Hot & Horrifying: The First Ladies Of Horror (8) I have a couple of projects lined up this fall, and early next year. I just plan on continuing to film, and promote what I've worked on. I'm going full speed ahead! And you make me blush! Any last words before you go? Just thank you so much for your time, and for supporting the women of horror! NVF Films Interview with Maureen Whelan Good day to you, Maureen. Or, would you rather me call you Mo? Hello David. It’s good to catch up with you again. You may call me whichever is more comfortable for you. Then I'd call you gorgeous! I see you have added ''actress'' to your resume now. What was it like being in the Welcome to My Darkside film? Yes, I have added “actress” to my resume now due to the fact that I have acted in a few films. A couple are currently unreleased. I have also been in a few documentaries. “Welcome to My Darkside” is a documentary about women in horror. Documentaries provide a source of information to the general public. Those who watch documentaries wish to gain knowledge of the subject matter. I was honored that Director Reyna Young asked me to be a part of the documentary. This meant she felt my career history was of interest to the general public and I am always open to sharing my knowledge and experience with others. Reyna is a very sweet, intelligent and creative person. So, I know anything she develops will succeed. Yes, she is a real sweetheart. Do you hope to reach scream Queen status someday? Interestingly enough, a few people have already referred to me as a “Scream Queen.” I believe this is due to the fact that I have acted in a few independent horror related films. In addition, my other creative interests have sometimes been geared towards the horror genre. I've produced a horror / thriller film, posed in horror themed modeling shoots, created horror looking artwork, and wrote for the horror / comedy magazine Girls and Corpses Magazine. Horror related media persons have been trying to label me, but they have had difficulties because of my diverse background. “Scream Queen” is just another label used in horror community. I’ve also been labeled an “Industry Butterfly” by several of my friends in the visual effects and animation community. I personally just think I’m a geek and I've been told I have a great scream. You are an awfully cute geek! How did you get into animation? Were you always a big fan of cartoons? Yes, I have always been a fan of cartoons and special effects, including visual effects. I’ve been drawing since I was a kid and writing stories. As a child, I was fascinated by the fact that a person could create an outlandish fantasy on paper and then transfer it onto the screen for all to observe. I became more interested in visual effects as a pre-teen, because I realized fantasy could be mixed with live action for the big screen. I think Steven Spielberg’s TV series “Amazing Stories” opened up my mind up more to the concept. I took my first 3D animation computer course when I was 17. Less than two years later I moved to Los Angeles, California to pursue my dreams of working in animation. I was working at Chief Auto parts in Redondo Beach, California where I met a computer animator who worked at the computer graphics company Imagination Works. I meet the owner, Tom Knight. He took me under his wing and mentored me for several years. I continued to take courses in visual effects and animation. While in school, I met my friend, Visual Effects Producer, Jody Echegaray. He mentored me on the actual game of the business, such as how to get a job. He provided me with contact names, which eventually landed me a job working on South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut. Building business relationships is an essential part in keeping a job in the Hollywood entertainment field. Speaking of cartoons, do you feel like they should have more horror-themed cartoons on cable TV? I think it would be a very marketable comeback for TV, and the horror genre in general. I'm tired of all of the clichéd TV shows like Moonlight and The Vampire Diaries filling the TV slots. I do think independent animators deserve more recognition across all media distribution formats. Unfortunately, most mainstream television networks are sensitive when it comes to broadcasting twisted animation. Current traumatic world events focusing on violence and death has affected the judgment of mainstream broadcasters. Some find twisted animated films too violent and graphic to air, or just uninteresting to a large audience. Most mainstream distributors feel current events have veered viewers away from visual material that focuses on similar world matters. A network will not air something they feel will not generate a large audience for the station. Networks rely on programming viewership to draw interest from advertisers and generate money. That's just the nature of the beast. Luckily, the internet is still unregulated and broad in the video content that is provided to the general public. This