BadRonald Celebrates Women in Horror Month -- Haunted Anna!

Women Girls in Horror Month Celebrates

HAUNTED ANNA: Awesome Teenage Ghost Buster!

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. 

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?

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!

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

Capture from: Ghost Doll Spotted in Basement - Haunted Anna #15

performing.  To be convincing you have to fall into your character completely and then let her go. Otherwise you would be a bit unbalanced!

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!!

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!!!

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

how today’s teens are portrayed in television and music.  There seems to be an expectation of teen and tweens, in the entertainment industry, that tends to portray them as more mature.  Do you see this? How do you work or deal with these expectations in your career?

Capture from: Ghost in Attic - Anna Haunting #4

It's funny because when you perform a lot, especially with adults, you have to be a bit more mature.  And the entertainment industry definitely makes young girls look really mature.  I'm not a fan of this.  I don't like how rushed everyone is to get through their teens and be more 'mature.'  I want to enjoy being a teen!

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.

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.” 

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?

Check out AJ BIshop on YouTube

I like so many musicians, but the common thread is great vocals, melodies and lyrics.  I like older bands like The Beatles.  I love Elton John and really love older jazz singers like Ella Fitzgerald.  But I also listen to more current musicians like Norah Jones (love her sound and style), Wilco (90s),The Decemberists (love them-they are from Portland!!), Kimbra (she is so talented), Ellie Goulding (great layered vocals and lyrics) and Lorde (great lyrics and creative unique sound). I also like classic rock.  My dad plays guitar and we are always singing and listening to classic artists like: Neil Young, The Allman Brothers, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Johnny Cash, Grateful Dead, Fleetwood Mac, etc.   I am not a fan of overly manipulated music, or dance club music.  You know with the recording software anyone can 'sing' these days.  I like authentic voices, and authentic sounds. My new favorite song right now is Indina Menzel singing Let It Go from the movie Frozen!  So my tastes run wide:)!!! This is a total GIRL POWER song too!!

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

Go LIKE her on FaceBook

obviously I don't drink, but we were talking about how people need other people and they come together (in this case in a bar) to listen to music and 'forget about life for awhile.'  Music can have a huge impact on people.  And I love all the cool images.  True story, last Christmas, at Christmas eve dinner, my dad and I sang a couple songs for the family (we have a huge family) and my 85 year old Grandfather with advanced Parkinsons Disease, who had barely been tracking all night, sat up and started belting out an old irish tune.  The family was stunned.  The music brought him out of his dark place and helped him join in the festivities.  I have never felt so happy.  Now whenever we visit I try to sing to him...anything I'm working on...classical, musical theater, whatever. 

 

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!

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?

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

Haunting of Sunshine Girl Network

BadRonald Sez Let it Bleed!

Women in Horror Month may be over, but my celebration of the efforts and work of women in genre films will continue.  And also, the Massive Blood Drive headed up WiHM participants is continuing.  Check out this new blood drive promo form the Soska Sisters over at Twisted Twins Production...



I would so give blood for them!

BadRonald Celebrates Demi Baumann for Women in Horror Month

The first thing I need to say about My Name is A by Anonymous is that this movie needs a distributor -- now!!  I can't say enough good things about it.  It's powerful and moving and disturbing.  Credit goes to director Shane Ryan for creating a poetic view of troubled youth that doesn't incite fear or distrust, but rather moves the audience more towards contemplation and debate.

The other credit goes to the ensemble of young actresses who all delivered subtle but penetrating performances. Each of the talented young ladies developed their own unique image of misspent youth. Earlier I got to speak with Alex Damiano about the brutal honesty she delivered in her performance.  This time I got to speak with Demi Baumann, who plays The Sidekick to Katie Marsh as Alyssa (based on Alyssa Bustamante, the 15 year-old who strangled and stabbed her 9 year-old neighbor to death). It was Demi's performance as the aimless sidekick that demonstrated the disconnect that many teenagers have when their is no guidance or inspiration in their lives.  She's the good girl who meets up with the wrong friend.  It's Baumann's hardened, emotionless expression that quickly became most unsettling. She shows a lack of concern for her BFF's rebellious and dangerous behavior, but then suddenly a wide, Chesire grin would break across her face. It happened only rarely, but when it did, her pretty smile clearly showed the audience just who these kids really were... kids.  Innocent, naive, lost, desperate... kids. 

