing I’m really looking forward to in life is becoming better known for my work and meeting all of the people that admire me for my work.

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Heather Dorff Interview Growing up, were you a fan of horror movies?

If so, which ones were your favourites?

So this fact tends to piss off horror fans, but no, I wasn’t a huge fan of horror films growing up. Mainly because I found most horror movies didn’t ‘scare’ me enough as I thought they should. It wasn’t until I started actually acting in horror films that I began to grow an appreciation for them and the people who make them. Horror is not an easy genre to decide to dive into like people would think.

Anyone can make a film of any genre, but horror fans can be hard to impress. The film has to be successful at doing a great many things: making people think, laugh, jump, scream, “no don’t go up those damn stairs,” and be genuinely disturbed at one point or another, among other things. Other genre films can get away with not even doing half as many things and still be considered ‘good.’ Horror fans want it all and they will stick with you through the long haul if you can impress them – and that’s probably the main reason I like acting in them as much as I do. Horror fans are the most dedicated group there is and I love them for it.

They keep the indie horror genre alive.

When did you know you wanted to be an actress (i.e., work in the industry)?

For as long as I can remember. Films have always had a massive effect on me and my way of thinking, feeling, and my perceptions of the world. I always hoped that I would have a chance to instill the same amazing and life-changing experiences I have had watching films onto others. Acting is a scary but liberating experience. You have to think outside the box and push yourself into places you didn’t think you were able to go. I was a shy child growing up and I’d even say a tad anti-social due to being a bit awkward around people (probably because I was a computer/console gamer by 5).

Acting has evolved me as a person more than I could even verbalize. I HAD to become outgoing, willing to take risks, and connect with people on a whole new level.

I thought it would be ‘fun’ to be an actress. Turns out it is in fact fun but also a lot of hard work and exhausting at times, both physically and emotionally. When you put your heart into a film you risk getting it crushed. When it’s a success though, it’s the most rewarding experience out there.

Besides acting, you’ve been a producer, writer, and held other behind-the-scenes positions. Anything else in the movie biz that you’d like to try?

Right now, no. I’m extremely happy with the roles I have taken on and find them most rewarding and what I am ‘good’ at. Directing has been thrown out there here and there but I don’t think I’m ready for it. When I take on something, I do it because I know I can give it 110 % and will be good at it. I still feel I need to learn a world of knowledge before I could take on a role of directing. If I decided to do it I would want to do it for the right film, one that I cared a great deal about, and would need to know I could make it amazing for my cast/crew and fans.

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Tell us about your short film What They Say. How has the audience reception been?

We’ve been extremely lucky in that What They Say has been well-received from critics, festivals, and fans alike thus far. Is it the best short film ever in the world of ever? No. It has many mistakes/plot holes that can happen when you have a 16minute film and no money to make it. But it is an amazingly well-done representation of a micro budget (super micro... tiny... miniscule... nonexistent/everyone practically worked for free kind of budget) short film. WTS – although super low budget doesn’t look or sound it (Thanks, Jason Ssg, for the amazing sound design.).

That alone is something you don’t see often. The film is beautifully shot (by our DP Nicole Klemens who just doesn’t get enough credit for how much the film is a success mainly because of her) and amazingly edited by Radek Michalik (who is equally as awesome). The crew involved with WTS is the sole reason it turned out as well as it did. We were lucky in that we had an extremely dedicated core group of people that busted their tails to make this film happen and continue to do so. I am just so thankful that it has, so far, reaped them some small reward for all their hard work.

Hopefully only more good is to come.

What’s your favourite movie (already filmed) that you’ve been in? Why? Oh man. You’re trying to get me in trouble with this one. I will say I have honestly enjoyed pretty much every single thing I have filmed thus far. The people I have worked with have been utterly amazing, and I am lucky as a rabbit’s foot to have had the chance to work with the lot of them. But, to not be an ass and give you an actual answer, I truly enjoyed working on John Wesley Norton’s feature film Spades a great deal. It was my first ‘bigger’ feature film with a featured role and the cast/crew were just kick ass. They should start their own super hero team… seriously. Juan Riedinger is just such an amazing actor and talent it is impossible to not grow a semi-crush on him if you’re in the same room as him. Even the guys were flirting with him. LOL, I’m kidding – but seriously. John is just a GREAT director who made an amazing film. Besides, what girl doesn’t like being tied up and tossed around by a handsome guy for hours – even if the character he was playing was a psychotic, utterly disturbing, creepazoid.

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What’s your least favourite? What problems can you cite which led to the project becoming an un-enjoyable work experience or less-than-stellar end product?

OH WOW. You ARE trying to get me in trouble! Hmmm… we all have one or two or eight. I will say that the film I am most bummed about is one of the first films I ever did, Acceptance. It was never completed – and probably never will be – due to a ton of problems that became apparent postproduction. Crazy problems like the sound being botched for the entire production, set lights and equipment being clearly visible in major scenes, among other things. The only way that film could be saved and completed at this point is if we record all the voices in a cartoon like fashion and somehow make the set lights look like lunar suns and rewrite the plot to be about some sort of surreal alien evasion on a far off planet. Ok, it’s not that bad... but it is… I want to state that I have worked with many of the same people from that film again and yielded fantastic results. It was just bad luck/poor planning I think that caused that particular film to explode.

Do you see yourself continuing to work in horror films, or would you like to predominately do other genres?

I want to do it all as much as possible. I love horror, drama, action, thriller, fantasy, and sci-fi. My favourite genre is sci-fi though, and I’d love to do an epic Serenity-like film. That would be amazaballs. I also have a deep need to play an epic female assassin aka Lucy Liu in Kill Bill. Man. Dreams. We all have them!

What do you think is the current state of horror, both mainstream and independent?

I have a renewed faith in mainstream horror since watching Cabin in the Woods. Was that film not fantastic? I still can’t get over how utterly shocked I was at how amazing I felt after watching that film. I laughed my butt off, jumped a few times, and enjoyed it thoroughly. Joss Whedon is just amazing. Period.

As for indie horror, I am extremely excited to see what the Midwest will be bringing to the table in the years ahead. We have a plethora of amazing talent with true dedication to the genre, so I hope it only brings us good things.

What are your predictions on the next big thing in horror?

Roller Derby Girls vs Aliens. Ok no, that’s a sort of shameless plug of the plotline to an upcoming action-horror feature I am set to have a main role in called The Storm.

But it’s going to be a fun film never-the-less!

I honestly hope that the next big thing is to take a risk and try a new concept as the crew behind Cabin in the Woods did. How many times can people remake the same classics? Why even remake them? It’s time we stop investing money in that and started investing in new, fresh, and fun ideas for horror films and just good film ideas in general across all genres.

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If you could be in any movie already made, what would it be? And whom would you play?

Freaking heck. I hate this question because it’s hard. Ariel in The Little Mermaid, because who wouldn’t want to be a hawt naturally redheaded mermaid princess who ends up marrying an equally as hawt prince? Nuff said.

I’d settle for Belle, too. J What exciting projects are in store for you?

Yay! An easy question! I have a TON of great stuff coming up that I am extremely excited about! As I mentioned earlier, Tony Wash’s upcoming feature The Storm, where I play a roller derby, alien-fighting, party chick is going to be pretty awesome.

A film that I can’t say a lot about other than the fact that it’s hands down one of the best scripts I have ever read and I have one of the two lead roles for, Pretty Infections, is currently in super pre-production and we are shooting a ‘teaser’ to help raise funds for the film. I have a starring role in Ron Fitzgerald’s upcoming film that is a mixture of live gothic illusion and horror. I have signed on to have a feature role in Deadly Ringer by the kings of horror, Muscle Wolf Productions and Patrick Desmond – who I am also in talks with about another possible upcoming role. J Cory Udler gave me an epic chance to be in his upcoming film, Ed Gein: DDS, which I am STOKED to be working on. Caisson Films Intrusive Behavior starring Jessica Cameron and myself is set to film in 2013. I am also beginning, slowly, with the core group of What They Say, to develop another short film with the same similar theme and feel as WTS based on a short story I also penned. Radek Michalik is currently developing the script for that. I will produce it, but have to find an amazing actor for the lead male role. The idea is that we plan to make one additional short film after that and sell the three as a feature-length DVD of shorts. Hopefully more news on that is soon to come. There is more... but I feel like I’ve already bored people enough!

