Queens Of Scream: The New Blood (8) I just think it’s amazing how many of the great horror films are so reflective of what is happening in society, and they present some deep seeded issues in ways we are not used to. I always remember the end of Night of the Living Dead, and how the Ben character heroically fights off the Zombies only to be shot by a gang of rednecks. There is so much going on in that movie its unbelievable. There are some really great horror films that reflect our fears and help to push them to the forefront, so that they become issues we fight for or against. Too bad there is also so much crap that gets made just to see a bunch of blood and guts. I need stories that make me think no matter what genre they fall under. Have you stopped to think about how many women work within the horror genre? It’s really uncanny. I have net surfed a lot lately, and found close to five hundred women already some well known, some up and coming – that write, act, and work within different aspects of the horror genre. Doesn’t that make you proud? I see women working in the Film & TV industry every day and it still sends chills up my spine, especially when a female director takes charge of her set! Do you still plan to be working in horror in the future? What’s on the horizon for Emily? Should the right story come along, for sure! I am also doing some writing of my own, which I hope to finish soon, not a horror film but a “break-up” film, sort of a dark comedy I suppose. I have an idea for a horror film that hopefully I can write in the next few years. It would take some serious research into the sanguinarian vampire subculture though. I just did an episode of FOX’s Fringe and am hoping the new year will bring new roles whether they be indies, comedy, primetime or a really kick-ass horror film, like I said before I just want to have a great time telling great stories, that is what is important to me. Any last words before you leave us? “The journey is the destination”… Amen… *** Film The Assassination of a High School President Ms. Smart (w/ Bruce Willis) Yari Film Group dir Brett Simon Brutal Massacre: A Comedy (www.brutalmassacre.com) Amy: Lead Anchor Bay & Starz di. Stevan Mena Mothballs Rachel: Lead Antique Films Different Shades of Mundane Siobhan: Lead Porcupine Heart Films Sayonara Alice: Lead Vanished Films Dirty Laundry Martha: Lead Perry Productions Closer Than Near Emily: Lead Newhouse Productions Team Queen (Music Video) Jock Triple Crème dir Leah Meyerhoff Confessions of a Backup Dancer (Industrial) Backup Dancer: Lead Insound/ Simon & Schuster Television CSI: NY “Comes Around” Bachelorette Hottie CBS TV Human Giant Hot Chic at Bar MTV Third Watch Graffiti Artist Warner Bros. dir Brooke Kennedy How to Vintage Shop Myself/ Host Focus IPTV Mindful Nonsense (Sketch Comedy Pilot) Various Mindful Nonsense LLC NVF Magazine interview with Elissa Dowling aka Lissa Slasher {insert photo here} Good day to you, Lissa. What a unique name. How are we today? Doing well thanks! The Lissa thing started when my real name, Elissa was shortened by my friends. Probably because some of them were too lazy to pronounce all three syllables. I am sorry, I should have asked this first; what was it that made you want to get into acting? Any favorite actresses that were an early influence on your career? I really never planned on making acting a full time thing. Like most actors I secretly dreamed of being a rock star. After college I seriously thought about becoming a forensic sculptor. Guess even then I knew I’d wind up pursing something dark and morbid. But I have always admired Gary Oldman, Amanda Plummer and Tim Curry. Who would you say is your all-time favorite scream queen? Mine was Jamie Lee Curtis. I’d have to say the lovely and talented Tiffany Shepis is high on my list. She’s my girl. You know, it always slays me when I look down through these resumes how many of the women - all of them, really - who have such an interesting background. You’d think they, with all of their obvious talents, would want to be the next Julia Roberts or Halle Berry. But instead, they are scream queens. And actually, I think it’s GREAT. Don’t you? I mean, don’t get me wrong; the horror film industry, as well as the horror fiction genre as well - have been and always will be around for the duration. Us horror folks have to stick together, you know? Well, like you, I’ve learned to never judge a book by its cover. That blond valley girl your sitting next to just might work for NASA. I genuinely enjoy this genre, always have, but I also think its important to expose yourself to as many interesting people as possible. Wait! That came out wrong, I don’t advocate flashing people, you could get arrested. I learned that the hard way. Glad you clarified that! Haha. Does it ever get lonely on the road? I mean, all the traveling, meeting new and interesting people would be great I’m sure, but one would think that eventually they’d tire of the life of always being so busy they couldn’t find time to find that ‘’Mister Right.’’ In other words, I think it is great and admirable sacrifice you ladies make at times just to entertain us. You must have a real love for it. I don’t find it lonely at all. For me the road is the best part. I get bored being in one place for too long (more specifically LA). I enjoy traveling and I think it helps you to find yourself. Whenever you take a bunch of people out of their comfort zone and put them together in a strange place, they seem to form a kinship. The hardest part is having to say goodbye after you’ve bonded. As far as men go, well let’s just say, ahem, I’ve never had that problem. I bet you haven’t! What is working on a horror film really like? I’d imagine it would be a lot of fun, all the special effects and makeup, the practical jokes. Let’s see, it’s sticky, there are often exposed body parts and there’s usually a lot of sexy screaming women running around. Pretty much what every man dreams about. I know I do! What can I say? Men are pigs. Does a low budget - independent film - seem more fun to work on? I hear it is more laid back, more ‘’artistic freedom’’ is involved. My roots are in improv so I’m very comfortable with the style of low budget shooting. I’ve also found that some of the best stuff happens on the spur of the moment. And your right, low budgets do lend themselves to more creative freedom. The actors also tend to be less egotistical and more open to input. I’m a big believer that greatness comes from collaboration with the right people. On the set the right chemistry is everything. It creates a kind of synergy. I also think it’s important to listen, it helps when you can see things from different perspectives. Makes sense. Speaking of independents, have you ever worked with Lloyd Kaufman? I think he’s the real deal, all that and a bag of chips. I dig Lloyd, he is an all around brilliant and hilariously funny dude. I got to work with him briefly. I did a commentary as the “hot girl” for a film Lloyd worked on called “Bryan Loves You”. We ended up signing together at Dark Delicacies. Cross your fingers for me, I’m hoping to get in “Toxie 5”! Already got em crossed, babe. Any favorite horror films? How about books? “The Shining”, Lugosi’s “Dracula” and “Carrie” are at the top of my list. The scariest book I’ve read so far is called “Jay’s Journal”, it’s a non-fiction and pretty damn horrifying. Any interesting film projects on the horizon? This past month I worked on a movie called “His name was Jason”. Tom Savini hosted it and I got to do some scream queen inserts, which as you know I love to do. It was fun and it actually lead to my doing a commercial for PBR that’s been airing on the versus network. I’m also just a few days back from England where I shot a bit part for Clive Barker’s new film “Dread”. Actors can never be sure of what tomorrow will bring but fortunately good parts just keep getting thrown at me and I’m more than happy to oblige. Sounds great! Any last words before we have to sadly part ways for now? A message to dipsomaniacs like myself. If you soar with the eagles you have to shit with the chickens. I will most definitely keep that in mind! *** Films: Clive Barker's Dread, Dark Reel (Gnome Killer 2 DVD extra), Savannah's Ghost, Live Evil, Psychosomatika, Thirsty, Death Racers, Borderline Cult, The Legend of Bloody Mary, Cold Blood Canyon, The Black, O.C. Babes and the Slasher of Zombietown, Transmorphers, Son Of Sam, The Book of Zombie, Erection, Diary of a Serial Killer, Meet the Does, Mummy Maniac, Bleed Dating, House on the Hill, HP Lovecraft’s The Tomb, Absolute Horror, In A Spiral State, The Night Stalker, Amateur Porn Star Killer 3-D, Black Dahlia and Edgar Allen Poe’s The Raven. {insert picture here} NVF Magazine Interview with Cassandra Faye Good afternoon, Cassandra. You look lovely today. Thank you so much! I see you grew up in a small town in Minnesota. Growing up in a small town atmosphere, did you find it hard to keep up with your interest in the horror genre? My interest was never very hard to keep up. When you live in a small town you need to find ways to entertain yourself as there isn’t always a lot to do! Especially in winter!! So I turned a lot towards movies and video games to keep myself occupied. There was a good six month period that my brother and I dedicated to beating Resident Evil Nemesis!! Ever since then I have been obsessed with zombies!! I see your first horror film viewing experience was with Chucky the killer doll. Good choice. Did that one give you bad dreams? Oh yeah! I was quite little when I first saw that movie. Afterward I couldn’t go to sleep if I had any stuffed animals or dolls in the room! Eventually I could have them in the room but they couldn’t be looking at me! I used to lay awake at night and think I could hear my toys moving around. I have since gotten over that, though! Hehe! I see you also played a ghost in a school play. I bet you were the prettiest spook in there! Did you realize at a very early age you were destined for the horror genre? Thank you! Actually, not really. I was always very interested in acting period but the majority of the opportunities where I came from were in musicals. I always thought that if I were involved in anything it would be some sort of stage work. I have always loved singing and dancing so initially that was where my interests were! I haven’t seen the film Trinity yet, but I hear it’s a good show. I see you co-starred with Scarlet Salem and Nicole Kruex in that one. What a couple of sweet ladies they are, too. Did you all have fun making that film? I had an absolute blast! I didn’t actually get to shoot any scenes with Nicole. The only actress I appear with is Scarlet. It was cool making a movie with her. She and I have known each other for quite some time so the situation was very comfortable and very enjoyable! Who would you say is your favorite scream queen? I always liked Jamie Lee Curtis, myself. But I must admit, the ‘’new blood’’ is giving her a run for her money! One actress I really admire is Jodelle Ferland. She is the little girl in Silent Hill and she seems to keep popping up in movies and television that I really enjoy. It’s really something to me to be that young and possess that much talent. Especially in situations like that of Silent Hill. It’s someone special to me that can take all of that in so young and separate it from reality! Mila Jovovich is a close second. Resident Evil is special to me and the movies kick ass! I think it’s great how the ladies