How did you first hear about this project, and about Shane?

I first heard about it through my friend Katie Marsh. She was auditioning for it, and was working with my mom who is an acting coach. Katie was cast and asked to film some candid scenes running around and I happened to be in one of them and Shane saw the footage and asked if I would be interested in being part of the project.

Were you at all familiar with the story of Alyssa Bustamante?

I wasn't until Katie started studying the videos. Since my role was not that essence of her, I didn't watch many.

It was a courageous performance -- by you and all the girls. How did you (with Shane) develop your character, and was it difficult to try and relate to the character and her acts?

Thank you. Shane gave me the freedom to be this alternate personality as I felt it. Of course be part of murder is unfathomable and my personality had a disconnect. His made it more comfortable. The cutting was easier as I know a few people that do this and I have heard them talk about the mental pain.

How did this role compare to other acting jobs you've been involved in?

It is strange that I tend to play really dark characters. I seem to have this fierce mean look that I attribute to my Russian and Mongolian features. But I love these types of characters – I am more comfortable with these types of characters compared to bubble gum perky Disney type roles. This role was the toughest as it was a lot of improv. It was the most natural and raw feeling role for sure to date.

I see My Name is "A" as a true life crime story much less than it is a riveting coming of age story.  The end result (of murder) is the extreme of childhood troubles, but the other acts of cutting, eating disorders, depression... do you find these things more common or not.  Do you know or know of girls who act out like Alyssa did?

Here in Los Angeles you see so much. I have been exposed to all of those issues. Fortunately I haven't dealt with them personally. I think watching it around you, it can make you realize that bad path and helps you stay off of it.

What was most challenging for you in this role?  And how did you overcome the challenges to deliver such a great performance?

Again I would have to say the improv and not breaking character in scenes with Katie when she gets a bit out of control because it was so against her true self.

I have to applaud you and the rest of the cast and crew for making such a difficult and powerful film.  Was the impact of this story evident when you read for it?  I mean, was it clear that this would not be just an exploitation of a true crime, but something more resonant?

I never saw a script. Each scene was attacked as an idea and we used our thoughts and ideas as those characters. We knew after the first scene, that this was going to be raw and edgy.

You're fairly young, and some of the emotions and acts in this film may be beyond your years -- how do you explain this film to others, when they ask about it?

I grew up around older actors and nothing really shocks or surprises me. People think I am much older than I am. I did not grow up sheltered from reality. I haven't seen the film yet – just scenes and trailers. After I watch it I will have clearer thoughts on it as a whole.

The film was shot in a style of a documentary -- this is probably much different than you were used to.  How was it working like this, and how was it like working with Shane?

Shane is a really nice guy and an actors director. He lets you explore and try. The style of filming as a documentary seemed in some ways easier and much quicker.

Your IMDB page shows you've been doing a good deal of acting.  Will you be going after bigger roles, with this on your resume?  What's next for you?

Well, pilot season is about to start so I will be back in the 'game'. I hit a growth spurt, which is never good for female actors, so it may be slow until I am 18 and I can play older roles. No one wants to hire a 15 year old to play 18 which is what I would play now. But I am okay with that, because I am doing a lot of ballet and modeling now too.

BadRonald Celebrates Nicole Kruex for Women in Horror Month

Continuing in my WiHM celebration, I hooked up with Nicole Kruex and got her take on what it's like to be a woman in the horror scene.  I was pleased to find out that we had so much in common... Like I had, she grew up worshipping the genre idols of the day, while also enjoying the more goody goody child friendly fare  Her juxtaposing tastes would later guide her through her burgeoning career in front of the camera... and now behind the camera.

