HAUNTED ANNA: Awesome Teenage Ghost Buster!
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| Capture from: Girl Possessed by Ghost - Haunted Anna #20 |
While we’re celebrating Women in Horror Month, let’s not forget
the girls of horror. As a fan of horror, and a great supporter of women behind the
cameras, I’ve been in awe of the major talents that have burst onto the horror
scene. The Soska Twins had a huge indie horror hit with American Mary, and are
now directing the hotly anticipated See No Evil 2. Female directors made a big
splash at Sundance this year, capturing major awards, including Best Director,
won by Ava Duvernay. This win notes the first time a Black woman has won for
best directing. Also creating buzz was Ana Lily Amirpour, who directed A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night, the
first “Iranian vampire western.”
I’d always heard those stories of filmmakers, like Spielberg or Robert
Rodriguez, who started making movies in their backyards, as little kids. It’s a
nice change to learn that Amirpour had been making movies since she was 12
years old, her first being a horror flick she filmed during a sleepover.
I’ve shared some interviews with girl filmmakers on this blog before, including Emily Hagins, the
now 21 year old director, who has made four feature length films (yes, feature
length!) since she was 12 years old. Also, I’ve featured a couple chats with PaigeMcKenzie, better known as Sunshine Girl, from the popular YouTube show, The Haunting of Sunshine Girl. McKenzie
has been very active in developing her own show, plus a couple movies featuring
her Sunshine character, and a stash of other programs which she hosts on her
very own YouTube channel, The Haunting of Sunshine Girl Network.
And this is where we found another in the blossoming crop of girl filmmakers – Anna Bishop, otherwise
known as Haunted Anna (she’s also known as AJ Bishop, a singer – but more on
that later). Haunted Anna is another of the teenage video bloggers, like
Sunshine Girl, who have discovered their inner-Scooby Doo, after finding
strange goings on in their homes. Anna is the youngest of the teen ghost
hunters featured on THOSGN, starting her show when she was just 13 (however, she
had been making films, like Ana Lily Amirpour, since she was younger).
BadRonald:
How did you come upon the idea/concept for the Haunted Anna videos? Were
they inspired by anything in your life?
Anna: My idea for
the Haunted Anna series came from my love of a good mystery, and psychological
thrillers. I have been doing short horror videos for years, but never a series
with clues and surprises and unexpected twists. This was an opportunity
to expand on something I already loved to do.
Your
videos are shown on the Haunting of Sunshine Girl’s YouTube channel. How
did you guys hook up?
I replied to a
request from The Haunted Sunshine Network for a story idea and sent a sample of
my work. Then I talked out the premise with the Director Nick Hagen and
Sunshine and her mom and we agreed on the direction and storyline.
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| Capture from: Girl Pulled Off Bed by Ghost - Anna Haunting #13 |
Are you a spooky
movie fan?
I am a HUGE
horror movie fan - but not slasher horror – (I like) psychological
thrillers. I love old classics from Alfred Hitchcock (Psycho, The Birds, Rear Window). I
am a big fan of The Shining. Great
example of a thriller with very interesting characters (Jack Nicholson is
brilliant) and the anticipation of what might happen just leaves you exhausted! So many moments in that movie: 'REDRUM' and 'Here's Johnny' and
the sound of 'Danny' on his big wheel riding through the lodge on and off the
carpet...chilling. I also really love The Bad Seed, The Others,
The Conjuring, The Exorcist, and I just watched Bruce Willis in The Sixth Sense. I watched it twice in a row actually. What
a clever movie - the ending shocked me.
Speaking
of The Bad Seed, I see that you did a
stage production of The Bad Seed,
playing the lead character. Absolutely one of my all time favorite
movies! How was that experience?
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| Who's the wickedest of them all? |
I had
never seen The Bad Seed, so before I
auditioned for it I watched the original 1956 movie. What a twisted
story! The main character, young Rhoda Penmark, is a psychopath.
She is very smart and very cold and calculating and manipulative and
deliciously evil. She is willing to kill for what she wants. And,
she has absolutely no remorse. The movie was nominated for 4 academy
awards, it is truly a classic must see. I was THRILLED to play this role.
This role was the highlight of my theater roles to date. I even dyed my hair
platinum blond and cut bangs for this role. I was really into it.