of horror can work together so well, seem like one big happy family. Ever thought about having a scream queen ‘’reunion’’ very five or ten years? That would be fun. I would like to have a get together just in general! At this point I am fairly new to the acting world. Getting to know one another would be great! It’s a beautiful situation when, even though we all want essentially the same things we’re completely supportive of one another! What is it about the horror genre that makes it so comfortable for you to work in? The intensity and the balls to the wall attitude really free you up to taking chances. There’s an opportunity for risk taking and involvement at a different level than I feel there is with other genres except maybe comedy. Don’t get me wrong, all acting is involved and takes a certain amount of risk but horror really lets you let go of that side of you that you otherwise may keep reined in. What is on the horizon for Cassandra? Any more scary movies? Definitely! And anything else that peaks my interest. I’m taking a stab at writing and directing as well. I love being in front of the camera and becoming something else, however, there’s a real draw to having a vision and making it come to life! Right now I’m working on what I hope to be a series of three or four shorts. Any last words before you have to leave us? If you have a dream don’t talk yourself out of it! Where there’s a will there’s a way. Especially in this decade there are so many outlets for getting yourself recognized!! The number one thing you need are good people around you. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and get to know others that have accomplished what you hope to! Thank you for reading my interview and taking an interest in little ol’ me! My pleasure. *** Filmography: Trinity / 2008/ Merle Productions NVF Magazine interview With Reyna Young Hi, Reyna! Long time no hear! How have you been? I’ve been great! Nothing but Work! Work! Work! Doing as much as I can without passing out…. WOW! What a resume; director/producer/actress/writer/model/horror-host! And so young, too. When did you begin your career? When you were four years old? LOL! Well I started with my production company about two years ago. Before that I made a short Horror film called “Uninvited” in 2004. After that film I took a break to figure out exactly what I wanted to do. I really wanted to do it all so I started Last Doorway Productions. That way I can make my own films and star in them. It’s been great, I’ve grown and have achieved so much I never thought I would but I have, and it’s been a real roller coaster ride. I really wanted to have something of my own that I know I can stick with for a long time and Last Doorway Productions has made me nothing but happy so far. When I was a little girl around 7 or 8 I knew I wanted to be a Horror Actress, I also did a lot of writing, Edgar Allan Poe style. As I got older I became more aware of what I wanted to really do and that was to start my own Production Company. Wow… a real horror prodigy! I see you viewed your first horror film when you were just a kid, John Carpenter’s Halloween. Great choice! Which do you prefer more? Traditional horror or slasher? Ugh! I enjoy both but slasher films I do enjoy a little more. There’s something about the whole murderer chasing you thing that gets me excited every time. I’m a weirdo I admit it! I do love Traditional but I seem to always go toward the slasher thing. I love to watch the teenagers be stalked, tortured and killed. Friday The 13th is the one movie that gives me the most nightmares. I always have dreams of Jason chasing me. I would love to make my own campy teen slaughter movie; I think it would be fun. It’s just a basic story of a bunch of teens doing naughty things and then they get punished for it by a killer with an abnormal background story using an unconventional weapon like a hatchet, or chainsaw. I think it’s great! Me too. How tough was it starting your own production company? One would think it would be a real bitch, excuse my French. It was that hard for me at first. I starting filming again a couple years ago and decided that I wanted to get my films out there and thinking that I production company of my own would help, well it did. I invested a lot of my time, tears, sweat and blood to make Last Doorway Productions happen and it’s been a wild ride. I admit I wasn’t supported at all at first by anyone, I guess my so called friends didn’t think I can do it, especially some of the male friends. I won’t mention any names but I tell you there are some real jerks out there. When I first started Last Doorway I received a lot of help from my boyfriend/now Co-Owner John Gillette. He helped build the website and taught me how to do a lot with web design, Photoshop and over all helping me get the word out there about my films and who I’m all about. It’s great having that back up support when you need it; I also include his bands music in my films, they’re called Dammit! So far they have been very supportive and it’s great having John compose the music with me. Sounds like a great friend. What’s it like to live in California? I bet it was a great place to cut your horror teeth on! I’d be lost out there; I am a little old Hoosier boy! LOL I live in San Francisco and it’s not really Horror land at all but I try to connect with whoever I can that’s interested in it. It’s a little tough I find. Networking out here is just starting to come too! When I started my production company two years ago I didn’t have too much to network with. Everyone I met was against horror. Getting to know more and more people outside of the San Francisco area is a lot more effective. I’ve met a bunch of wonderful people and made great connections. Now there’s