Nicole put her time in on low budget horror and genre gigs, where her body may have been more prominent than her other, developing talents.  She had her own understanding that she would pay her dues to get a foothold in the biz... and then, with the knowledge she'd acquired on the job, and the relationships she built in the Minnesota horror and film scene, she started developing projects under Triwar Films and Deadtime Productions.

BadRonald:   You've been featured in a number of films, as an actress, but now you're also producing and writing?

Nicole Kruex:   Certainly!!  Acting is my first love and will always be my goal, but stability in acting is fleeting and often unless you have great contacts or are born into the craft, you have to make your own future.  One of the best ways to do that is to become a producer/writer.  In some ways it seems very narcissistic to be the facilitator to your own future. But then how else are you as a creative able to work your way into bigger and better projects?  I love producing, though.  I love being on set and standing behind the camera just as much as in front of it.  It a great opportunity to learn things from all angles and gives me greater understanding of things I need to do as an actor.  Currently I've produced several projects, one I can link to is a 3 min short entitled, 'The Initiation' directed by Mitchel A. Jones (see below).  That film was fun.. It unfortunately had to be 3 mins, and feels too fast paced to me?  But we are working on a longer cut in our down time. As you can see in the credits, I also edit and run camera, and soon --  Direct!

BadRonald:  The role of women in horror is ever changing. What are your views on the role of women in horror? And how do you envision women excelling in the field?

Nicole Kruex:  I hope more women take a business savvy course and more production roles.  Acting is the great platform for ego and narcissism and as of late seems less about the craft then about how many films one can pile under their belts and how many half nude pictures they can pile onto facebook. There is nothing wrong with that!  But I'd love to see women change the portrayal of what we are in context of a story.  Leave the porn to the porn stars and really learn how to act.  Demand quality from the productions they attach themselves to and help to raise the bar on what gets produced.

But some are so desperate to just "get a role" we agree to anything from anyone...  Instead, enter a $200 flip phone, iMovie editing, and a script written by a boob obsessed 12 year old.

BadRonald:  Who are your influences, and what films inspire in you in your work?

Nicole Kruex:  Oh gosh, Guy Ritchie, Danny Boyle, Christopher Nolan, J.A. Bayona, Guillermo del Toro, Stanley Kubrick, Roman Polanski, and Neil Marshall are some of my favorite directors.  Heath Ledger, Gary Oldman, Cate Blanchett, Audrey Hepburn, Alan Rickman, Geoffrey Rush... I love horror desperately!  But I'm influenced by the incredible careers of those I consider some of the best in the acting business.  I've found it difficult to find an influence in acting that is strictly horror... but maybe there is a reason for that.  I think the best shoot higher then just horror, but hundreds of them got their start there... look at Jamie Lee Curtis!

As for films, in the horror genre I am most inspired by films with a clever edge or a rawness that translates into something more then "Five teenagers go into the woods".  28 Days Later, The Orphanage, The Descent, The Shining, Rosemary's Baby, The Omen, Poltergeist.  Movies with incredible stories and incredible cinematography.  Movies that create a world for you to disappear into with details you may not catch on the first or second watch.  A lot of films don't reach that pinnacle today because they are too interested in body count, twist endings, found footage, boobs, blood, and gimmicks.  Give me Hitchcock and real people over GQ drunken frat boys "actors" and loose porn star "actresses" any day.

BadRonald:  You had started your acting career taking parts where your body was exploited more than your creative talents.  But then you made the decision to take a vested interest in the business and art of the genre, with writing and producing. How did you balance the two, presenting an image that will attract, while taking control and producing and creating?

Nicole Kruex:  Well, the first step for me was picking and choosing roles and films that made sense for who I want to become. I've made mistakes just to get in the game and quickly realized that wasn't who I wanted to be or how I wanted women to be viewed. I have great respect for doing what it takes... but being smart about it. A lot of girls fall into stripping naked for films with no future. The guy with camera, and zero budget, and no plan beyond getting a pile of girls naked and covered in blood idea... problem is if you really want to be Jamie Lee Curtis, you have to look further then that,.  You have to work, fight for better roles, and do your research on what is going to push you forward vs. hold you back. For me, that meant seeking out things bigger then myself and learning what I needed to do to get there. The balance comes in deciding what was really sexy and what was just slutty.