Interestingly, the staged play is VERY different from the movie at the
end. It's even darker and more sinister. Apparently the filmmakers
had to follow the motion picture association 'Hayes Code' that censored movies
from 1930-1968, and the staged play ending was not approved. You must
read the play to see the full impact of The Bad Seed!! I don't want to give
away the ending!
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| The Bad Seed |
From what
I’ve seen, on your music videos, and from your tweets and posts, I’m gonna go
out on a limb and say that you’re a pretty nice, sweet person – right?
How did you manage to get in the head of Rhoda? She’s such a terrible
little girl!
The role
of Rhoda Penmark WAS totally out of character for me...but I love being an
actress! So this was a great and rewarding challenge for me. I did a lot
of research on psychopaths before the production to prepare. I learned
that psychopathy is a disorder people are born with, and it is often
hereditary. They are bold and fearless risk-seekers and they do not understand
social norms. With this knowledge I was able to slip into Rhoda's head before
the show, and shake her off afterwards. You don't want to take any of
that behavior home from the theater. I must say my mom accused me of some
Rhoda-like behavior during the run of the show. I might have been trying
out some of her manipulative tactics. But that's the thing with
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| Capture from: Ghost Doll Spotted in Basement - Haunted Anna #15 |
Was it
difficult to play bad?
Playing
a bad character is really quite fun!!
Now,
you’re also an accomplished singer, as well as an actor. Is there a
preference between the two?
That's a
tough question. I love both singing and acting. I think that's why
I started in musical theater. I know some people are not fans of musical
theater and don't like characters breaking into song. Some theater folks
don't consider musicals 'real' theater. But I like a great musical and a
great dramatic performance and a great concert. It's all
entertaining. And, I think really great singers are also great
performers. You have to believe the lyrics, and that takes a good
performance as well as a good song. So I think I would say I can't decide
what I prefer!!
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| Looking for Ghosts |
In the Haunted Anna videos – I enjoy the
contrast between your videos and Sunshine’s. Paige has a very quirky personality
and the supporting characters all give her storylines a very Scooby Doo like
quality. Sunshine’s storyline starts off as a personal vlog, and then
snowballs into some pretty high adventure! Your videos, on the other hand, are
pretty much just you (with your mom sometimes making an appearance), and your
persona is this “real” girl who is looking for an explanation to the weirdness
that is going on around her. Buuut, things are starting to evolve into
some real creepy creepiness. Like black eyed weird creepiness. What’s it
all leading up to? (no spoilers, of course!) Thanks - I was hoping for a real 'girl
next door' feeling to the Haunted Anna videos. Yes things were getting
really creepy with Antonina and the mystery of her death...and now… what's
next? I'm not sure. You will have to stay tuned!!!
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| Capture from: Ghost Dolls and Orbs; My Dog Sniffs Out a Ghost - Haunted Anna #17 |
Some of
your posts and tweets have mentioned, or hashtagged, things like “girl power”,
or have had a teen-centric theme. You have also done a video on
bullying. Are you driven to put out a positive image for kids and teens?
I am
very focused on the impact I might have with young girls and other teens.
I have observed some terrible Middle School bullying and it is really ugly. My
video for “This Too Shall Pass” addresses the issue of bullying. My
message is that girls need to support other girls, and you should stay positive
and optimistic. If I have any impact on my peers I want it to be positive
and empowering. I am not a fan of overtly sexy teens and sexy “selfies”
and trying to use shock and skin and drug references for attention.
I’ve
discussed this same topic with Paige and her mom, as well, about
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| Capture from: Ghost in Attic - Anna Haunting #4 |
It seems
as if most TV shows/movies aimed at the younger crowd are about crushing on
guys, or “mean girls”, or fashionistas,
and even more adult themes. It’s rare to find a show, like, for instance Bunheads, that seems to portray kids who
deal with more typical teen problems. So, it’s good to see portrayals of teens
– like with you and Sunshine -- who deal with other things, on their programs,
besides the typical love and angst we see everywhere else. Is this
something you considered ahead? Or just the way you are?
With me
you get what you see. I am a typical normal teen girl. Unless I am
playing a role on stage I try to stay true to myself and my beliefs...it's OK
to giggle with girlfriends and paint your nails and play with your little
sister. It's a waste of time to get wrapped up in what's in or out or who
is in or out or trying to be someone you are not.