a group of us starting to form and come together and support each other and help each other out whenever we can. I think it’s beautiful! A bunch of Horror freaks coming together to wreak havoc on the world. I love it! I do love California and its great living in San Francisco I just wish there were more Horror fans. Tell me about your show The Last Doorway Show. It sounds like a great venue for showcasing indie filmmakers. The Last Doorway show is a show dedicated to the Independent artist. I want to help showcase their work and help promote then as much as I could. I also go around to Horror conventions and interview Actor’s in the genre. I started the online show because I felt that I needed my work to be put out there more and then I started helping out my friends and then from there it kind of just grew. I then came up with the Miss Misery Character to host it. I have so much fun being Miss Misery and have such a big fan base now it’s incredible. We have about 26 episodes and we’ve been on for about a year and it’s been a wild ride. I’m planning on doing a bunch of changes soon to the show to help improve it but as long as people are watching and enjoying it, that makes me happy. You can catch all the episodes at www.thelastdoorwayshow.com. I see you have also done your own FX for film. Tell me about the FX for your film Sinner. One thing I love to do is experiment with my films, especially when it comes to the FX work! I do it myself because I like to learn how to do thing’s like that. I have no school experience from it. I read and look up online what I need like throat slash, or chopping a head off. Also when Halloween rolls around I wait for the day after for the big 50% off sale and buy up what I can of prosthetics. For Sinner I will be doing a lot of stabbing and throat slitting. It’s hard to do everything myself so I will be hiring an FX guy for this one. As much as I love doing it myself I have to focus on my Directing. I would like to see more Women though doing FX work; I feel that I don’t see enough women doing it! It’s definitely something I want to get more involved in, I love to learn. Sounds fun to me! What would you consider your all-time favorite film? Yes, I know that may cover a lot of ground. Wow! I get asked this a lot. Well I would have to say John Carpenters Halloween! Really? Me too. I think… That movie started it all for me and I can never get enough of it. So much suspense and the whole Boogie Man concept is scary too! For a movie that has really no blood in it it’s a very effective film. Great cast of Actors and Michael Myers is definitely a character that can never be forgotten. Also Alice Sweet Alice and anything Hitchcock I cannot live without. Hands down though it’s Halloween I’m in love with. Nothing is scarier then the music in the movie also, adds the creepiness to it. I can imagine myself running scared shitless as the Boogie man walks toward me and I know even though I can go hide somewhere he’ll always find me. When I walk home after work sometimes I always turn around to make sure there’s no one behind me. Sometimes I imagine Michael Myers is after me and I freak myself out. It’s funny! To be honest? It isn’t Mikey after you,it’s… ME! BOO! Dumb question, but here it goes; what does it feel like to be numbered among the vast list of ladies in horror? It’s about time you ladies were recognized, huh? It feels great! It’s a wonderful feeling to be ranked as a Scream Queen and know that my contributions to helping the Horror genre are recognized. Yes it is about time that the ladies got some more action in the genre. I mean it is very male dominated, not that I am a sexist or anything but I feel that women are now starting to get the recognition that they deserve. More and More Women are coming out of there shell and starting to feel comfortable with doing what they love in Horror. I know at first I was a little skeptical on doing my company and my films not knowing what kind of hell I may get from males about it and yes I did get some hate mail, some reviewers told me to give up. But you know what that just makes me want to full throttle what I’m doing, just to rub it in their face. Women are sexy and powerful and when it comes to the Horror that they bleed for, the men just better watch out. Horror is going to take a new leap. We sure hope so. Any exciting film projects on the horizon? I’m so glad you asked, why of course. I’m working on a feature film to my short “Out Of Print” It’s basically a dedication to all the great slasher films. This time the killer is a Woman! That’s right a woman who loves to kill teenagers and she will never die. This film is going to be unique and different from all other slasher films though. But you’ll have to wait for it to come out to see it. I’m also working on a Documentary called “Welcome to My Darkside” Women in Horror Documentary. I’m putting together interviews and footage, telling some back story on Women in the Horror Genre. A lot of interviews mainly with independent female artists! I wanted to do this for awhile and finally got around to starting to put it together. I am also in the works of doing a feature for my other short film “Sinner” Which will be released in 2009. Expect more episodes of The Last Doorway Show also! All my short films you can check out on my website at www.lastdoorwayproductions.com. Will do. Any last words before you have to leave us? I would just like to say to all the inspiring Film Makers out there to never give up! Go for your dreams. Don’t let anyone tell you different. Thank you for the interview it was great! I’d like to Thank my fans, John Gillette and my Dad and Sister for all their support… Love you! Aw…aren’t you sweet?
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