BadRonald:  I liked the humor and commentary of the "Arrested After a Girl Fight" pics on your FB page. What was that all about?

Nicole Kruex:  Honestly? I was having a bad day... but I turned it into a positive thing by finding some humor in my sadness. It became a fun photo shoot.. but in truth, those were real tears.

BadRonald:  Like me, you grew up with horror stars as your idols.  Stars like Robert Englund and Doug Bradley.  And you loved films like Texas Chainsaw Massacre.  But also, you were equally fascinated with the sweeter side of film, enjoying the films of Shirley Temple, Audry Hepburn and Great Garbo. I'm the same way in that I really love performers with sort of duel personalities -- balancing darkness and light. I love Johnny Cash for his soul, but also his demons. I loved Burl Ives and Andy Griffith for their child friendly work, but also the twisted turns they gave in movies. Also Jimmy Stewart.  Do you also enjoy those dark shadow you see in the "goody" entertainers?

 Nicole Kruex:  Absolutely! As an entertainer you can't be just one thing... All actors have just as much light as they do demons, it's those demons that cause the changes in attitude needed to give a realistic performance on camera.

BadRonald:  Thank you Nicole.  Best of luck on all your projects.

Nicole Kruex:  Thank you BadRonald!!  

Check out more on Discursion here.

BadRonald Celebrates Women in Horror Month with Kayla Perkins

Kayla Perkins has yet to cover two decades on this earth, but already she's amassed a filmography that totals more film appearances (near 30 roles) than many actors three times her age.  Besides acting, Kayla fills up her time with modeling, festival appearances, school, and multiple part time jobs.  I wanna thank her for taking time out to cover some WiHM questions...

BadRonald:  You're 18 now (is that correct?) and you're already a veteran of over 25 films. How did you get your start in the business? And how did you come to be one of the newest scream queens?

Kayla:  I've done some plays in school growing up and have competed in Miss Kentucky Pageant system since I was little and won titles from Little Miss, Pre Teen and My Most recent Teen Miss Scott Co. I am also Former Junior Miss KY. I just have loved being on stage and Pageants keep me performing in front of people. There wasn't much to do in our small town so it was the one thing I loved and keep me busy. I have always loved being in front of the camera. Even when I was little I would go get my Moms camera and tell her to take a pic of me. I get told a lot that I was born to be on camera and that the camera loves me! People have been watching me and my work alot lately and asked me to do interviews for the websites and radio shows etc and most of my horror films I am in has a lot of me screaming in them and so my scream has got me a lot of attention and the title of Scream Queen.

BadRonald:  You've been juggling film work, school, modeling, and regiular jobs. Where did you learn this kind of great work ethic?

Kayla:  My Mother, she told me to always follow my dreams. To go after it and that it won't come to you and that you have to work hard at something and if you want it bad enough you can do anything that you set your mind too.

BadRonald:  Is horror a genre you've enjoyed outside of work?

Kayla: Yes, I love all genre. I just love acting, It's my passion and I will work on any kind of movie just to perfect my skill. Like the saying, the more practice you get the better you will be.

BadRonald: What are your influences in film and in work (people and movies that have inspired you)?

Kayla:  Omg! there are so many great actress out there that influences me like Dakota Fanning, Danielle Harris, Scout Compton, Angelina Jolie, Ashley Judd, Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts my list goes on and on but those are the ones who pop in my head at this moment.

 BadRonald:  Having started in this business at a young age, how has your view of the business changed (if indeed it has) from when you were a young girl, to now as a young woman?

Kayla:  Not alot has changed except for the fact that I can play alot more aged range in roles now where I can play 15-24 range.

 BadRonald:  Can you tell me what it's like, being a women in world of horror (what is your view on the role of women in horror)?

Kayla:  I really don't see that it is any different from other genre of movies except for the screaming and being a bloody mess at times but I wouldn't have it any other way!

BadRonald:  With all the experience you've gained in the film business, will you move into a role behind the camera?

