Vanessa Grasse [Interview]

Welcome to Day 24 of Trainwreck’d Society’s Annual Month of Horror Showcase! We have a fully loaded month of all things horror for you fine folks! October is our favorite month for this very reason, and we are so excited to share 31 full days of film showcases and interviews with some of the finest folks from the world of horror, just as we have been doing for the last 5 years. What started as a simple 5 day showcase, has now blossomed into a full blown month long event. You’re going to love this! Enjoy!

Today’s interview subject is an absolutely brilliant actress who has taken the world of horror by storm with some pretty incredible performances. From big budget films like Leatherface, to a more modestly budgeted but equally impressive It Came From the Desert, and right back to some brilliantly hilarious and thrilling SyFy originals. Vanessa Grasse is the type of performer who has truly herself to be a genius in the world of horror, but is obviously geared up to move on to the next level. Grasse is simply too obvious of a talent to be pigeonholed into one genre. But, as a hardcore horror fan, I hope she doesn’t leave us for good! Have fun expanding your career that you surely deserve….but don’t forget about us!

So Folks, please enjoy some words from the sensational actress we adore so much, the wonderful Vanessa Grasse!

What inspired you to get into the world of acting? Was it an early aspiration to do so, or did you just happen to find yourself in this world one day?

I’ve always enjoyed doing impressions of people and different accents to make my friends laugh; I was a bit of a class clown at school. I’ve also always loved the idea of being someone else and taking on another persona. But it wasn’t until I was 14 that I discovered acting. I auditioned for the annual school play with my friends and I got the main part! I was so surprised but I absolutely loved being on stage, and from then on continued doing school plays and eventually also got a drama scholarship. Deep down I wanted to act professionally but a huge part of me thought it would never be possible, given how popular and competitive it is. So I studied English and Theatre at university but after that moved back to London to get an agent and pursue acting. I knew if I didn’t at least try I would regret it for the rest of my life, and luckily, so far it’s been going okay!

We have a real love for SyFy Original films here at TWS, and have featured several folks who have been involved with them. And we are doing so again! You appeared in the brilliant and hilarious film Roboshark! So how was that experience for you? What sets working on a SyFy film apart from other projects you have worked on?

That was my first ever acting job! We shot the entire film in 2 weeks in Bulgaria, so everything was fast paced with no room for mistakes. It was great to be thrown into the deep end and the cast, particularly Alexis and Isaac, were so easy to get on with. The script was very over the top and silly so everyone on set had a relaxed attitude.  It was fun to be part of a spoofy/tongue in cheek movie, similar to another project I worked on called It Came from the Desert.

Vanessa Grasse in “Leatherface”

In 2017, you appeared in the amazing installment to the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise, known as Leatherface, which was co-produced by our dear friend Christa Campbell. So what was it like to dive into this absolutely legendary franchise?

It was very overwhelming! I watched the original TCM when I was younger and knew the franchise was adored by many. It’s one of the best horror films of all time so there was pressure to do the franchise justice.  The cast and crew were an absolute dream to work with, I couldn’t have asked for a better team to have on a job when I was still learning and starting out. The most challenging aspect was probably being covered head to toe in fake blood every day for about two weeks! It would dry but get very sticky so my legs and arms would get stuck together or I’d get stuck to a chair if I sat down! I learnt so much on this film and met some amazing people who I still speak to every week. It was an incredible experience and I’m so thankful to be part of such an epic franchise.

Vanessa Grasse in “Open 24 Hours”

While the world of horror is not the only one you work in, it is our Month of Horror Showcase after all, so I am inclined to ask you how you enjoy working in this genre? What sets it apart from other genres?

You say that, but most of the films I’ve done so far are horrors! I have two more horror films coming out over the next few months, one is called Astral and the other is Open 24 Hours.  For some reason I keep getting cast in horror films. When I was growing up my mum and I would watch all the classic horrors so maybe somehow it’s rubbed off on me! I really enjoy working in this genre. Even though the material might be dark or disturbing the atmosphere on set is always light and fun.  You also get to do awesome things like learning stunts, using weapons and prosthetics and being chased either on foot or by car. I feel like some films may have given the horror genre a bad reputation but recently I’ve seen some horror movies that have blown my mind!

What is your favorite scary movie?