has given talented independent animators the opportunity to showcase their works to the world. I am in charge of Film Licensing and Acquisitions for Animation World Network Television - AWNtv.com. I prefer twisted animation and have acquired several independent films from talented animators. Some of my favorite animators’ whose subject matter can be referred to as horror are JJ Villard, Louis Hudson, Pablo Polledri, Brian Frisk of TheFrown.com, and the Sebastians Factory series “WeRbopbop.” How did your modeling career come about? Was it something you wanted to do as a little girl? I bet you were a real doll as a child, and a real ham for the camera, too. I was far from being a girly girl when I was a kid and never liked having my picture taken. I was a total tomboy. If I wasn’t outside, gardening, taking care of the animals on our tiny 1 acre farm, climbing in a tree, skateboarding, or helping my grandfather work on a car, then I was isolating myself in my room, taking apart an electrical appliance and putting it back together, writing stories, drawing, or designing sets out of cardboard boxes or whatever else was available. Modeling or being in the spotlight was far from my mind as a child. I didn’t start modeling until I moved to Los Angeles. People kept “discovering” me. I shot with my first photographer when I was 19, a few years later I was “discovered” at a night club by an agent at Blake Ari Models. I was with them for a few years, but realized I wanted to focus on my career in the entertainment industry and dropped them as an agent. I didn’t start modeling again until my late 20’s as an “alternative model.” I still model as a hobby with photographers of my interest. Which would you rather pursue as a full-time career? Acting or modeling? Or, do you want o be a multi-tasker? I actually prefer being involved on the business side of production. I have a decent sized rolodex of contacts in the entertainment field ranging from graphic artists, post-production and visual effects studios, actors, directors, camera men, hardware / software vendors, studio executives, lawyers, etc. I’m a natural people net-worker and like connecting people with each other to create a completed project. I’m also good with negotiating and public relations. So, I’d rather stay as a business executive in the industry and keep acting and modeling as a side hobby. Writing and art are also my other side hobbies. How does it feel to be a member of the ever-growing number of women in horror? I just happen to be a female who has always worked in male dominated fields such as the automotive parts industry, animation, visual effects, technology and now horror. I’m really just another person trying to make a living and be successful in my career. However, I am grateful to be a part of the horror industry as a whole. I’m proud of both the men and women I have met in the field who have been successful with their careers. It takes skill and determination to create, complete and distribute a film of any genre. It also takes great effort for anyone to be recognized for their accomplishments. Cheers to all! What’s on the horizon for Maureen right now? I currently have a couple of scripts in development one is an animated horror film, the other is a war film. I’ve also been pitching a TV series to a few television networks. Probell Films has a few films in development that I will be working on as a producer. I will still continue modeling, acting and writing for projects that are of interest to me. In addition, I will still create art and have another traditional art exhibit on September 6th 2009 at The Zanzibar in Santa Monica, California. Any last words before you go? Thank you readers and David for your time and interest in my career. I am honored that you find me hot and horrifying enough to be a part of the book “Hot & Horrifying: The 1st Ladies Of Horror.” Hey, I know somebody hot when I see them! NVF Films Interview with Teri McMinn Good morning, Teri. How are you this beautiful June day? Well, it's now August! It's turned from overcast, to another beautiful day at Venice Beach. There's always a cool breeze off the ocean, so I have to say I love it! I try to leave Chainsaw Gal work at my computer and decompress. I can do that when I get down to the water. It's a half a block away, but lately I've been busy with so many new and exciting projects. First, I now get a gazillion emails, Spacebook messages, comments, and posts from "Pam's" fans, ever since I 'came out' in 2008. terimcminn.net is coming this month! In June I filmed a TV pilot trailer called "The Cellar". It's a comedy based on the lawsuit Abercrombie and Fitch lost for discrimination. Only this is about where they are ordered by the court that they have to hire old people. It's written, produced and directed by Michael Bachmann and David Garrett, great guys, terrific cast, a shoot of love and common interests. People can see the trailer posted on my sites on My Space and Facebook. In July I introduced my new merchandise