Kayla:  I don't see me doing that anytime soon. I think their job is alot more stressful then being an Actress. There is a lot that goes into making a movie.

Thank you Kayla!

See more on Kayla at her website:  kaylaperkins.com

BadRonald Celebrates Roxsy Tyler ~ Women in Horror Month

From the graveyard of horror hosts rises Roxsy Tyler and her Carnival of Horrors.  Wait!  Wait!!  Don't run.  She's cool.  Nothing to be scared of.

Roxsy has created a name for herself on the Interwebs as one of the most happening horror hostesses around.  Hosting her show somewhere in the dark and creepy outskirts of Philly, in a dilapidated circus tent, Roxsy and her gang of misfits watch and comment on old scary movies, and crack the funny bone with their comedy skits.  When  Ms. Tyler isn't haunting the carnival, she's busy acting and producing.  She also distributes genre films at Mr. Potent Media.  Busy busy!  So glad she was able to take a few moments out to speak with me.

BadRonald:  I wanted to take you for a little trip in my Wayback Machine so I could see the origin and emergence of the Horror Hostess superstar Roxsy Tyler... but sadly I don't have one. So, could you tell me the brief history of Roxsy, please?

Roxsy Tyler:  I guess we should go back to 2006 when "Roxsy Tyler" the character was first introduced in the book 'Big Boots and Black Hair Dye" a collective of short stories and poetry. Roxsy was the star of three short stories in which she left a drug-ridden Philadelphia neighborhood to work at a carnival but her history followed closely behind her and had to be confronted with the help of some eccentric friends. The stories were quite violent and dark in comparison to who you see hosting Roxsy Tyler's Carnival of Horrors. The Carnival of Horrors viewers are used to a light-hearted free spirited Roxsy Tyler who just wants to have fun. For a book put together in a hurry it was more successful than I could imagine and Roxsy Tyler's stories were reader's choice.

In 2009, Roxsy Tyler made her first on-screen performance on Midnite Mausoleum. The director, Blake Powell, was very familiar with the Roxsy Tyler character and he and Marlena Midnite agreed Roxsy could be a special guest on the show. I expected nothing out of this. I only to have fun but after the show there was a demand for a Roxsy Tyler show. Being that I work for a movie production company (Potent Media) I decided to use the resources available to me and "Roxsy Tyler's Carnival of Horrors" debuted in the Spring of 2010.

BadRonald:  The phenomenon of the horror host flourished in the heydays of television, but you're a fairly young gal. How did you discover the old creepy hosts?

Roxsy Tyler:  I actually knew very little about horror hosting. I knew who Vampira was. I adored Elvira. That's as far as my knowledge went. I missed a lot of good entertainment when I was just a girl!  I only knew of the veterans of horror hosting through friends and acquaintances who were doing their own horror shows. I even learned that my own home of Philadelphia was enriched in horror hosting history.  From there I did my research-- mostly on Zacherley (Rolland) and Stella. I can't say I'm embarrassed that I didn't know much about horror hosting history before I started my show because upon all the research I've done on other hosts it would seem quite a few of them didn't know much either. Some were actors hired to do this as a job and others fell backwards into it. Then there was the sum of hosts who knew the history
of horror hosting, loved it, and wanted to do it themselves. I don't think it matters how you get into it but whether you know nothing or know everything about horror hosting it's something well worth our respect.

BadRonald:  What are your major influences -- not just on your hostess persona, but in horror in general?

Roxsy Tyler:  It's hard to say. Most things I am heavily influenced by have nada to do with horror. I'm a Marx Brothers fan which is a major influence to the comedy in my show. Hostess-wise Stella has become a big, positive influence on me. Her butler Hives as well. They've both been very encouraging about what I'm doing and the fact that they still work their butts off is very inspiring. But horror in general-- it's still a mystery to me. I've often said that I want my show to look like a Rob Zombie music video but it doesn't. So, that hasn't influenced me just yet .

BadRonald:  You are not just a horror hostess, but an actor and a producer. What are your thoughts about the emergence of women in horror as a creative force?