The most recent horror film I saw was Hereditary. I went to watch it on my own in the cinema, which I thought would be a great idea, until I realized I was the ONLY one in the entire movie theatre! It was one of those screens with hundreds of seats so I was freaking out and considering leaving but then luckily a couple came in just before it started. Even though it was terrifying I absolutely loved this film and couldn’t believe it was Ari Aster’s directorial debut. I love how he shot it and thought the entire cast were phenomenal.  I also love Don’t Breathe, The Conjuring and Get Out.

What are you plans for the upcoming Halloween? Any kind of traditions you try to uphold each year?

Every Halloween is different for me but I’ll always do something to celebrate. One year I dressed up and did the parade down Santa Monica Blvd in LA which was fun! I’m not sure what I’m doing this year yet but I’m sure it’ll involve dressing up. I’m not the kind of person to do a Ouija board or anything, I wouldn’t be able to sleep!

Vanessa Grasse in “Open 24 Hours”

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

I’ve got two films that should be coming out in the next few months, as I mentioned earlier. One is called Astral, a British independent horror film about astral projection, spirits and demons with Frank Dillane (Fear of the Walking Dead) and Damson Idris (Snowfall). Paranormal horrors are my favourite because they’re usually really jumpy.  The other is called Open 24 Hours where I play Mary, a mentally unstable woman whose just been released from a psychiatric hospital, and her serial killer ex boyfriend is tracking her down for revenge. Even though I love horror films I’d love to branch out into comedies or period dramas.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

A dog compilation on YouTube.

Check out this trailer for Vanessa’s upcoming film, Open 24 Hours:

Shay Astar [Interview]

Welcome to Day 23 of Trainwreck’d Society’s Annual Month of Horror Showcase! We have a fully loaded month of all things horror for you fine folks! October is our favorite month for this very reason, and we are so excited to share 31 full days of film showcases and interviews with some of the finest folks from the world of horror, just as we have been doing for the last 5 years. What started as a simple 5 day showcase, has now blossomed into a full blown month long event. You’re going to love this! Enjoy!

Hello Folks! We have an absolutely wonderful interview to share with you all today. Today we have a terrific interview with a very talented child star turned teenage sensation turned adult human actor who has been entertaining the masses for almost as many years as she has been alive. It’s Shay Astar! Shay was a regular figure for me as a young boy growing up in the 90’s, and I will admit that she was indeed one of my first celebrity crushes from that era.

Shay appeared in one of the best Halloween films of all time, in my and many other’s opinions I am sure, which would Ernest Scared Stupid, when she was but a child. And let me tell you people, these Ernest movies hold up! I literally shared this wonderful film with my three daughters, and they absolutely LOVED it! It’s a pure-hearted silliness that is so hard NOT to love.

I watched this particular Ernest movie a whole lot as a kid, and it was such a great when she became a regular on a television show I loved alongside the brilliant Joseph Gordon-Levitt known as 3rd Rock From The Sun. So yeah, Shay was a pretty big deal to me then, and remains so now. She has continued to work extensively in the world of film and television, and we are so happy that she was able to share some words with us all here today as we near the end of our Month of Horror showcase that has been so great to share with you all.

So, please enjoy some wonderful words from the brilliant Shay Astar!

What inspired you to get into the world of film and television? You have been at it for a quite a while, so was it always something you aspired to do?

There are a lot of performers and writers in my family going back generations so it’s in the blood. I started dance lessons at 3 years old and I took practice and performance very seriously, even then. I would also put on variety shows for my family, performing skits and doing original songs at four years old. I think it was obvious to my parents that I was going to be a performer one way or another and I’m incredibly grateful that they helped me find a disciplined, structured approach. I just love it, I always have, it’s a huge part of my life.

In 1991, you appeared in what would be one of my favorite Halloween movies, but just one of my favorites in general. And that would Ernest Scared Stupid, the most superior of the Ernest films in my opinion. It’s just so damn silly and entertaining (I still sometimes call milk “miak”…it’s almost been 30 years!). So what was it like as a young person to work on such a brilliantly silly film?

You know, I took the work very seriously. I always wanted to do the best I could and to make the people I worked with proud. Jim Varney was such an interesting, intelligent man and he was also deeply kind to me. I took my cues from the adults on set about how to behave and Jim would joke around with us in between takes but was focused and devoted to his craft in every moment. And we also had the legend Eartha Kitt on set and she was also extremely focused and serious about her work. So, even though it is absolutely a hilariously silly film, I was there to work and to learn and I was very lucky to with with such skilled actors and comedians.

While the world of horror is not the only one you work in, you have given some great performances in the genre.  And it is our Month of Horror Showcase after all, so I am inclined to ask you how you enjoy working in the world of horror or thrillers? What sets it apart from other genres?