This magazine does a lot of interviews with horror authors and publishes a lot of horror fiction. Do you have a favourite horror author and/or book?

Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles (the entire collection – though Blackwood Farm was a hella lot of fun) and Justin Cronin’s The Passage – which is like a zombie, vampire, post-apocalyptic, Black Hawk Down, mixture of awesome. I would make a deal with the devil to be in the movie adaption of Justin’s book. It’s just so amazing.

What do you look for in choosing future roles?

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I look for scripts I truly enjoy and want to see made happen. If I read a script and go ‘eh,’ then I know it’s not for me. This reverts back to my need to make films that leave a mark on people – even if it’s a blood-dripped gash. ;) How do you unwind after a long day on set?

Unwind? Dude, I fall asleep in my horror blood and gore makeup right in my darn bed, much to my boyfriend’s displeasure.

Who has time for anything but sleep after filming for 14 – 16 hours!? When I have days off, I play LoL because I’m clearly unable to shake the gamer in me. I was addicted to WoW for longer than I want to admit.

What I find VERY interesting about you is that you were a post-Hurricane Katrina volunteer. How and why did you get involved?

The story behind this is long and not easy to explain at all especially via typing. The super short edited version: The company I was working for was asking for volunteers to send there. I felt I had to go. They said it would be hard. They said it would be scary. They were right. But it was also one of the most amazing experiences of my life that I wish I could relive over and over again. I met some of the most amazing people ever during that journey. I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat – sleeping in a FEMA trailer with 12 people, showering at the local hospital due to lack of clean running water, hiding money under mattresses since there were no banks, and all.

Where can your fans go to learn more about you?

I have a site, which I badly need to update: heatherdorff.com, and also the site for the Midwest indie film news show I produce/host: filmingroundmidtown.com, and of course there is always trusty ole’ Facebook: facebook.com/serenityow.

You can find me at any of these convenient locations, open 24 hours, and now accepting work!

Anything else you’d like to add?

ZOMBIE BABIES!

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Jasmine Chambers Interview Growing up, were you a fan of horror movies? If so, which ones were your favourites?

I loved horror movies as a child, even though after watching them I would not be able to sleep with the lights off for at least a week. I wasn’t supposed to watch them when I was younger; my dad would often send me off to bed early. One night when I was four I finally got up the courage to sneak out of my room and hide behind the couch. It was that night that I witnessed my first horror movie: The Lost Boys. After that I was hooked. I would sneak out of bed more and more until my dad finally caught me and allowed me to stay up to watch them with him. Some of my earlier favourites were films like Psycho, Scanners, and Nightmare on Elm Street.

When did you know you wanted to be an actress (i.e. work in the industry)?

I was always over-dramatic as a kid. That, paired with a vivid imagination, I was always acting out stories I would come up with. Whether I was being chased by zombies or tying up my friends for a sacrifice (with their pre-consent of course). I joined drama in elementary school and followed it all the way into high school. Sadly I always seemed to get stuck with teachers who enjoyed musicals a little too much.

Though despite not being able to sing, I loved every moment of it. Being able to dress up and be someone else for a little while is the main thing I love, why I do what I do.

Besides acting, you’re also a model. How did you get started with both, and where might we have seen some of your work?

I happened upon modelling by complete accident. I had really never given it much thought since I was always stuck with the typical stereotype in my head that you needed to be a certain height. I ended up having a roommate when I was 18 who was trying to get into photography, but was having troubles finding models who could just do TF work (time for print or digital copies). I volunteered myself, we went to these beautiful gardens and I discovered I loved it. What girl wouldn’t love getting dolled up and prancing in front of a camera? With those images I created an MM account and started talking to other photographers and actively seeking out work. If you are a Colorado native you may have seen me in various piercing shops on posters. Also did a calendar with Lucid Vision, I am featured in a few local fetish sites, and I have worked with Siren Song for their more... sexy sites.

What is your stance when it comes to nudity in either modelling or acting?

This has always been a touchy subject since my family is rather conservative. They saw shoots where I was in nothing but underwear with my hair covering my breasts and told me I had no respect for my body. The truth is I have a lot of respect for my body as well as a lot of respect for various art forms. I see no shame in prancing

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around in my birthday suit. To me I draw the line at doing porn, though for porn stars if that is what they love to do, then good for them. I think the human body is a beautiful thing and nothing any of us should be ashamed of. I was asked for an indie film I am doing this summer if I was comfortable stripping down and diving into a pool with a bunch of actors playing ghosts standing around.

My response: Bring it on.

How difficult or easy was it for you to model with hooks in your skin? Explain the fascination to those who may not entirely understand why someone would want to do this.

Oh, hooks, how I love you so. It was probably one of the easiest things I have ever done. I love body modifications and I have a pretty high pain tolerance when it comes to them. It’s really all mind over matter. If you anticipate it to hurt, your body will tense and all you will feel is pain. But if you just relax and ride that initial rush you get from the skin first being punctured, then it turns into a natural high. Almost like an out-of-body experience. I suppose that is the main appeal to it as well. That and I like going outside of the box and exploring new sides to myself. The only true difficulties I had were in my movements. I was supposed to be a marionette doll strung up to the ceiling and with that you don’t really get much range of motion. But we made it work in the end.

What has been your most challenging assignment thus far (either as a model or actress), and why?

All of my assignments have been challenging in their own way. The thing that gets me and that I struggle with the most, is when someone asks me to be sexy. I’m just a goofy girl, always the nerd with the 20-sided dice growing up. I never saw myself having much in the way of sex appeal. My ‘grr’ face usually leads to fits of laughter on everyone’s end. I really have to put in my mind that I am trying to seduce someone. I often try and picture some of my favourite femme fatales for inspiration.

What’s your favourite modelling or acting gig that you’ve been a part of? Why? I had a vampire shoot with Lucid Vision, one of the most relaxed and entertaining gigs I have ever done. It should have started off horribly wrong since we had no stage blood. So we looked up a recipe, went to the grocery store and made our own. Corn syrup with red and black food dyes will do the trick. And we needed lots of it. This was also the first time I modelled with another female, and I had to be the vampire

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seductress. The shoot started off sexy and then ended with me draining her of all her blood all over my bed. At the end of the shoot we had about half a gallon of fake blood left, so I suggested taking off my top and pretty much bathing in the rest of it.

Even though I stuck to everything and I was on a permanent sugar high from the blood, it was the most fun I had ever had.

What’s your least favourite? What problems can you cite which led to the project becoming an unenjoyable work experience or lessthan-stellar end product?

I pretty much hit one of the things a female in this sort of industry dreads when I was 19. I was still pretty new to everything and very trusting. I was hired at $500 an hour, including hair and make-up and wardrobe, to do this sort of hippie shoot for an outdoor magazine. Now the magazine I must say is great. Some of the nicest people you will meet. The photographer on the other hand...not so much. When I first met him, he gave me the creepy vibe right off the bat. When he would fix my poses he would just get a tad too close. The shoot went on and at the end of it when everyone was starting to leave, the photographer pulled me aside and propositioned me to be one of his pets. He pulled out a collar and everything. Told me he could have a great effect on what sort of gigs I would get. I brushed him off and went home, but he continued to call me and try to contact me. Even found out where I lived. My roommate threatened him and he backed off, but the whole ordeal had been quite scary.

Do you see yourself continuing to work in horror, or would you like to predominately do other genres?

I would love to continue on in horror. I am still waiting for my chance to play a zombie or some psycho killer tying up people and sacrificing them. And I love doing horror conventions, dressing up and taking pictures with fellow enthusiasts. Though I do love other genres, too. Science fiction mainly, that and I have a huge soft spot for being able to cosplay.

What do you think is the current state of horror, both mainstream and independent?

With the exception of a few films here and there, mainstream to me has lost its appeal after the late 80s and early 90s. I think it mainly has to do with the fact that I have never been much into possessions and that seems to be what’s in right now.

Independent is what’s exciting. They have fresh new ideas and are not clouded by what Hollywood wants and expects. Sure, they are often very cheesy, but I find I have the most fun watching them.

What are your predictions on the next big thing in horror?

Clowns. I mean, we have brought back zombies, vampires, ghosts, demons...even aliens. I think it’s time for killer clowns to take the spotlight. Nothing scared me more

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as a child than the movie IT. The remake of that, with the advancements we have in special effects, I might actually pee myself and sleep with lights on for a month.

If you could be in any movie already made, what would it be?

