L. Michelle DeVito [Interview]
October 28, 2013 1 Comment
Welcome everyone to Day Two of the Trainwreck’d Society’s First Annual Week of Horror Celebration! We are keeping the ball rolling each day this week, and we have a great interview up today for you fine folks with independent horror gal Michelle DeVito!
As many of you may remember, way back in 2011 we did our First Annual Trainwreck’d Society’s Person of the Year. The recipient of that award was given to none other than the no-budget horror filmmaker Steve Sessions. While his name may not conjure up any remembrances of his work, we still felt that his hard work and dedication to his craft deserved to be celebrated. Sure, since then we have spoken with “bigger names” in the world of horror alone, but this is not to discredit the fine work that so many members of the independent film world (horror or not) have done. And this definitely goes for the actors as well. That is why I am so excited to have Michelle DeVito featured on Day 2 of 5 this week. She is a brilliant actress who has tirelessly racked up over thirty roles (of all magnitudes) in just a couple of short years. Most recently she can be seen in Nothing Left To Fear, which was produced by Slash from Guns N Roses. And she will also have a part in the forthcoming Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. She is a hard working, New Orleans livin’, bad ass kind of lady who deserves her time to shine. And it definitely shall come. We are honored to have Michelle featured this week. Enjoy!
What has drawn you in to the world of acting? How did you get started?
Growing up, I was always fascinated by the big screen. Always daydreaming of being up there myself. However, being from a small town and being somewhat alternative, I thought those dreams were pipe dreams and never took them seriously. It wasn’t until two years ago that it did become a reality. I was playing roller derby in Baton Rouge and a teammates best friend is a casting agent. I was looking to do something different; So, he helped me get into doing background work. My first production was HBO’s Treme and ended up being a series regular for the final two seasons. Since then, in the last 2 years I have been in 37 productions. It has been a crazy whirlwind of awesome!
You are based out of New Orleans. Please tell us, what is it like in the acting world on the bayou? Is there a lot of work to be had?
The acting world here is much like New Orleans itself… Like no other! I love the unique characteristics that the local talent bring to the productions being filmed here. The horror genre is popular here which is a perfect match for New Orleans.
How was your experience on the set of Nothing Left to Fear, which was produced by Slash from Guns N Roses?
How was your experience on the set of Nothing Left to Fear, which was produced by Slash from Guns N Roses? NLTF was my favorite production to work on! I love horror movies and Slash! Being a long-time fan of GNR made it a huge thrill. As well as the story-line being so easy to follow and get in to. My role was that of a member of a small town, in which the story takes place. The entire cast became close during the production and we still see each other often. I am quite excited that it was released just a few short weeks ago.
Not to sound too corny but,…..What is your favorite scary movie?
Not to sound too corny but,…..What is your favorite scary movie?
That is an easy one. Poltergeist! I was really young when it came out and ever since seeing Carol Ann staring into the tv screen, static screens have always freaked me out!
What would you consider the sweetest gig to land?
What would you consider the sweetest gig to land?
The sweetest gigs to me, are the shows I already watch or various certain remakes. This last year I was cast on Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and did quite a bit of work on it. It was a huge thrill to work with Gary Oldman. He is such an amazing talent. Its due out in the spring of 2014. I also worked with 2 favorites, Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey, on True Detectives, which is starting this December. Right now, my current “hopeful” is Pirates of the Caribbean which is slated to begin production in fall 2014.
Have you ever considered getting behind the camera in some way shape or form? Have you already?
Have you ever considered getting behind the camera in some way shape or form? Have you already?
No, my preference is in front of the camera, but I have a huge respect for the talent behind the camera. What goes into each shot, angle, set, wardrobe… etc, is astounding. The detail and work that goes into the “magic” of the movies will never fail to amaze me.
What other projects do you have in the works?
What other projects do you have in the works?
Right now I’m bouncing between a few series, Ravenswood and American Horror Story, as well as working on Will Smith’s Focus and Ryan Reynolds Selfless. I have several that are due out this winter, Barefoot, 13 Sins, The Lookalike and Grudge Match. It has been an exciting year!
What are your plans for Halloween?I’m not quite sure about that (LOL). I’ve been working so much that my planning has fallen to the wayside. Thankfully, being in the film biz, has connected me to some amazing makeup artists to help with costuming. I will probably go to some home parties and do my best to torture my liver! But, Halloween wouldn’t be Halloween without visiting The 13th Gate, in Baton Rouge, and the House of Shock, in New Orleans. Gotta get my scare on!
What was the last thing that made you smile?
My personal life and my work has me grinning from ear to ear these days. It was a long bumpy road to where I am currently at. And, now that I’m here… I’m enjoying every minute!
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TRAINWRECK'D SOCIETY (2011-2021) 
Very cool. I have had the pleasure of working with Michelle on many of these projects. Great to see Louisiana actors getting recognition.