The most interesting thing I’ve noticed about working in the world of horror is that the people involved have proven to be the most well-adjusted, kind-hearted, good-natured people I know. It’s amazing! I wonder if it’s just that horror is fantasy, so there’s a wonderful element of childlike play and imagination involved. I don’t know what exactly it is but all the people I’ve worked with have been sunny, happy people. Isn’t that funny?

What is your favorite scary movie? 

I hate to admit this but I actually do not like scary movies! The last horror move I watched was The Ring in 2002 and it took me like 3 years to get over it. Some of the more recent “horror” movies I’ve worked on are most psychological horror that involve the monster within, and those I can watch. But anything involving ghosts or monsters or demons or anything, NO THANK YOU! Way too scary for me- my imagination runs wild and I turn into a kid again, thinking there are monsters in the closet.

What are you plans for the upcoming Halloween? Any kind of traditions you try to uphold each year?

I really enjoy going to Olvera street in downtown LA for the Dia de Los Muertos. I love the idea that it’s the one day of the year when the lines between living and dead can be crossed. Like the wonderful movie Coco. I also love seeing all the little kids in their costumes. I’ve gone to the Hollywood parade a lot and that’s also so so fun. One year, many years ago, I went to the re-release of The Exorcist on Halloween and after that I had to sit Halloween out for like 5 years. This year, I have a new baby so I’m probably going to dress him up in something ridiculous and take a bunch of pictures.

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

Thanks for asking! I have a short film I wrote and directed that will hopefully be starting to make the rounds by the end of the year. As long as you guys will keep googling me or follow me in instagram, I’ll keep updating with my new work!

What was the last thing that made you smile?

My 5 months old son finds the word “Potato” to be the world’s most hilarious thing and his joyful laughter makes me smile every time :).

Joleigh Fiore [Interview]

Welcome to Day 22 of Trainwreck’d Society’s Annual Month of Horror Showcase! We have a fully loaded month of all things horror for you fine folks! October is our favorite month for this very reason, and we are so excited to share 31 full days of film showcases and interviews with some of the finest folks from the world of horror, just as we have been doing for the last 5 years. What started as a simple 5 day showcase, has now blossomed into a full blown month long event. You’re going to love this! Enjoy!

It is another fine Monday here at Trainwreck’d Society, and we are kicking off this week like we do most weeks, with a wonderful interview from a brilliant person from the world of horror and beyond. Today we have some great words from the talented actress Joleigh Fiore! She has portrayed the character Jenna in the film Hatchet, as well as the film’s sequel Hatchet II. And that is why we thought her to be perfect for our Week of Horror. Of course, she is also an accomplished actress outside of the world of Horror, working on projects like Tennis, Anyone? with our dear friend & comedian Kirk Fox, as well as numerous other films like Rampage: The Hillside Strangler Murders and Trespassers. Not to mention TV appearances in shows like Nip/Tuck, CSI: Miami, The Mentalist, and more!

She is a wonderful human being, and we are so excited to have her on the site today. So please enjoy some wonderful words from the brilliant Joleigh Fiore!

What inspired you to get into the world of film and television? One would assume you had a close influence in the world, but that isn’t really fair. What was it about this world that, to you personally, really drew you in?

I’ve always been a very outgoing, dramatic & exuberant person, even as a child. Whether it be a school play ,family gatherings or just a random grocery store trip, I was always “putting on a show” as family would say. As far as close influencers go, my Grandmother was my biggest supporter and co-signer of me pursuing acting professionally.

Additionally, Jim Carrey, is a close second to being the most influential  in my decision to purse acting professionally. He was, is and will always be the reason that I decided to make my dream a reality. I saw him on In Living Color for the first episode and was like “THAT’S what I want to do, I want to entertain like him”.

I really enjoyed both of the fantastic Hatchet films you worked on. It’s one of the best modern horror series around right now. So I am curious to know how it was to work on such a damn fine couple of films spawned from the mind of Adam Green?

Well thank you for that generous compliment! It truly is so amazing working with Adam F’ing Green (as we like to call him;). His visions are so ahead of his time in my opinion. I would describe him as a creative genius who is simultaneously the most down to earth, funny and twisted (in a good way), director/writer/performer and now friend, I’ve ever worked with. He’s just great, he’s “Adam F’ing Green!”