line "Pam Sezz. I love the designs. They're by Tadeo Mendoza, just 24, and so talented. We met on Facebook a year ago. He'll be at Crypticon, where I get to meet him for the first time! I'm hoping he'll sit at my table and sketch everyone! The T-shirts were printed by Suicide Clothing and Chris does excellent work. There's a Tee with the Red Shorts scene, and of course one of The Meat Hook scene. So far I have 2 tee's and cool magnets, beautifully done by Magnet Queen. These are the best magnets I've ever seen. I plan on also introducing tote bags and maybe some cute Red Shorts, in the coming months. Now, first of all, I want to know exactly what a ''doodle-butt'' is. You referred to me as one in your last email, and I was just curious as to whether I should be flattered or offended. {Laughs}. You should be flattered. I am proud to say I can be one myself sometimes ~ It's happens to be one of my favorite terms of endearment. It's means many things, but mostly I'd say it means being adorable, and easy to like. I picked it up along the way, but specifically during one of my most cherished periods. It was my Lucy Period. I met Lucy in 1987, on First Avenue in NYC. My beloved best friend, and devoted parti-colored cocker spaniel. For a decade, the incomparable, Lucy Ricardo! Lucy taught me so much about loving, and being loved... unconditionally. Animals can do magical things. Trust me on this one. She entered my life just when I was about to make some tough life-changing twists and turns. Very soon we escaped NY together, and moved home to Texas, at first going by way of Dallas for a couple of years, then moving to my "Texas Home and Heart", Austin... again, through the 90's. Miss McDiddle (another aka for Lucy) taught me about true devotion... and fun. Geez! We did have ourselves some fun. She diffused the air with her charm and personality, and helped me during the times when I had to make some of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make in my life. Lucy and I found each other in NYC, built a catering business for 5 restaurants in Dallas, and then we opened my floral business in Austin, together all the way. She was often my delivery assistant. It was a match made in heaven. Loosing Lucy was a mean bear to tackle. She was my very Favorite Doodle-Butt. Ok, now that we have that out of the way, on with the more important Q&A. I recently watched part of a DVD entitled The Texas Chainsaw Massacre- A Family Portrait Revisited, and didn't see an interview with you in there! What gives?! I feel cheated... Gee Dave, you got me. Guilty as charged... I was probably not "out".. yet. I had another life and was busy doing that. I fell in love with flowers, learning, growing, and taking new paths. It was a time of tremendous growth for me, my Floral-Lucy Period, and one I'll always cherish. But, I'm so glad you missed me~ I just never imagined people cared so much. Really, that's the truth. You do know I have a 20 minute interview in the new Blu Ray just released last year, right? Speaking of TCM, I got the impression that the conditions you and the rest of the cast worked under were less than pleasant. What was the average temperature during shooting? Speaking of... temps ranged between 95-105 F. And in the van... I think around 125 F~ It's why I'm so happy to have had the smallest costume. Any amusing anecdotes to share about the filming of TCM? Hmmm, yes. I think the day I came out to the set to take my position in the swing, and out of the corner of my eye I saw Daniel Pearl, our DP, lying on the ground under it, crouched over his camera, trying to get focus. I got pretty concerned, and a tad hot under the collar (well I didn't have any collar) but anyhoo, I argued with Tobe about that for quite a while. You know, arguing about it being so close to where my precious cheeks were gonna be parked and all. A girl has to be careful (It is after all, 1974, not 1994) Tobe was getting very frustrated by my going on and on. Finally he said, "Aw, Teri, goddamnit... we're gonna shoot around it! Goddamnit, Teri!" He won, and was very right about that whole sequence. But all the while he's chewing on his little cigar stub, and mumbling at me under his breath. It was priceless really. I laugh out loud thinking back. He was absolutely right! They Did shoot ALL around "IT.'' For a long time I was pretty embarrassed. Now, I laugh about it. Just look at that gorgeous blue sky, the white house looming over this girl and her little red shorts. Her bare back, the flesh is in your face. That same back, that in the next few moments, will be punctured, ripped, and maimed. Nice sequences, well edited, and fun to shoot. Tobe and Daniel are talented guys. I love to see Daniel's music videos and commercials. Ow! Every one I've seen just makes you want to see another, or watch it again. Beautiful, beautiful work! I just HAVE to ask this; How did they pull off that stunt where Gunnar hung you on that meathook? It was so...immediate...so real. Acting, Dave ~ No, seriously, it