And whom would you play?

I would love to be in the movie May. It’s about this disturbed girl named May who, being lonely and misunderstood, harvests parts of people she knows to make herself a best friend. I would play May; just being able to get inside her mind and feel what she feels is an exciting and challenging prospect.

What exciting projects are in store for you?

I am very excited to be working for a good friend of mine later this summer on an independent film that he wrote. It’s about a hotel that takes the souls of all who check in. I get to play the lead ghost, killing people instead of being the actual victim. It will also have the pool scene which I spoke of earlier where I jump in naked. I can’t give many more details until it is finished, but I think it will be amazing.

This magazine does a lot of interviews with horror authors and publishes a lot of horror fiction. Do you have a favourite horror author and/or book?

Rose Red by Stephen King. It was so hard for me to put that one down. I have read many of his books and love the sort of twisted mind he seems to have. Though all of my close friends know that my heart belongs to one author by the name of Edgar Allen Poe. I even have the decaying face of him tattooed on my right foot. When I was a little girl I said I wanted to marry him one day, until it was pointed out to me that he was already dead.

What do you look for in choosing future roles?

I look for characters I can really connect to and have more depth to them than what meets the eye. Even if it’s not for a film and just for a photo shoot, I want to be able to portray a story in some way, for pictures are worth a thousand words, right?

Where can your fans go to learn more about you?

There are two main sites I use: Facebook and Model Mayhem. I am currently working on a fan page for Facebook, so once that is up and running I will let everyone know via my regular account. Anyone can view some of my work at: http://www.modelmayhem.com/JasmineChambers. My Facebook link should be on that page as well.

Anything else you’d like to add?

To my sisters and any other girl out there who feels they do not meet the standards it takes to model or act, remember that you are beautiful and you can do and achieve anything you want to in this life. All you have to do is set your mind to it and put in the work and effort.

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Jocelyn Rose Interview Growing up, were you a fan of horror movies? If so, which ones were your favourites?

Oh yes! I started watching horror movies around the age of 12. I loved watching the original Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday the 13th movies on T.V., and really enjoyed MonsterVision on TNT! Halloween is my favourite holiday, so naturally I was and continue to be a fan of Michael Myers.

My dad and I watched zombie movies together and we often talk about what movies are on T.V. or coming out in theatres. About half of my top ten favourites now are horror, including the original NMOES, Aliens, and The Lost Boys, if you want to qualify that as “horror.”

When did you know you wanted to be an actress (i.e., work in the industry)?

I started acting in fifth grade in the school play and then began acting lessons on and off until the end of high school. I wanted to go to college and major in theatre, but it wasn’t practical. I decided to minor in theatre and prepare myself for a “real-life” type of job with a science major, while doing what I loved on the side. That started out well until I shot a 2x4 across the Stagecraft classroom by accident and then decided I wouldn’t minor in theatre because I was transferring and again, it didn’t seem practical. I started working on independent movies in 2008 and didn’t get my first horror movie until 2011. There is not a lot of horror work being done in central NC, I’ve found. I hope that changes!

Besides acting, do you see yourself branching out into any other field behind the camera?

I helped with casting a short last year and loved it. I can see myself doing that again if given the opportunity. I would like to learn how to do makeup and special effects too.

I’m a fairly crafty person, so I think I could do it.

What’s your favourite movie (already filmed) that you’ve been in? Why? I have a tie. A Killer Christmas Carol was the horror movie that I worked on in January 2011, and I had a blast filming it. My favourite type of character is the bitchy type, because being bad feels so good! I love the adrenaline I get from running and screaming, and AKCC allowed me to do that. The other film I really loved working on is titled Dinosaur, and the role was a naïve, but sweet woman who starts a dating a real dinosaur. Yes, a dinosaur in the 21st century, and a perverted one at that.

What’s your least favourite? What problems can you cite which led to the project becoming an un-enjoyable work experience or less-than-stellar end product?

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I have been very blessed to have worked with all really awesome people. I know that sounds cliché, but I haven’t worked with any directors that were unprofessional.

I have received copies of all of the work I have done, which is exceptional in the indie film world. I tend to work with some of the same folks over and over again, which helps because I trust their work ethic.

Do you see yourself continuing to work in horror films, or would you like to predominately do other genres?

More horror, please! I love horror and sci-fi.

What do you think is the current state of horror, both mainstream and independent?

In general, there are way too many remakes! I enjoyed the Friday the 13th remake (2009), but had to go in with the mindset that it wasn’t Jason. Movies from the 80s are my favourite and a lot of that is the music, style, and even film quality of that era, which really cannot be duplicated. It’s got to be hard to come up with an original horror story in this day and age.

I think indie films have more freedom to do whatever the writer and director want, which can often be a good thing.

Independent films are difficult to do on a tight budget, especially those that require special effects. I like the old-school puppetry and other techniques that were used before CGI came along. I would love a return to more of the older techniques, because the use of CGI is incredibly overdone in mainstream movies, in my opinion.

What are your predictions on the next big thing in horror?

I’m hoping more strong female characters, like Ripley and Nancy Thompson. I don’t like torture porn, so I’m hoping that’s on the way out. I’d like to go back to more cerebral horror, like Silence of the Lambs, but with good chase scenes and screaming!

Recently we’ve had the vampire trend, the zombie trend, and the ghost trend. Perhaps a return to extraterrestrial?

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If you could be in any movie already made, what would it be?

And whom would you play?

Peyton Flanders from The Hand That Rocks The Cradle or Gozer from Ghostbusters. Always the villain!

What exciting projects are in store for you?

I am thrilled to be working on a short drama titled “Park Bench,” which was written by one of my very good friends and SAG actor, Darren Conrad. It tells the story of love and loss, and naturally, I play a mean girl. I am filming two commercials next week that will play locally to advertise a public event in July, so that’s really exciting. My face will be all over one of the local stations!

This magazine does a lot of interviews with horror authors and publishes a lot of horror fiction. Do you have a favourite horror author and/or book?

Stephen King’s older works, in particular It and The Stand. Other favourites include Robert McCammon’s Stinger, and Christopher Pike’s The Season of Passage. I loved Pike’s work growing up. I could read them all over again right now!

What do you look for in choosing future roles?

Is it something I feel comfortable doing and do I feel like I can do that character justice? I do tend to gravitate toward the bitchy, the naïve, or the goofy roles. I am not the love story type.

How do you unwind after a long day on set?

I usually have a long drive, so I usually just listen to music to unwind.

Where can your fans go to learn more about you?

I have an IMDB page where they can see what projects I have filmed. I hope to have a website sometime over the next year. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4103332/ Anything else you’d like to add?

I appreciate the opportunity to do this interview! I feel honoured to have been selected. Thank you!

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Linnea Quigley Interview I first met Linnea Quigley on the set of Post Mortem America 2021, back in 2009. We have since been on three projects together, and I have learned so much from her, including how to “scream.” I am honoured to say that she is a great friend and mentor, an amazing actress, a caring person, and the most honest person I know. She would give you the shirt off her back, if you needed it. The best thing about knowing her though, is that she makes me laugh and is fun to be with.

Melanie Robel How do you feel about the new generation of Scream Queens?

Well, my impression of the new generation of Scream Queens is not the way it really started. I find a lot of them haven’t studied acting and don’t have a good work ethic.

They aren’t prepared, or are very professional. I don’t mean to sound hard on them, but a lot of being a Scream Queen is based on just looking good and a lot of being divas. When I started, most actresses wouldn’t do any kind of nudity and thought horror films were not so good to do. They wanted to just shoot, get to the top without really learning a lot of what it takes. This would involve taking classes and doing the extra work, being prepared, so we can shoot on film so you don’t have to do a bunch of takes, since filming is very expensive. So many girls say they are Scream Queens and they haven’t done a movie, or their movie is so bad that it will never be released.

There are girls who are professional and not divas, who take it very seriously, as a job and you’re lucky to get the job, knowing how many girls are wanting to work.

What about the self-proclaimed Scream Queens?

Yes, the self-proclaimed Scream Queens are funny. It’s a term that many girls used to find offensive, but now it’s “cool” and “in” to be one. I feel you really need to earn your rights to that title, by hard work and doing all you can to support your existing Scream Queens.

Is there a female in the acting world that you consider an icon?

Oh, man, so many actresses, but I love Nicole Kidman and I think she is really good.