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| Follow @AnnaJaneBishop on Twitter |
From what
I’ve seen in your work, you focus on the positive. Do you, or would you,
consider yourself being a role model for other girls and teens?
I would
like to think that I would be a good role model for other girls. I am not
perfect, I have ups and downs but try to stay positive, and I am really focused
on school (education is #1), family and friends. It's a good way to be!
You spoke
about the other horror shorts you've done.
Are those available to view anywhere?
No, my
horror shorts are done with friends, edited at home and not online. I just do them for fun...but maybe I should
start posting them...there are some really great ones!
What's your
process for your show? Do you come up with an arc for a
"season" or develop the storyline with each segment?
My process was a general idea of the storyline for the 'season,' then focusing on each episode moving the story forward...with a little scare in there, or a mystery, or clue, or an unexpected twist. Sometimes I had an idea for the episode, and sometimes it was a little more impromptu and my mom and I would brainstorm, check out the spaces and angles, and then just film. Very spontaneous, to keep it fresh and “real.”
My process was a general idea of the storyline for the 'season,' then focusing on each episode moving the story forward...with a little scare in there, or a mystery, or clue, or an unexpected twist. Sometimes I had an idea for the episode, and sometimes it was a little more impromptu and my mom and I would brainstorm, check out the spaces and angles, and then just film. Very spontaneous, to keep it fresh and “real.”
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| Listen in at ReverbNation |
So, tell
me more about your singing career?
I started
singing, really singing, when I was 8 in a professional musical theater production
of The Wizard of Oz. I caught
the performing bug and just kept on going: musical theater, dramatic theater,
film work, training in acting, singing (opera/classical, choral and musical
theater) and dancing (tap, ballet, contemporary and jazz). Last year I decided
to branch out into pop music starting with some cover songs and then doing an
original with a local singer songwriter, Brent Rogers (&Kelli
Caldwell). I put up a YouTube channel, a Facebook Page and got on a music
site (ReverbNation) and just let it all go out there. Just recently,
Kevin DeClue, an LA based multi-platinum producer, found me. He has teamed up
with HollyWood Records, Capital Entertainment, Arista Records etc. I have
started to work with him, and I am learning so much! We are working on an
original EP (5 songs) to be released in February. Our first song is
AMAZING. It's really exciting!
What music
or musicians have you been influenced by? And who, if dreams ever do come
true, would you wanna duet with?
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| Check out AJ BIshop on YouTube |
Ella! Elton!
Ellie! Johnny Cash -- yes! Where’d you
develop such an eclectic range of music taste?
I am lucky to
be surrounded by music. My dad plays guitar (electric, acoustic and banjo) all
the time. He's very into classic rock so
we listen to a lot of vocally driven 70s rock. Love Johnny Cash - now that's
50s and 60s - classic songs, and great heart in his music. I love the At Folsom Prison Album. What
passion and grit and raw emotion you hear in that album. Our theme song on the
drive to school is Lynyrd Skynyrd's 'Free Bird' - haha!! Thanks dad!!
And my mom brings in musical theater (which she loves, as do I) and the
more soft rock melody centered artists from her past like Joni Mitchell, Billy
Joel (I actually really like him - his voice and the PIANO - no making fun of
him!), James Taylor, Simon and Garfunkle, Phil Collins and Norah Jones to name
a few. We are often sitting in the car at the curb finishing listening to a
song with my mom whi is singing all the lyrics.
And then we talk about why a certain phrase was so meaningful. Yesterday we were talking about 'they're
sharing a drink they call loneliness, but it's better than drinking alone.' -
Billy Joel, Piano Man. Now
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| Go LIKE her on FaceBook |
That’s an
amazing story! How about in acting? Who
are your influences/idols? And what actors or directors would you give
your left pinky to work with?
In the
acting world I am in awe of talented stage actors. They don't get
multiple takes...they are the best performers...in my opinion and they study
their craft. Meryl Streep probably stands out as the BEST actress ever. I
also love Julia Roberts and Jennifer Lawrence (she can play so many roles
well!). And I'm a new fan of Kristen Bell aka Veronica Mars (she studied musical theater and performed on
Broadway BEFORE moving into film!).