Rozsy Tyler:  Women's creative force in horror has always been there just not often as recognized. I don't know why it is this way. I won't presume it's at fault of men. There's a lot of men out there who don't get their due either. Perhaps it's the fault of assumption. Though my show has end credits people still had no idea that I write, edit, and direct my own show. Hell, there's tons of things I do in the film industry that I'm sure no one knows about. As for creative force, I don't care who is in charge of it. Man or woman, I don't care as long as they put out something exciting. If these are men releasing one horrible remake after another I think they should sit in the back for awhile and let their wives drive.

BadRonald:  What are some of the female-centric films you've found empowering?

Roxsy Tyler:  There aren't enough female-centric films. Could you recommend me some? I happen to enjoy Serial Mom! We need more female serial killer movies! I'm hoping to make that my contribution to horror someday. Let me play your lady serial killer!

BadRonald:  Your persona of Roxsy Tyler is a strong female presence, a woman who fends for herself, and is not defined by the men around her. How important was that strength, when you developed the character? What motivated the origins of Roxsy?

Roxsy Tyler:  It was always important to me to have strong female presences to look up to. It'll always be important to me. It's so important to me that I try to embody that as much as possible. She has a male dominance about her that makes it ironic because she is a woman. I think sometimes she isn't defined by men because take away the female attributes she practically is one. It hasn't quite dawned on Roxsy Tyler that she's a girl. She doesn't define herself as a gender, or an age, or even a stereotype. She just is what she is and whether anyone can accept it or not she doesn't care. We can learn through her that you are you're ultimately your own boss and you shouldn't be defined by other people's expectations.

BadRonald:  Recently, you did something that sent your fans into a tailspin -- a lingerie shoot. What inspired that idea? And what was the reaction from fans? Many liked it, and some didn't...

Roxsy Tyler:  I promised to do a lingerie shoot if I won "Gore Hunny of the Year". I didn't quite win and I didn't quite lose. I was named co-winner. The winner was determined by votes. Hundreds of people committed themselves to voting for me everyday and I wanted to do something to show my appreciation. I didn't think I'd win beings tat some of those ladies were either i their panties are known for being in their panties. I can be sexy if I want to be! Truth be told, I usually never want to be... so this boudoir shoot presented the opportunity to do something different.

I was very nervous about it at first but it was actually quite fun! I think every woman should do a boudoir shoot at least once in their life even if it's for their own eyes only. It felt empowering. Most people seemed to like it. A couple of my guy friends were against it but it was painless for them when they saw the photos. They were tasteful, not pornographic and alas those guy friends of mine were relieved. Even women were patting me on the back because even though it wasn't my "thing" I still conjured the courage to do it. I'm proud of it. Special thanks to Melissa at http://www.newgirlphotography.com/ for doing the photos!

BadRonald:  Roxsy Tyler is certainly a sexy character. But sex does not define her, like it defines so many other women/girls in horror. How do you strike that balance of wit, intelligence and femininity?

Roxsy Tyler:  Effortlessly is my guess. I'm certainly not trying. I think the sexiest part of a person is their personality. If someone has an interesting personality you tend to want to be around them, talk to them, have fun with them. I'm very lucky if I have that kind of personality. My looks (if any) won't last forever but I want to keep acting and doing my show for as long as I can. If I have the personality I might actually survive long after my looks fade. I don't think women think about that. What are you going to do when you don't look good in a bikini anymore? You can either retire or be Betty White.

Even your boudoir pics found the great balance between sexy and sensible. What are your thoughts on sex and the horror hostess persona?

Sex appeal is important for a horror hostess to have. You need the men to want you and the women to want to be you. Sex sells. There's no doubt about that. If I had huge boobs people would want to look at me more but who's to say for how long? What would make me different from any other woman with huge cans? Well, if there was anything that would decipher me from the rest not many would notice because they're too busy looking at my cleavage! So, I'm glad I don't have big bulging breasts. I need more attention than my chest does. I mean, come on, Elvira has huge cans and a huge personality... but even I can't stop staring at her chest. Having sex appeal when you're a horror hostess is essential. I find it ironic because we represent horror. For a genre so full of monsters and macabre there certainly are some good looking creatures walking around.