There is Meryl Streep, who can do all sorts of roles. IT’S HARD TO PICK JUST ONE. Do you find it intimidating that people consider you an icon?

It really is so strange when people think of me as an icon. It’s a great feeling but scary, since I don’t want to let anyone down on anything I do AND while making good movies. You never know what is going to be good, until it’s edited, sound is put in, and it’s all finished.

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When did you realize you wanted to do acting for a living?

I never thought I could do acting. I was sooooooooooo shy, never made a play, wasn’t outgoing. So when I started working at a health spa in Pasadena, California, these girls introduced me to modelling and extra work. I took classes, it grew, word got around that I was dependable, worked hard, wasn’t late, or a party girl and took my work seriously, but had fun with it, too.

What was your favourite role and movie that you were in and why?

I guess my favourite role was Trash in Return of the Living Dead. I played in a Punk BAND and knew the world. Not full-on, but I knew it and it was such a fun thing, to play something so different from me. Just a free spirit who knows what she wants.

Have you had any regrets and if so, what would you have done differently?

Ha ha, if I would have done something differently, I would have really gotten someone, who would have pushed for me when I was in People Premiere Magazine, in the TV shows and got me into the majors productions. But, I had someone who was laid back. I learned you have to strike when the iron is hot.

How do you handle negativity on set?

I hate negativity on set. It’s hard since actors are very sensitive and they are putting themselves out there to be judged. So I sometimes take things to heart, but I try to just centre on what I’m doing and do it as best I can. I will try not to be around the negativity, but try to be alone, or be around some positive people.

Are there any directors you would like to work with that you haven’t yet?

Of course, there are so many directors I’d love to work with. Man, I couldn’t list them all. Ron Howard, Steven Spielberg, Rob Zombie, Tobe Hooper, Wes Craven, and on and on. I would love to work with Allan Arkush again. I did a little part in a film of his and, oh, Christopher Guest.

What advice would you give to future horror actresses/ Scream Queens?

I’d tell the future actress to be prepared, not to bring drama onto the set, know your lines, learn other people’s jobs and respect everyone, since they are working even harder than you, most of the time. I’ve done craft services, wardrobe, makeup, co-producing and PA work. So I could learn new things. Also, don’t party and then

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go to work the next day. Just try to do the best you can.

What did you think when you got the Scream Queen title?

I was very proud when I got the Scream Queen title, even though at that time, it was people saying, those kind of movies were very uppity and stuff. Like, horror wasn’t really counted as a film. But now, it really is and so many more women want to be into it and before, they didn’t want to do it. I love horror, so I was very proud.

What was your reaction when you got into the Horror Hall of Fame?

It felt so cool. I’m not sure, but I might have been at that time, the only woman to have that title. I remember Bruce Campbell saying something and calling me up to get my Horror Oscar and I was really happy.

What was your least favourite movie and why? Was it the work experience, or was it the movie itself?

Oh, man, I hate to knock people, but I think Animals was a bad experience for me. It was my first video film and I was expecting more out of it. It was funny, since we filmed in Florida at a nudist camp and the cast members had their clothes on. They saw people of all ages, rollerblading, playing tennis, washing cars, and riding bikes naked.

It was funny, but it was just not that great. I’ve had a lot of films that were not so great, but you learn and it’s hard to know until it’s done, on the shelves, or not on shelves.

Where can your fans go to find out more about you?

Well, I will have a website soon, www.linnea-quigley.com, and now there is www.linneaquigleyscreamtime.com, and some fun stuff is coming out soon. Like Girls Gone Dead is really fun, and a great movie, Bloodstruck, is done and so is Disciples. I’m working on a short film, Stella Buio. I have a fun video I did for a band, Sexcrement, called Trucker Bomb, and I’m thinking of things all the time. I also sell my mystery boxes and stuff on linneaquigley wardrobe on ebay. The website will be up as soon as I get off my lazy bum and get the photos up. One thing I have to say, is be kind to all animals. I’m a big animal supporter and would love to do an action film with that kind of message.

Thank you and stay scared and thanks for watching.

Love, Linnea

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Shauna Tackett Interview

Growing up, were you a fan of horror movies?

If so, which ones were your favourites?

I got into horror in my early teenage years. My favourite has always been The Texas Chainsaw Massacre... the original. I always loved the Halloween movies growing up. Child’s Play was the first horror movie I ever saw.

When did you know you wanted to be an actress (i.e., work in the industry)?

I’ve always been into acting, and wanted to act since I was about 12, back when I’d do school plays. At about age 15 or so I started writing screenplays. I wanted to be in and make my own films so bad.

Besides acting, do you see yourself branching out into any other field behind the camera?

I’m directing my own movie right now, as well as doing most of the camera work for it. And I write my own scripts, also do some editing. Basically I do everything when it comes to making my own movies, that’s the only way to get it done! I learned the hard way, if you want to get something done, you HAVE to do it yourself. People say they will do things for you (such as editing), but when you wait around for months and months, and it doesn’t get done...you just have to do it yourself.

What’s your favourite movie (already filmed) that you’ve been in? Why? If it had gotten finished, my favourite would have probably been my movie Perfect Skin... there were a lot of issues with that movie, and I didn’t end up getting to finish it, but I still love the script and everything that we did get to film turned out so good.

My character was so creepy, and the death scenes were very gory. It had a really good twist at the end of the film as well.

What’s your least favourite? What problems can you cite which led to the project becoming an un-enjoyable work experience or less-than-stellar end product?

While Perfect Skin was my favourite, it’s also my least favourite, due to the fact that it had so many problems (which I won’t go into). There was just no way to finish it without starting over entirely. It was hard to get everyone together at the same time.

Personal issues, and other issues... I finally just gave up when I realized there was no way to finish the movie. Then people started calling me a “fraud” because I said I was in production, and the movie never got finished. A lot of people were disappointed, and I was disappointed myself, but it wasn’t entirely my fault... so to prove I wasn’t a fraud, I began working on a new film (Bad Hare Day). I still hate the fact that Perfect Skin never got finished though, and I’m giving serious thought to just starting over and remaking it within the next year or two because I think it was my best work/best script yet.

Do you see yourself continuing to work in horror films, or would you like to predominately do other genres?

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Horror will always be my #1 choice, but I’d do anything really.

What do you think is the current state of horror, both mainstream and independent?

I think there are too many remakes in Hollywood... I have plenty of great ideas for new movies, so I don’t see why Hollywood can’t be more creative and stop remaking the same film 3 times. Not to say I don’t like some of the remakes, but... come on, we want to see new ideas!

What are your predictions on the next big thing in horror?

I have no predictions, really. But I’m hoping that I’m the next big thing in horror.

If you could be in any movie already made, what would it be? And whom would you play?

Sally/The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

What exciting projects are in store for you?

So far just Bad Hare Day and a few short films I plan on doing.

I just finished editing a short entitled “X” that I filmed last year, so look for that at the upcoming conventions!

This magazine does a lot of interviews with horror authors and publishes a lot of horror fiction. Do you have a favourite horror author and/or book?

Carrie by Stephen King and Valentine by Tom Savage were always two of my favourites. I hardly ever read books anymore though, I’d rather watch movies. Even though I think both of those books were better than the films.

What do you look for in choosing future roles?

I’ll do pretty much anything. I’m not picky, just trying to get myself out there. I’d love to have more main roles in other peoples’ films though.

How do you unwind after a long day on set?

Go to bed... lol.

Where can your fans go to learn more about you?

My Facebook: www.facebook.com/shaunatackett

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Surrah Keen Interview Growing up, were you a fan of horror movies?

If so, which ones were your favourites?

I do enjoy a good scare as long as it’s tastefully done. I grew up with parents that didn’t believe in watching horror films, but I do fancy the odd and unusual. I would probably have to say that the first “scary” movie for me was when I was 12, I saw It, and I never really had a problem with clowns before or after this, but it definitely scared the ever living sissy into me... I’ve always liked The Devils Rejects, Donnie Darko (doesn’t really fall into the horror category), or The Grudge. I’m more so a fan of horror and comedy combined. Shawn of the Dead is a good one, and of course, Army of Darkness.

How important was art growing up? Are you from a naturally artistic family or upbringing?

I have been drawing since I was a wee thing... I have a huge family and a majority of us could draw just because we were home-schooled and had more time on our hands to put forth the efforts in perfecting something from our imaginations. My sisters and I would all draw girls, and the boys would draw jets and cars... typical, I suppose. But none of us ever took art classes, so we developed a good bit of our styles naturally.