I enjoyed your retweet of the Rookie article Kids Won't Listen: "Why I’m
sick of articles about teenage girls written by grown-up men." I had
a good chuckle at the title, seeing that I'm a "grown man." But, the
article is great, and it makes lots of good points. As a father of two young
daughters, I've become very analytical of how young woman and girls are
portrayed in entertainment. But, I'm also acutely aware that it's not the GIRLS
in the business who need to be analyzed and criticized --It's the producers and
creators. Where the
limitations lie, in the portrayals of girls, is in the creative. I love
discovering projects and productions where girls are encouraged to be positive,
about themselves, and about the world around them. I respect that Nick
and Mercedes and Paige are doing their best in finding talent like you, to push
better images of girls.
Yes - that was a great article in RookieMag (it's a super Mag for teens)...and SO true. When I first talked to Mercedes and Paige we talked about 'adorkable.' And that was what clicked because that's me too. Sunshine has this adorkable, carefree persona, and I too wanted to really be myself in the Haunted Anna series...curious, open minded, eager and positive. I never dressed up or put on makeup to film, I did it all in one take and I was open and honest. Not everyone loved what I did every episode. It's hard not to be hurt by the YouTube comments (I stopped reading them) - of course it's 'fake' its a web series people!! Everything on television is 'fake' and you don't see people analyzing every minute and every glance and every word of their scripts! But I was proud of my work and my creativity and of staying true to myself. That's the way I am, that's the way I dress, that's the way I talk, and so you get what you see with me. I hope I have helped to portray a better or more real image of a young teen girl!
Yes - that was a great article in RookieMag (it's a super Mag for teens)...and SO true. When I first talked to Mercedes and Paige we talked about 'adorkable.' And that was what clicked because that's me too. Sunshine has this adorkable, carefree persona, and I too wanted to really be myself in the Haunted Anna series...curious, open minded, eager and positive. I never dressed up or put on makeup to film, I did it all in one take and I was open and honest. Not everyone loved what I did every episode. It's hard not to be hurt by the YouTube comments (I stopped reading them) - of course it's 'fake' its a web series people!! Everything on television is 'fake' and you don't see people analyzing every minute and every glance and every word of their scripts! But I was proud of my work and my creativity and of staying true to myself. That's the way I am, that's the way I dress, that's the way I talk, and so you get what you see with me. I hope I have helped to portray a better or more real image of a young teen girl!
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| Capture from: Giggling Heard on Camera - Anna Haunting #11 |
Susan Bishop, Anna's mom wanted to join in on this topic:
I think when we first looked at this project, Anna and I appreciated that Mercedes and Paige were looking for something real and age appropriate. Anna was just 13, and a young 13 at that, and we wanted her to be herself. She loves mystery and horror and psychological thrillers, so we took it from there...creating a mystery, finding clues, and moving the story forward. We did not want to create a character 'Anna,' but a real version of Anna...just haunted. This is very similar to 'Sunshine.' She's a great role model. A really nice genuine young woman, with a funny sense of humor, a bit goofy (which is cool), and no attitude. Hard to find these days!! It was super fun being a part of the Sunshine Network, and Anna really appreciates her ongoing connection with the Sunshine cast and crew. They are great, hard working people. There may be continued collaboration in the future, so stay tuned!!
Is there anything, other than the Haunted Anna videos, that you will be appearing in?
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| Capture from: Ghost Doll and Orb - Anna Haunting #16 |
This
year my focus is on my transition to High School activities and ACADEMICS, so I
am not pursuing outside performing opportunities. I have spent the last 6 years
going to rehearsals and performing and I have not been able to do normal teen
stuff like sports, clubs, sleepovers, hanging out with my friends, etc.
That said, I am interested in doing my high school musical - Beauty and The Beast (I
have never been in a school production!!). And, I am trying to do some
non-performing things. I was on my HS Cross Country Team this fall.
Our team placed 2nd in the state, and I made Varsity - which was so much fun (I
have never done a school team sport either).
What’s the
scariest thing you’ve ever seen or experienced that wasn’t a ghost?
There's
a haunted house up the street...I'm not kidding. We film it all the
time. Odd stuff is going on there! Maybe Haunted Anna will need to
investigate!
Follow Anna at These Links
Twitter@AnnaJaneBishop
www.youtube.com/user/annajanesmusic
www.reverbnation.com/annajanesmusic
www.facebook.com/AnnaJaneBishop
www.reverbnation.com/annajanesmusic
www.facebook.com/AnnaJaneBishop