BadRonald:  So, what's next for you? Go ahead and plug!

Roxsy Tyler:  Right now we're working on getting our film "Deer Crossing" out there. I recently won Best Supporting Actress for the D'Ment"d Cinema Reader's Choice awards for my role in the film "Booley" (on sale on amazon.com and mrpotent.com). Our first Carnival of Horrors DVD is available everywhere now on the internet. I'm currently in talks about some more film projects (fingers crossed) and as always we are releasing new episodes of Carnival of Horrors for free viewing online at http://vimeo.com/carnivalofhorror

BadRonald:  Roxsy, yer great!  Thanks for the chat.

Roxsy Tyler:  Thanks so much for having me!

Go visit her blog, too!

BadRonald Celebrates Polly Frost ~ Women in Horror Month

Polly Frost is a humorist and an accomplished writer of fiction, radio and plays. Her work has been published in major places like The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The New York Times, and she has had collections of stories published in book format.  I celebrate Polly Frost as an artist of words for all the great work she's done, but this being Women in Horror Recognition Month, I wanted to bring her to your attention for her amazing work she's done in horror.  Her book "Deep Inside," a collection of short erotic horror, has been a much buzzed about sensation amongst genre fans, not only for Frost's tremendous wit and satire, but for the depths she goes to challenge and flirt with your mind.

I had the opportunity to chat with Polly about her love of horror, and about the role and portrayal of women in genre films.  Please enjoy!

BadRonald: For me, horror blipped on my radar when I was very young. I was maybe six years old when I first watched Dark Shadows on TV. Then it was a long string of Vincent Price movies. When did you have the first inkling that you liked horror?

Polly Frost: You were six years old! -- very similar to my experience. I was a little younger than that when I first got hooked on horror movies. I was four. Part of my early love of horror comes, I think, from being a Scorpio. I don't mean this in any astrological way, but having my birthday so near to Halloween made me feel a kinship to the horror genre.

The 1941 version of The Wolfman with Lon Chaney, Jr. was the first horror movie I saw. Of course, Chaney was one of the greatest horror actors, because he could elicit your sympathy and terrify you all at the same time. And he really got to me! I would squeal and jump up, hide behind the sofa, and then just have to peek around it and watch some more. Chaney was the perfect actor to lure me into horror.

BadRonald: When I became interested in horror, I have to admit that the attraction was slightly fueled by sex. I was clearly too young to understand much of what was going on, but I remember that horror movies and books were where the racy topics were. Where did you first tie horror and erotica together?

Polly Frost: I came from a Catholic background. So when I got interested in horror, the attraction was VERY fueled by sex. You can't spend time in the Catholic Church without seeing the connection between horror and sex! I mean, if you even think about masturbation you're going to go to Hell. So how can you not think about masturbation and about being in Hell at the same time? How can you not picture demons swirling around you the moment you become aroused for the first time? Plus, if you even think about sex and that means you're damned, why not just party with those demons?

Also, I was raised during a period (the 1960's) when sex was touted as free and good for everyone to do with everyone else, preferably at the same time while doing drugs. However, what most of us came to realize in the 1960's was that if you took the lid off the id of people, you also might be unleashing their dark side. Charles Manson, anyone?

I wrote a collection of erotic horror stories, "DeepInside" that was published by Tor in 2007. When I wrote those stories, I told myself I had to feel two very honest things: arousal and terror. I promised myself I wouldn't write them unless I was honest about the powerful conflict of those two feelings.

BadRonald: I'm very excited to see that women have gained a voice in horror and other genre films. American horror had gotten very typical, until fresh voices -- some of them women -- started reinventing and twisting the genre around. How do you see the role of women in horror today?