Which is cool I think.

When did you know you wanted to be a tattoo artist? Is it tattoo artist or tattooist?

Tattooer. I started in a shop back near my hometown of Floyd, VA; I wasn’t given any real instruction on how to properly tattoo, or even what a tattoo machine was made of or how it worked. I was there a month and told to sit down at a station to tattoo a 16 year old girl. I was there tattooing full time for about 8 months, sometimes opening and closing the shop solo, I was 19. Until I wised up and decided to just leave because being there was doing nothing for me but merely running my name in the industry into the dirt. Took all my equipment to look else where for a legit apprenticeship. Along the way I eventually lost everything I had to tattoo with, which I now say was a blessing in disguise, as it allowed me to forget all I thought I knew about tattooing. Some three years later I meet Gabriel Cece, and set up appointments to be tattooed and wound up pursuing him for an apprenticeship. Later that year he informed me that he was in the works of putting his own shop together. Once that began happening, I offered to help with whatever I could and I’ve been here ever since.

How comfortable are you working on horror-centric tattoo pieces? What are some of the ones you’ve completed, and how do you feel about the quality of your work pertaining to them?

I’d say I’m pretty comfortable; it really depends on how particular the client is about which style of horror they’re leaning towards. I’m still adjusting to horror-esque themes. I believe as time goes on I’ll really gravitate towards it and embrace it more with my own twist. I’ve noticed there have been many horror-like, zombie-type

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tattoos that already exist, and the Tattooers that do them have such a talent for this style, so I’m branching out a little bit and trying to brainstorm on some fresh ideas to make it more my own.

What’s your favourite tattoo that you’ve done? Why? I really enjoy doing abstract, not quite bio-mechanical, but it somewhat resembles it. I’m really into plant life, foliage, organiclooking abstract.

What’s your least favourite? What problems can you cite which led to the project becoming an unenjoyable work experience or less-than-stellar end product?

When someone insists on getting a tattoo upside down, too small, or is very indecisive. There is nothing more frustrating than a client that is constantly dissatisfied with every drawing you produce. Sometimes it’s hard for people that don’t tattoo to understand exactly what it takes to transfer their ideas onto paper and then onto skin. Such different mediums, and it really just means that you have to better explain this with them and make sure they’re well informed. But sometimes people just want what they want. And it’s up to us as the artist at that point whether we’ll do the tattoo or not.

In general it seems that die-hard horror fans as well as die-hard tattoo enthusiasts live on the “fringe” of society (i.e., unique look, perspectives, interests and opinions).

In the past both groups have had less-than-favourable results in the mainstream public eye due to what others may assume about them based on outward appearance.

Do you feel this is an old way of thinking? Are tattoos now the “norm” in today’s society?

Wow, that was a long question. Yes, I believe it’s become very normal these days.

Very widely-accepted as people become more informed and aware of what to look for in an artist. Tattooers nowadays have gone that extra mile to ensure a safe and a clean environment that the public can trust. I believe it will continue to grow. I can’t really say that it’s entirely all good that it’s still growing, because shows like “Tattoo School” now exist, which truly disappoints me..

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Do you feel that tattoos (and their artists) have “lost something” now that it seems everyone has at least one?

I think art is art, whether we hang it in our homes, or wear it on our bodies. If you appreciate it enough to wear it forever, then I think that’s great. After all we decorate ourselves with jewellery, accessories, cars, and clothes, why not tattoos? As far as I know, tattooing has existed since the beginning, so I don’t feel that anything is lost unless the task is put into the wrong hands and done incorrectly, which leaves to it to real artists to either cover up or correct.

People should always do their research before agreeing to get tattooed by just anybody.

They’ll be grateful they were patient and educated themselves. A lot of people are impulsive and look first for the cheapest price rather than quality for what its worth... which they will pay for over time if they aren’t careful.

What do you think is the current state of the tattoo culture?

It’s very popular right now, more people are getting them that normally wouldn’t or swore against them. Even the elderly have been known to just decide they finally wanted to go through with it and get something small.

Again, I don’t really see the growth of popularity in tattoos to ever really die off like most trends and fads are concerned. As tattooing has been around since, I think, the beginning, like most cultures it will be even more acceptable and appreciated the more we evolve as artists and community.

What are your predictions on the next big thing in tattoo design?

Skin grafts with interchangeable, animated designs. Ha! That would be insane! There are all forms of art out there being produced by some amazing artists and Tattooers. It really is incredible to see just how far tattooing has come and the capabilities within the Tattooers that create things that were thought to be impossible at one point in time. So the next big thing? Who knows, the possibilities seem endless and that much more exciting.

What exciting projects/ future plans are in store for Surrah Keen?

Art shows are always exciting. We have a bunch coming up here shortly, so if you live in the area and are interested, we update all the time and keep everyone informed on upcoming events. Getting some paintings together hopefully to put up for sale soon, and of course tattoo conventions. Conventions can be fun, especially if you get to travel, which I’m a huge fan of.

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This magazine does a lot of interviews with horror authors and publishes a lot of horror fiction. Do you have a favourite horror author and/or book?

I have read a couple books by Clive Barker, but other than that, I’m really not a book person. I mean picture books sure, but I struggle with sitting still behind a book unless I have absolutely nothing else to do.

Any tattoos you would refuse to do?

Anything deliberately hateful, like racism or just downright ignorant tattoos. I won’t usually tattoo anyone above the neckline, or below the wrists unless the person is committed to a tattooed life style and is already heavily tattooed.

Understanding that it’s nothing against those areas to have tattoos, but once someone gets a tattoo on their face, neck or hands it instantly cuts them out of modern society and may struggle in the future with finding employment.

How do you unwind after a long day at the shop?

My afternoons usually consist of spending time with my daughter who is 3, and the time that I don’t have her I spend drawing, painting, or meeting up at a local watering hole for some drinks.

Where can your fans and clients go to learn more about you?

They can visit our shop website at www.studioevolvetattoo.com where they can view all the portfolios, get shop location information and any contact information if they’re interested in pursuing some tattoos. We’re also on Facebook, at http://www.facebook.com/studioevolve Anything else you’d like to add?

Correction, it is a machine, not a gun. Everyone soak that in for a little bit and remember, not all Tattooers are sensitive to this name that people seem to latch onto, but saying it around your Tattooer probably isn’t the best idea; it’s good to be informed. Thanks again for allowing me to be part of Morpheus Tales Magazine.

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Sierra Holmes Interview Growing up, were you a fan of horror movies? If so, which ones were your favourites?

Oh, my God! I was a huge horror fan at age 4! My very first “scary” movie was Gremlins! Now, if you’re a horror fan you are probably laughing, but let me explain! Gremlins isn’t considered an “I’m gonna pee in my pants, Jason is chasing me to cut my throat off movie,” but at age 4 it was kind of creepy. I am a die-hard fan of horror movies to this day! My favourite are demon movies!

There is just something about the suspense and the edge that is thrilling!

My horror collection of DVDs is HUGE! I love the thrill of being scared!

I am sure you all relate!

When did you know you wanted to be an actress (i.e., work in the industry)?

I knew I wanted to be an actress when I popped out of my mom, LOL! I am the type of girl who knows what she wants. I am in love with acting and in love with the horror industry. This is my calling and I will never give up!

I really enjoyed following you on VH1’s SCREAM QUEENS 2. Tell us about the experience, how you got selected, the good times and the bad, etc.

Wow, big question. OK. The selection process was rough. Over 60,000 girls auditioned, even overseas, and I had to go to over 20 call-backs. They actually put me up in a hotel and at the last minute they told me the day of the shoot I was booked. It was unreal!

How did the show help further your acting career? How has your life changed since the series?

The show has changed my life! I have booked so many movies and modelling shoots!

I am still shocked when people write on my Facebook wall and say they are my fans.

To me, I’m still Sierra!

Besides acting, do you see yourself branching out into any other field behind the camera?

Honestly, I do have a Bachelors of Fine Arts Degree, but my heart is with acting. At the same time, I do want to help other aspiring actors. So, I hope to do both!

What’s your favourite movie (already filmed) that you’ve been in? Why? Ok, my favourite movie I filmed was called Unlucky Night because it brought me out of myself. I had to be somebody I am not comfortable with. I played the innocent girl who kills everyone at the end. In the past I have always played the nice girl, so it’s kind of crazy to play the opposite!

