Hannah Douglas [Interview]

Hello Folks! Welcome to the 2020 edition of our Month of Horror. It’s almost humorous that we are showcasing the motion pictured displays of horror when it seems as though we simply have to look around us to see the natural horror that is enveloping our daily lives. But nevertheless, a quick escape from the surrealism of our daily lives is often appreciated. In this vein, we honor these wonderful folks who seek to only entertain us with a good scare and a break from the actual horror that is all around us. We have assembled a wonderful batch of actors, writers, directors & beyond, who have worked on so many different projects that you know and love. I am beyond excited to share them with you all throughout the month of October. Enjoy!

Today’s guest is the wonderful actress Hannah Douglas, who can be seen in the wonderful indie horror film Clownface, that is available now on DVD and VOD. Hannah’s other work include a role in Andrew Douglas’s 2013 thriller, U Want Me 2 Kill Him?, as well as a lead role in the upcoming film Lapwing, which sounds absolutely captivating. Douglas is also an acclaimed stage actress who is currently on tour with a production of Othello. Enjoy!

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What inspired you to get into the world of entertainment? Was it an early aspiration you can always remember having since your youth, or did you just find yourself in this world one day?

I actually don’t remember making the decision to become an actor, I’ve been doing it since I was a kid! Apparently I went along to my big sisters ballet class when I was 2 years old and started joining in. That was the moment my mum gave up all hope of me getting a “real job”! 

What was your first paid gig in the world of entertainment? And were there any kind of lessons learned from this project that still affect your work today?

I did a couple of jobs as a child… but my first paid gig as an adult was a very small part in the BBC version of Little Dorrit, as a Music Hall dancer. I was still in my second year at drama school and it was an amazing experience. It definitely prepared me for life on set!

I really loved one of your most recent projects entitled Clownface. I am curious to know what drew you to this very insane story?

I liked the fact that it was a very female led story. It’s still quite rare, especially in horror, to have more than one strong female character. I am also a big horror/thriller fan!

In your own personal opinion, what do you believe it is that makes the horror genre special? What sets it apart from other genres you have worked in?

Oh that’s hard! I think horror is really addictive… I feel like it’s a bit like eating spicy food – you build up your tolerance and you crave more and more. You need the next one to be scarier (hotter) than the last! I don’t know if that makes sense to anyone else except me, but there you go!  

What is your favorite scary movie?

Also a tough question… I’ll name a few! Midsommar was amazing. The Babadook really got me as it was about grief. I really like Insidious. In fact, I like that whole world of films. The Haunting of Hill House (I know it’s not a movie!) on Netflix was brilliant. Pans Labrynth (is that classed as a horror?) is one of my favourite films ever, its so dark and beautiful… oh and I feel I would be a bad sister if I didn’t mention The Amityville Horror, which my big brother Andrew directed!

I know this year may be a bit different, but I am curious to know if you have any sort of Halloween traditions? Anything you would normally do each year? 

Not specifically. I do like dressing up and carving pumpkins though… Oh and watching Hocus Pocus, cause it’s the best!

What does the future hold for you? Anything you would like to plug to our readers? 

I am currently playing Desdemona in an international theatre production of Othello (I’m so grateful to be part of theatre making a come back during this time!) and I’d also like to tell everyone to watch out for feature film Lapwing, which has just been finished and will be released next year. It is a beautiful yet brutal thriller set in Tudor England. I play the lead role of Patience and it also stars Emmett J Scanlan and Sebastian De Souza.

What was the last thing that scared the hell out of you?

I woke myself up by shouting out in my sleep the other night. That was both terrifying and embarrassing…!

What was the last thing that made you smile?

My fellow Othello cast mates make me smile every single day on this tour… but if I am being really honest, it was probably the really cute dog I saw about 10 minutes ago!