Polly Frost: First, I have to say that I love seeing women get involved with horror on any level! Whether it's as an actress or a director, whether on stage, in movies or in books. We talk about the importance of having female directors doing horror now, but let's not forget the horror actresses who lent their spirits, their bodies and their souls to the horror movies of the past: Edwige Fenech, Isabelle Adjani, Camille Keaton, Catherine Deneuve, Felissa Rose, Jessica Harper, Julie Strain, Zoe Tamerlis -- to name but a few.

These actresses were fearless in the extreme ways they got into their characters. Why could they do that? Was it because they were fighting against the macho male directors of that time? Was Susan George's extraordinary performance in Straw Dogs better because she was dealing with Sam Peckinpah? (To me, Straw Dogs is one of those thrillers that overlaps with horror.) Would she have given that same performance had she been working with an understanding and feminist female director?

Here’s how I see what the role of women in horror today should be: continuing that tradition, being proud of it. Not to negate it or to say that these actresses were being objectified by the male directors of the 1970's, but to say, yeah! Those actresses rocked. Now that women are directing more horror movies, they should be taking that tradition and making it even more powerful. I hope women won't be taking horror movies in too sex-positive a direction!

BadRonald:  Many male directors use a false "empowerment" in revenge movies (like the I Spit on Your Grave remake) to further objectify women, while others (like the films of Gasper Noe and Adrian Garcia Bolgliano) do well at examining social issues through their "victims." How do you see sexuality as empowerment in today's horror movies?

Polly Frost: I hated the remake of I Spit on Your Grave. But I don't think that male directors today only err by using "false empowerment" for the arcs of their female characters -- I think they often do even worse by their male characters because they give them false DISempowerment.

I mean, come on -- none of the directors of movies like the remake of I Spit on Your Grave or Wolf Creek would behave the way their male characters do. If they did, they'd never get a film made! Do you believe the men OR the women if these movies? I certainly don't. And there's no real tension between the characters.

Besides, one thing that makes horror a great genre is that you can satirize so many things. One of the stories in my book "Deep Inside" is called "The Dominatrix Has a Career Crisis." I felt very free to write a story that satirized the entitled-to-the-point-of-sociopathology upbringing of many young women I've seen today. If a guy had written that story -- OMG, he would have been slaughtered! But I could write it and get away with it.

I think that's what women can -- and should bring -- to the genre today. They shouldn't engage in what you rightly call the "false" empowerment b.s. of today's male directors. They should delve into the truly dark side of women.

BadRonald: Overall, how do you see the role of women in horror changing, both behind the camera, and in front?

Polly Frost: One thing I'm thrilled to see is how many young women love horror. This was not the case when I was growing up. If I told my female classmates at college that I loved slasher movies, they acted as though I'd just said I was condoning, I don't know, some despicable act of violence. Whereas I saw these movies being honest about the tensions between the sexes at that time. Besides: hey people, it's fantasy.

Today? I love talking to SOME young women today -- the ones who've moved beyond the feminist stance of the 70's through 90's to embracing the power of the horror genre. And let me mention some guys I've worked with: the actor Jake Thomas, Geno McGahee, the director Matt Lambert (with whom I co-produced the horror-sex-sci-fi webseries The Fold), and the filmmaker Paul Busetti. They're part of a new generation of young guy creators who genuinely get off on exhibitions of female power while never losing touch with their own male rowdiness. I love that.

BadRonald Who are some of the female voices in the world of horror that you find interesting (past and present)?

Polly Frost: I absolutely adore Debbie Rochon. She's not just an amazing actress in Lloyd Kaufman movies like Tromeo and Juliet and in loads of low-budget horror movies, she writes on horror, she goes to conventions, she's a fun and generous presence on Facebook -- she's incredible. More artists should be as feisty and accessible as she is. There's an actress in New York City I adore: Jillaine Gill, who does these incredibly bizarre and yet very real horror-themed one woman shows (often in collaboration with her brother, Sean Gill). I love that actress in Takashi Miike's movie, Audition, Miyuki Matsuda, who gave us that terrifying portrayal of mousy love. And I will always revere Anne Rice for her Beauty books, which are essential horror erotica.

Thank you Polly!! 

To find Polly's books, go here.

And also check out her website: pollyfrost.com