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Do you see yourself continuing to work in horror films, or would you like to predominately do other genres?

I LOVE the horror genre! I keep getting offered horror roles and I am so flattered! For me right now I am all about my passion and what makes me happy, which is acting! I am not deferring any roles that come to me! I just love to be on set.

What are your predictions on the next big thing in horror?

What pisses me off about horror is that EVERYTHING is being repeated! As horror fans, we can predict the next 5 minutes of the movie! Can somebody make a movie that is not predictable or repeated? I want to see something that puts me on the edge of my seat and is unpredictable....am I wrong here?

If you could be in any movie already made, what would it be? And whom would you play?

EASY QUESTION! I love The Exorcism of Emily Rose. I LOVE demon movies because they put a thought in your head if it exists or not. Is it possible or not? I like the unknown.

What exciting projects are in store for you?

I would love to tell you, but I am under contract! I promise as soon as I can tell I will!... P.S. They are horror movies, ha ha.

What do you look for in choosing future roles?

I want to push myself and do things that I am not comfortable with. I want a director who will push me out of my comfort zone!

How do you unwind after a long day on set?

I don’t consider it unwinding because after a long day on set, I am happy because I just left something I love. Usually though, I will grab a bite to eat and call it a night!

Where can your fans go to learn more about you?

I have a website, www.sierraholmes.com, and they can Google me as well: SIERRA HOLMES. Anything else you’d like to add?

To any actors or anyone who has a dream... listen, I have been told NO a million times...

NEVER give up because DREAMS DO HAPPEN! LEARN FROM ME! DON’T GIVE UP! :)

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Dai Green Interview Growing up, were you a fan of horror movies? If so, which ones were your favourites?

Horror movies were mostly all I would watch besides the normal kid cartoons like Rainbow Bright, Care Bears, Ninja Turtles, etc. My favourite, hands down, was Carrie. I identified with her in all of her awkwardness because I was just as strange and awkward when I was a kid. It still makes me tear up when she dies; she was just misunderstood. ;) When did you know you wanted to be an actress (i.e., work in the industry)?

I actually never set out to be an actress, I just kind of fell into it and then realized I really have a lot fun while doing it.

I knew I wanted to be a writer one day, I was just lucky enough to be able to work in an industry that I love.

Besides acting do you see yourself branching out into any other field behind the camera?

Absolutely. Being a nerd of my stature, I thrive on learning just about everything to know about things that I find interesting. I think at one point I will try my hand at making a short film, but I don’t think I will set out to make my new career as the next Spielberg. Maybe an accidental ‘Ed Wood’ though.

What’s your favourite movie (already filmed) that you’ve been in? Why? Ooooh. That is a hard one. One thing I stick to pretty religiously is only doing projects that I believe in and know I will enjoy. Every film I have done has had parts to it that make them so completely awesome to me that finding one to be my favourite is impossible. I can tell you that one I am really anxious for you guys to see would be the film Modern Romance because it is a different role than I think most people would expect to see me do. Let’s just say I’m dying in it, but not in the way you would expect. It’s pretty comical.

What’s your least favourite? What problems can you cite which led to the project becoming an un-enjoyable work experience or less-than-stellar end product?

I don’t want to mention names on this one because I don’t feel it would be right, but I can and will say that you should always make sure the comfort of your cast and crew is of the utmost importance when you go on location. I was involved in one project where it was extremely hot out where we were filming, and not even the simplest of things like cold water was being offered. Ten hours out in the sun with food and bottled water that had been left out in almost 100-degree temperatures and no place to cool off and unwind can make it a very miserable shoot. That will come through in

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the final project as well. Things get rushed, are done half-assed, and the performances suffer due to overheating and dehydration. You would be amazed what a simple thing like an ice cooler can do to keep people happy and make an entire shoot go smoother.

Do you see yourself continuing to work in horror films, or would you like to predominately do other genres?

I like to do what I find to be fun so if other projects come along that fit the bill, I would try them. I think I will always be embedded in the horror genre just because it is what I love and enjoy the most.

You’re an actress, model, writer, and podcaster – among other things. Which do you consider yourself first and foremost?

I am definitely a writer before I am anything else. I enjoy helping people with their scripts and bringing the little demons inside of my head out onto paper. Plus, I am a full believer that entertainment can be the one thing that keeps people out of trouble and nowhere else can I entertain like I can with my own material on my own grounds and on my own terms.

Tell us about your online writing and blogging. How did it start? Which sites do you write for?

I started for a website because I wanted a press pass into a convention and it stuck with me. I started writing for what was then Pretty-Scary and continued onto HorrorNews.net. Since then I have freelanced for sites like DreaminDemon.com and I also run a personal blog at DaiGreen.BlogSpot.com (which I am absolutely terrible about updating…sorry about that).

Tell us about your podcasts. Where can we listen?

You can check out all of my most recent shows at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thedarkest-hour If you want to hear older shows with lots of amazing celebrity guests, you can find those at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/horrornewsnet If you have any Slipknot fans, I would absolutely recommend this show at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-darkest-hour/2012/01/24/the-darkest-hour--coreytaylor-and-shawn-crahan-of-slipknot where Corey and Clown came on to talk about their new film company.

One thing that I really admire about you is how opinionated you are when it comes to whatever you’re passionate about. Can you cite any instances where this has worked for you and/or against you?

Haha! It is always working against me, you kidding me?! I don’t have the ability to sugar coat many things because it is not in my nature. And most of the time people get upset because I had the balls to say certain things in public forums that many think should be kept to oneself. Well, I don’t believe in that. I believe that for some reason in this crazy universe, someone decided to give me a voice that could be heard by

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thousands of people, and if I only use it to try and hype myself up as some pretty chick or self-important d-bag, then I deserve to have it ripped from me. I believe that as a generation, we have become so selfish and self-involved that many things that should be discussed go to the wayside to things like “look at my new Prada shoes” and “I’m having coffee this morning at this ultra-hip coffee shop and I think you should know because it makes me cool” crap. With all of the problems we have going on in this world, you would think that posting an article that shows where victims have fewer rights than criminals or a child has gone missing would be more important than your morning crap you just took, and I have no shame in telling people that. As you could guess, that upsets many that do post the things that I was referring to because they feel guilty, and when one feels guilty, they lash out. I’m tired of watching our society act like a bunch of self-obsessed hypocrites as important issues that we CAN fix or at least bring enough light to them to make a change fall victim to these “what can it do for me, I am so amazingly important” attitudes. People never realize these things until it happens to them. Now take everything I just said and add a dose of semi-inappropriate humour, and you have the formula for the things I talk about.

What do you think is the current state of horror, both mainstream and independent?

It’s no secret that pretty much all horror films coming out of the mainstream arena are remakes. To me, that is sad in a sense because kids are not seeking out the originals, which are honestly really amazing films. This is going to continue until there is nothing more to remake that would be of interest to the public.

Independent films are a little different. They are mostly made on their own terms so no exact formula is given. I do see a lot of recycled story premises as of late. You know, the 18-thousand films that are “found footage” inspired or another elaborate Saw knock-off. There are some really good ones coming out, though, that will be of great interest to horror lovers. I do wish more originality was being utilized within the lower budget Indie realm. Just because you can make it like someone else did, it doesn’t always mean you should.

What are your predictions on the next big thing in horror?

Next big thing in horror… that is a tough one since we are in the remake slump that I mentioned before. One trend that I do see developing is more female-driven horror stories. This makes me excited not because of the gender issue, but because men and women have very different styles in what they find “scary.” Men tend to write more physically vicious roles like slashers and bashers, while women prefer the more intellectually terrifying stories. These are ones that reach into your psyche and

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provoke your worst fears in a mental instead of visual setting to get the always sought after reaction; terror. Now, of course, this is not always the rule, but it is the common place for the most part. It’s time we move on from watching people get physically maimed for a while and focus on having our guts turned in our stomach by our own minds.

If you could be in any movie already made, what would it be? And whom would you play?

I would absolutely, hands down, without a doubt be Dr. Frank-N-Furter…but I would have to grow a penis for that. Since that is not possible, my second choice would be Magenta in RHPS. I love that movie so stupid much that I wish I could go back in time and just jump in one of their bodies and be able to play their roles.

What exciting projects are in store for you?