was a contraption consisting of parachute strapping, Thick foam, big steel rings, and a pair of cut up, stretchy panty hose. I can't di-vulge more. It's classified inside info. I can tell you: I'm thinking of doing a drawing of it to sell on Ebay. LOL (And you can quote me on that ). I just wish I had it to share with you now. Still, it IS "breaking news" I reckon<;)) That day of shooting was a heavy duty for everyone, to feel the tension, and seriously chilling to see the faces of the crew... right after Tobe said, "Cut". It was hot, steamy, palpable. Off of TCM for a moment - which I am sure will be a breath of fresh air for you - I see you have done some ''leg and foot modeling.'' After seeing them in the TCM, I can see why it would work for you! But, how does one go about it? I mean, does a photographer take pics of your legs and feet for fashion layouts? Thank you! Yes, that's right. It's called "Parts Modeling". Some people have great ears, or for some it's their mouth, or nose, eye brows. It's wacky! I got lucky with my gams! A good friend of mine at the time I moved to NY was a hand model, and helped me shoot pictures. In fact, her husband did them I still love those shots. My friend made me swear never to pursue hand modeling (because she knew I had good hands and could do that too~) but she suggested I try leg modeling. I then met her agent. As requested, I did promise my friend I wouldn't hand model, but then every single photographer, and even Her agent, all asked me why I didn't model my hands. All leg models with good hands do., and they all looked at me like I was crazy, but, That was the deal. Anyway leg and foot modeling quickly fell into place for me. I did a million, of what are known in the biz as, 'go sees'. That's unequivocally where the hard work lies! Schlepping my book across Manhatten to see all the photographers proved to be long, tough days, but they paid off. Trains, buses, walking, changing from tennies to heels, and exhausted after a day of that. It was a good learning experience, and often fun as well. The money was very good. I once did a shoot where I was stepping barefoot out of the shower (in a terry cloth robe!) on to a heated marble floor. It was for some swanky, high-rise condominiums. My first time out of the chute, I scored 2 Leggs commercials! Yipppeeee!!!! That sure boosted my confidence. And what is this about you wrestling sharks?! Please tell me that isn't true. I wish I could, Dave, but then I'd be lyin'... and that's not good, is it? Let's just say I like to use metaphors... freely~ very freely. As a matter a fact, I betcha you've wrestled a few sharks in your time as well. You just can't fool an old shark wrestler like me, Dave~ What was it like growing up in Texas in the 60s and 70s? Was it a good venue for an aspiring actress to get exposure? Good question. fun and crazy. Viet Nam, watergate, gas rationing, Kent State, drugs... you name it, we had it. As for film, well, yes, and no. It was so different back then. No cable really until the early '80's,to speak of, so the opportunities were a fraction of what they are today. I loved stage and started in my early teens, so I had a wonderful grounding and good training. My high school coach, Sally Barbay was very good. Chris Wilson, Houston's legendary acting coach, duet acting partner, Brandon Smith's’ mom, That was in my senior year at Lamar High School. Chris was amazing. I'd say, extremely insightful to me. She and my drama coach, Diane McCurley prepped me for the National Forensic tournament in DC. I did a piece Chris had played the lead in, at the Alley Theater's production of, "The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in the Moon Marigolds". (Whew that's a mouthful) Anyway, I was fortunate, and I am very grateful! The experience was invaluable and prepared me for the long road ahead. My 3 years of non stop doing plays and competing at the tournaments were instrumental in my scholarship with The Dallas Theater Center's Apprentice program. Now, that was truly a cool place to be! Groundbreaking theater headed by Paul Baker, and affiliated with Trinity University in San Antonio. Talented company of actors/teachers. Edward Hermann, now known for his uncanny portrayal of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, was one of my teachers and in their graduate program. What made it such a good program was that we got to work on all the crews, the sound, lighting, costumes, props, in all their main stage productions, and act in their Children's Theater. I earned 40 credit hours in one year as an Apprentice. Long, hard hours. early morning until late at night, six days a week, of study and classes. I was in absolute heaven. Performing for kids is the best kind of stage fun. They love to talk right out loud to You, shout out, while you're up on stage, and it's a hoot. Keeps you on your toes. I'd recommend working in a good theater Apprentice Program to any young actor. I saw TCM for the first time at a local drive-in. I miss the drive-in