I have a few in the works. Most of the films I have done are entering post as we speak so expect a few things to come out with my name on them. As far as ones in preproduction or currently filming, I am obligated to keep those secret until I have full permission but I will say that I have quite a few different roles coming up that people may not expect to see me in. One of them involves almost full body makeup. I am stoked to take part in these!

This magazine does a lot of interviews with horror authors and publishes a lot of horror fiction. Do you have a favourite horror author and/or book?

I am a junkie for true crime books. One that I would absolutely suggest for people to read would be House Of Secrets by Lowell Cauffiel. This is one of the most messed up true crime stories that will make you hold your family a little closer while giving your neighbours the stink eye. If we are talking fiction, my favourite would absolutely be IT by Stephen King. King is, and has always been, a huge inspiration to me as he is most people. Something about that book inspired me each and every time I read it.

I’ve read it at least 30 times, by the way. If people haven’t read it, please do! It’s a lot different than the movie and a lot more terrifying.

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What do you look for in choosing future roles?

When I choose roles, I normally only choose projects that I really believe in so this is a pretty simple question to answer. But I CAN say that one role I would kill (pun intended) to play is one that embodies absolute evil and the macabre. And not in makeup. For some reason, this is the one role that I have yet to play that I really want to. I think I could pull it off and scar the audience pretty well. I don’t need to be the hot and sexy vixen; I am just fine being the demonic chick that makes you check that dark closet twice.

How do you unwind after a long day on set?

YouTube or watching the ID channel. I am addicted to both, I am considering a lawsuit. Haha!

Where can your fans go to learn more about you?

I’m a pretty accessible chick and easy to find. My personal links include: www.FaceBook.com/DaiGreensFanPage www.Twitter.com/DaiGreen www.DaiGreen.BlogSpot.com www.BlogTalkRadio.com/The-Darkest-Hour www.HorrorNews.net Anything else you’d like to add?

Just a huge thank you to everyone reading this for taking a moment to check me out, an extra special thank you to you for having me, and most important, all my love to those who follow me and engage me on a day-to-day basis. Without you guys, I am just another chick who writes on the internet and talks on a podcast. I say it a lot and mean every word of it, you guys will never know how much I appreciate being able to do what I do for you guys. I truly think of you all as friends.

Oh, and one last thing… SUPPORT INDIE HORROR!!!

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Stephanie Danielson Interview Growing up, were you a fan of horror movies? If so, which ones were your favourites?

Yes, I’ve always loved scary movies.

The Hills Have Eyes was always a favourite… scared the living daylights out of me!

When did you know you wanted to be an actress (i.e., work in the industry)?

My parents put me in dance classes at the age of five, and I fell in love with performing. I always knew I wanted to entertain, but didn’t discover acting until middle school. My first play in 7th grade, “Girls of the Garden,” was the start of my true love - acting!

Besides acting, you’ve also done some writing, producing, directing, and everything in between. Anything else in the movie biz you’d like to try?

I’ve always wanted to try it all, but nothing thus far has ever come even close to giving me the fulfilment that acting does. I think it’s very important as an actor to understand all realms of the business, and so I have dabbled in writing, producing, and directing. Really loved directing! I absolutely have no talent for writing, though… hahaha!

What’s your favourite movie (already filmed) that you’ve been in? Why? That’s a hard question to answer. I don’t even have an answer. I’ve played a nice variety of characters and hopefully have a lot more to come in my future.

What’s your least favourite? What problems can you cite which led to the project becoming an un-enjoyable work experience or less-than-stellar end product?

I’ve been very fortunate to have always worked with great people. I think it would really suck to have to work with ungrateful people who don’t really care about the actual art. Fortunately, I have not been put in that position.

You’ve worked in other genres besides horror. What is your favourite genre to work in and why? Is a return to horror in your future?

I really enjoy comedy, and of course it’s the one genre I’ve had the least roles in. Oh yes, I love horror and am always up for being in a good horror film!

What exciting projects are in store for you?

Lately, I’ve been focused on developing the Heartful Children’s Foundation as well as my SLD Collection, but currently reading some scripts and we shall see!

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What do you look for in choosing future roles?

I look for a script that makes me feel something… I have to feel something whether it be happiness or fear or sadness. I really enjoy unique scripts that are not traditional stories. Outside the box!

How do you unwind after a long day on set?

A glass of red wine and a nice hot bath or watching a movie alone.

Tell us about your handbag/accessory company. How and why did you start it?

I’ve always been in love with vintage handbags so I started the SLD Collection which offers vintage handbags from all over the world that I’ve found - I then sass them up, paint them, and customize them to your liking. Vintage has so much more character and quality! I love it! Add our SLD Collection Facebook page!

Tell us about your ongoing charity work and where we can find more info.

I started the Heartful Children’s Foundation with Dr. Fereidun Shokatfard, helping kids with cancer through art. Kids need more than medicine to get better and I truly believe, from my own experiences, that art helps healing. You can learn more about our foundation and get involved at www.HeartfulKids.org.

Where can your fans go to learn more about you?

My website always has news updates! www.StephDanielson.com

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Angela Denton Interview Growing up, were you a fan of horror movies? If so, which ones were your favourites?

Growing up I was raised in church, so I was sheltered from horror movies. The first one I saw was by accident on TV, it was The Blob. It scared the crap out of me! Following The Blob, my grandpa let me watch Friday the 13th. As a kid who was sheltered from horror movies, after I saw those I stayed away from horror for awhile.

When did you know you wanted to be an actress (i.e., work in the industry)?

It wasn’t ‘til my first role that I realized how amazing the world of film was. After that experience I was hooked!

Besides acting, you’re also a model. How did you get started with both, and where might we have seen some of your work?

As far as modelling, it was a dream of mine since childhood. I wanted to be a runway model from the time I was about thirteen. I never thought it was possible. I can thank the ol’ MySpace for helping me get started with my modelling and acting career. A random photographer saw some of my photos on my MySpace and contacted me, said he loved my look and wanted to do a photo shoot. I was blown away. I did the shoot, posted the photos and the rest followed. After that I was getting contacted by photographers left and right wanting to work together. It was an amazing snowball effect! I built up my portfolio, and in the process caught the attention of a friend of mine through MySpace, Jason Hignite. He contacted me and told me he loved my style and I should try my hand at acting. He already had a role in mind for me to audition for, which I did and nailed! It was for a short ‘goremance’ called “Roses,” which you can find on YouTube. My most recent work was just released in the film Found by Scott Schirmer.

What is your stance when it comes to nudity in either modelling or acting?

As long as it’s done with class or a purpose, I have no problem with nudity in either.

I’ve done artistic nudes which I find beautiful. In acting, I’ve had scenes that required nudity, but it always had a reason and fit into the script. I definitely won’t be that naked girl running up stairs to get away from a killer!

What has been your most challenging assignment thus far (either as a model or actress), and why?

I would say my most challenging assignment was my role in Headless, which is a movie within the movie Found. I played the first victim of a psychotic killer. I

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literally had to shut out the cast and crew and force myself into a dark place in my mind so that I could bring out the emotion needed. I spent several hours tied up, bloody, screaming, and crying. It was emotionally draining, but damn did it look good on camera!

What’s your favourite modelling or acting gig that you’ve been a part of? Why? I’d say my favourite gigs would be modelling for the amazing and talented Laura Dark out of Columbus, OH. Through working with her I have been published in several magazines such as Dark Beauty magazine and American Gothique magazine. I’ve had the honour of modelling beautiful wardrobes and rare, expensive jewellery for designers for print ads. It’s such an amazing experience to be transformed into another person or character and seeing yourself in print!

What’s your least favourite? What problems can you cite which led to the project becoming an un-enjoyable work experience or less-than-stellar end product?

I’d say my biggest issues are lack of communication and people who don’t hold true to their word. I enjoy what I do, but there has to be a level of respect. Everyone needs to be on the same page and follow through with what they say. I’ve had to cancel a shoot a day before because a photographer failed to tell me he was in Illinois, and I live in Indiana. He just assumed I was going to travel to him four hours away, for free, last minute. Recently on a film project, several of us gathered from all around to shoot some footage, only to have the director drunk the whole time and we didn’t get anything filmed at all.

Do you see yourself continuing to work in horror or would you like to predominately do other genres?

I enjoy working on horror movies and I will continue in that genre as long as opportunity presents itself. Aside from horror, I would love to try my hand at action.