era, don't you? It was a great venue for films you would have most likely not have seen otherwise. Oh, I do miss drive-ins and have so many good memories of going to them, as a youngster, then later as a teen. Movies were so fun at the drive-in! As a teen though, I did find I was sometimes a bit more interested in kissing, than in watching some of the movies (*_*) LOL. However, I never saw TCM at a drive-in. Too bad!!! I bet it's all the more scary with the outdoor and darkness effect around you. And who knew just who might creep up with a dang chainsaw and get you. Yikes! You strike me as the type that would have a good sense of humor, as does some of the other TCM cast members. Do you and the rest of the cast get together very often for some fun? We do. Marilyn and I love to hang together. We spent a few days at the Hilton on Lake Ray Hubbard after Frightmare, and had so much fun. Ed Neal and his swell gal Theresa Jara, came out every day, and Andre, her darling daughter joined us. We laughed and giggled, and all told stories. Ed's quite the entertainer, and he does terrific impressions of so many characters. He does Lou Perryman almost better than Lou Perryman himself! I just wish Lou could have been there as well, because he would have loved it. We really missed, and miss him. When the TCM cast all go to a convention together, we get to have dinner and breakfast here and there, as time allows. It's cool to see everyone. We've all changed and yet are still the same. Allen, "Jerry", is a riot, and our resident kibbitzer. He never takes anything, or himself, too seriously, and keeps his sense of humor. Allen's so easy going and level, was when we shot the film, and he's the same way now. We manage to enjoy our time together, even though we're usually working non-stop. I don’t get to see Gunnar much. He’s in Maine, you know. Do you watch many genre films these days? It seems these days, so many filmmakers have lost grasp on the key elements to a well-crafted horror film. Nowdays, it's all graphic violence, nudity, and senseless, repetitive plotlines. I agree, and I have a hard time with the really graphic stuff. I enjoy a juicy thriller with suspense and intrigue. A fine script lights my fire. Any regrets? Anything you'd change about your life since TCM if you had the chance? I can't spend time regretting. It wouldn't feel right. It would be as if I were saying that the other things I did weren't important. I don't feel that way at all. I had a lot of growing and soul searching to do. What I did, where I went, the people I met, gave me a rich palate of colors to paint my journal canvas with. Would I have loved to have been able to stay with my acting? Yes. I would have loved that, but I had to loose my mind first, and then go and find it. My choices, the good, the bad, the ugly, and the sublime, will make my work as an actress even stronger. I relate to the song, "I Am Unwritten", by Natasha Bedingfield, those lyrics. They speed the plow for me. Well, I imagine I've probably bored you to death by now, so I'll let you go. Any last words before you leave us? A few things come to mind. In August, Herbert Brindle and Leah Cevoli invited me to be their Special Guest at Carnival of Darkness to walk their Red Carpet, thanks to Will, Ken, and Anastasia over at KillingBoxx. They are my good pals! I love their site killingboxx.com It was just announced, this October, right after I go to Milwaukee for Zombie Con X, October 11th and 12th, I go to Houston Crypticon. Ed Neal and I will be appearing together in Houston. This is the first Crypticon and we are planning on giving it a Super Launch. Houston is my home town. We're happy to be able to be there for blast-off! Marilyn Burns is disappointed because she can't be there with us. She has to go to Phoenix. She’s being inducted into The Horror Hall of Fame. Heads up! I'm about to be back in the screen saddle once again... soon. I start shooting my first film in 35 years! It’s called “Vicious”. It all started at Texas Frightmare Weekend last May. I joined Tobe, and The Chain Saw Chicks, Marilyn, and Caroline Williams. Parrish Randall, of PRP Productions, is doing it. He has become a good friend and colleague. He approached me and said he wanted to work with me. Parrish is a real go-getter, with Indie Spirit running through his veins. We hit it off! Parrish is an exciting Indie filmmaker. He’s directing Vicious, and also playing one of the lead roles. My role, Ms. Pamela Graves, was written especially for me. I really love my character! Amanda Thompson Carver is the writer and she’s very talented lady. I want to thank all my fans and my good friends who always wanted me back... acting. It feels like comfy shoes and where I belong. I'm truly living out my dreams... and some I never even knew I had. Mmmmm, it's delicious. I recommend the dessert!! Thanks a bunch, Dave for the good questions. I'd hardly call You "boring"~ Ciao Baby!! Teri NVF Films Interview with
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