It’s a bit of a desire of mine to play a badass. I’m very interested in pushing myself and seeing what I’m capable of.

What do you think is the current state of horror, both mainstream and independent?

Hmm… I personally think that mainstream horror is running out of ideas and repeating itself. There are too many Saws and Screams. You don’t see very many unique mainstream horror movies these days like you use to. I believe that independent horror is going strong. Every single time I watch a new independent horror film, I’m blown away. Independent films can get away with so much more than mainstream films. It seems with mainstream horror there are too many rules to follow; with independent, all those rules are taken away, sliced up, tortured, and fed to the demons under your bed!

What are your predictions on the next big thing in horror?

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The issue here is that it seems like everything has been done already: ghosts, zombies, vampires, torture, serial killers, etc. It’s hard to say what will be the next big thing.

Whatever it is, it better blow my mind and be something I haven’t seen before! I would love to see a horror go to Broadway!

If you could be in any movie already made, what would it be? And whom would you play?

I’m a huge Rob Zombie fan. I would love to have been in A House of a Thousand Corpses or The Devil’s Rejects. Of course I would play Sherri Moon Zombie’s characters; I love the sadistic, creepy, demented, yet sexy characters she plays.

What exciting projects are in store for you?

As soon as production is done, The Birthday Massacre by Kenny White will be released. I’ve also already begun filming my latest project called Night of the Dolls by Tom Komisar, which we hope will be released by the beginning of 2013. Farmer’s Daughters by Patrick Desmond is almost complete, and we hope to show it at HorrorHound in Indy this fall!

This magazine does a lot of interviews with horror authors and publishes a lot of horror fiction. Do you have a favourite horror author and/or book?

They may not be considered horror, but I’m a big fan of Anne Rice and Laurel K. Hamilton. I’ve been intrigued by vampires and lycans since before they went mainstream. Both authors write extremely well and in great detail. I love that I can get lost in their words and feel like I’m actually living the story.

What do you look for in choosing future roles?

I’d like to challenge myself. Do something I haven’t done already. Since I’m still new to film and I haven’t had very big roles with much dialog, I would really like more speaking lines. I’m good at portraying emotion physically; I want to challenge myself to do it vocally as well.

Where can your fans go to learn more about you?

To see a vast array of my modelling work, you can visit my Model Mayhem page at http://www.modelmayhem.com/785236 If you’d like to learn about me on a more personal level, you can find me on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/angela.denton.7 My next goal is to get an IMDB page set up now that I have enough film experience to do so!

Anything else you’d like to add?

Just to say thank you to my friends and fans that have believed in me and helped me live my dream. Without them I wouldn’t be where I am today.

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Bea Strobl Interview Growing up were you a fan of horror movies? If so, which ones were your favourites?

I have always been a big fan of horror movies ever since I was little. There was nothing more fun than getting together with my friends, eating popcorn, and watching the newest horror movie.

I can even remember my 13th birthday when my friends and I watched one of my favourite movies, The Ring, and we all sat there watching it in tense anticipation, shrieking at the scary parts and discussing what was going to happen next. To be funny, one of my best friends tried to scare us by looking like the main character and tapping on the window just outside the room where we were watching the movie at one of the scariest parts. For the next month, that movie was all anyone could talk about at school.

The horror genre has always interested me because it is more than just being scared; every movie has its own mystery that the lead character has to solve to elude a tragic demise. I have therefore always loved horror movies that had a secret to be solved such as Silent Hill. In addition I love watching the classics such as Hitchcock’s The Birds, and of course The Shining.

When did you know you wanted to be an actress (i.e. work in the industry)?

There really has never been a time that I didn’t want to be an actress. From an early age I was always a ham and trying to make people laugh. I was constantly performing on stage whether it was dancing, doing theatre, modelling, or singing. However, it wasn’t until I was fourteen that I decided to take acting seriously and pursue it professionally. Neither of my parents had any knowledge of the entertainment industry, so they told me that if I wanted to pursue acting seriously, I had to become an expert in the field. This was the best advice they could have given me because it forced me to not only learn and understand about acting as an art, but also acting as a business. I went to the library and read every book I could find on the topic whether it was about auditioning, casting directors, the business, etc. In addition I watched as many movies and plays by some of the great actors of our time to learn the subtle techniques that they used to create dynamic `characters. In addition I researched other actors and the techniques and methods they used to acquire work and self publicize.

Understanding the business of the entertainment industry has been such an asset to my career because it has helped me to both avoid scams, and also find work I may have otherwise not.

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Besides acting, you’ve been involved with casting, wardrobe and held other behind the scenes positions. Anything else in the movie biz that you’d like to try?

I am always open to trying anything in the entertainment industry as you’ll never know what you’ll come to love or learn from it. Working in both casting and costume design has been such an asset because I have developed such a respect for the “crew” side of a movie as well as taken so many lessons from those departments and learned more about myself as an actor. I have worked both in the New England area and the Southeast as a casting assistant and I would have never known how different those worlds operate when it comes to how they cast an actor and the types of media they use to promote their auditions and casting calls than if I had never worked in casting.

What’s your favourite movie?

Only just one? There are so many great movies I have seen and too many to choose from. From an actor’s perspective I’d have to go with Dead Poet’s Society. The acting is superb, the story is dynamic, and the characters jump off the screen into the real world.

What’s your favourite movie (already filmed) that you’ve been in? Why? I would have to say The Green Monster. It was the first horror film I was in but it also taught me so much. I was able to work with a phenomenal cast and crew and really enjoyed the whole process. I am commonly type cast as “the girl next door” or “young soccer mom” type and in my role I was able to flip the tables and play a drug addicted mean girl. It was so freeing and thrilling to slide into a role that was so unlike myself but also allowed me to expand and grow as an actor in so many ways.

The movie was also extremely enjoyable to work on because my character went through such a large range of emotions in such a short time that many other genres cannot offer.

What’s your least favourite? What problems can you cite which led to the project becoming an un-enjoyable work experience or less than stellar end product?

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No matter how good or bad a production is you can always learn something to help you in the future. However I have found that it is so important to have safe, friendly working environments. When you’re on a set with a small amount of people for days that can last more than 15 hours that need for professionalism is so important.

Do you see yourself continuing to work in horror films or would you like to predominately do other genres?

I would love to do more horror films! They are so much fun to work on and I love the creative ideas that are being brought to the table.

What do you think is the current state of horror both mainstream and independent?

There are so many fresh ideas that are running around, but also so many one notes. I can’t even begin to count the number of vampire horror movies I have heard of recently. Hopefully many of the mainstream movies will realize some of the independent films have great ideas they can incorporate or work within their new movies.

What are your predictions on the next big thing in horror?

It’s such an exciting time right now for horror with the great advances technologically. I think 3D is going to become even more integrated in horror movies. In addition the use of our other senses such as smell will only make horror movies even scarier. Many companies have this technology already; it’s just a matter of time until it will be accessible to consumers.

If you could be in any movie already made, what would it be? And whom would you play?

I would love to play a role like Katniss Everdeen in the Hunger Games. She is just such a strong character with a fighting spirit in a world that is falling all around her. I have always been attracted to roles with strong female characters, plus I have some pretty sweet skills with a longbow.

What exciting projects are in store for you?

Recently I have done a lot of commercial work with companies such as Pepsi, All My Children Daycare, and the NC Education lottery. In addition you can see me in the new TV movie on GMC, Somebody’s Child, premiering this August. In addition you can see me in the new Kevin James film Here Comes The Boom coming to theatres this fall. I have also done a few independent films recently and am always on the lookout for fun new projects. In addition I am looking forward to finishing my

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Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

This magazine does a lot of interviews with horror authors and publishes a lot of horror fiction. Do you have a favourite horror author and/or book?

Between acting and casting I have been so busy reading scripts that I have little opportunity to read a lot. However, I have always been a big fan of Clive Barker as he is both an artist and a writer.

What do you look for in choosing future roles?

I love to look for roles that stretch me as an actor. Strong, dynamic characters are fun to play and I am always up for a challenge.

How do you unwind after a long day on set?

Yoga has been a great asset to help me unwind and re-centre after a long day on set.

Where can your fans go to learn more about you?

You can find me on my 800 casting page at http://800casting.com/profile/48913/201/ On IMDB, or under Bea Strobl on facebook.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Thank you so much to all my friends and family who have supported me through all these years. Also thank you so much to all the fans and readers out there I couldn’t be here without you!

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