Beyond the world of horror, you worked on a wonderful film that was co-written by and featured a dear friend and past TWS guest, comedian Kirk Fox, entitled Tennis, Anyone? I am curious to know what the set life was like on a project like this? Was it as fun to work on as it was for viewers to watch?

OMG what a great time I had on that set! Kirk and Donal are both each so funny naturally

On their own, so when you put those two together on a set the improv and laughs just kept coming! They had the whole crew in stitches on and off camera. Kirk is someone who makes me laugh the min I hear his voice or see his face, he just has that “thing”!.

While the world of horror is far from being your mainstay in the world of film and television, you have had some great success in the genre. And this being our Month of Horror showcase and all, I am curious to know what it is you enjoy about working in the more frightening world of suspense and horror? What sets it apart from other projects you have work on?

Horror and Comedy have always been my 2 favorite genres of film to watch as well as act in.

Horror is just so amazing because of the Fans! As a fan of horror  myself, I know first hand all of those scary, suspenseful feelings that are deep within us and then invoked when watching a horror film. So knowing that I loved horror movies so much and how much of a role they played in my childhood memories, and then getting to be part of them is what makes my job so great. The Horror genre has the best Fans, just saying!

What is your favorite scary movie?

Halloween, HANDS DOWN! Oh man that Michael Myers! I tell ya, he’s still haunting me in my dreams! I seriously til this day will have this reoccurring dream that I get a call and the person tells me that Michael Myers is coming for me and to be on the look out and so I sit and wait all night for him and I see him start coming towards me from across the street like he does when he’s Heading to the Doyle’s house for Laurie Strode. There is something that gets me real good when I watch Halloween!

What are your plans for the upcoming Halloween? Any kind of traditions you try to uphold each year?

Well, I absolutely love Universal Studios Hollywood Horror Nights.

The mazes are so good and the actors are so scary and do not break character at all! I have such a fun time, so I do that every year. This year one of the maze themes is a tribute to none other than my favorite movie Halloween! I cannot wait to see what they’ve come up with this year! surely, it won’t disappoint! Speaking of, I’m super excited to see the highly anticipated release of the new Halloween! I hear it’s the best one! That’s some tough shoes to fill so let’s see!

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

Lots of good stuff happening, I’m traveling to Vancouver for a film which shoots in early November then off to NY for some more filming and catching up with fam, to which I will be keeping fans updated via my Insta @jofiore23, on all the things 🙂

What was the last thing that made you smile?

This interview of course!!! Oh and playing with my Sharpei-Bully mix, Haddie! She’s the best!

Hank Braxtan [Interview]

Welcome to Day 19 of Trainwreck’d Society’s Annual Month of Horror Showcase! We have a fully loaded month of all things horror for you fine folks! October is our favorite month for this very reason, and we are so excited to share 31 full days of film showcases and interviews with some of the finest folks from the world of horror, just as we have been doing for the last 5 years. What started as a simple 5 day showcase, has now blossomed into a full blown month long event. You’re going to love this! Enjoy!

What inspired you to get into the world of film and television? Specifically in the field of visual makeup effects? Was it an early aspiration to do so, or did you just happen to find yourself in this world one day?

Well as a kid that worshiped Halloween, I always loved November 1st almost as much as Halloween…because all the make up and costumes were like 75% off!  I used to stock up.  As a young do-it-all-myself filmmaker, I learned some special make up effects by necessity.  I also used to love behind the scenes documentaries, so I would often try to emulate what I saw in those. 

I am very intrigued by one of your latest projects entitled Snake Outta Compton. It’s such a unique sounding project that I feel compelled to ask one of the most basic questions: What made you want to put a project like this out into the world?

The title, really.  I had a couple of bad bounces as far as projects go, and needed something that I could just have fun with and be creative.  Snake was a good opportunity for that, and the timing was perfect.  Of course, it ended up being so much work (and so little pay), that I ended up spending almost 2 years on it.  Very stressful project…but I really like the film, and the cast and crew are great people.

You are an extremely multi-faceted person in your line of work. There doesn’t seem to be many gigs that you haven’t done, from writing or directing, to editing and special effects. With that in mind, I am curious to know what your favorite part of creating a film? If you were only able to work in one field for the rest of your career, what would it be? Why?

That’s tough…I can’t imagine myself not doing almost everything on set…especially in micro cinema where you don’t have budget for all the proper positions.  I suppose in this hypothetical, I’d have to be on big budget stuff, in which case I’d have to say directing would be my main goal.  Then again, I really enjoy producing for other directors.

While the world of horror is not the only one you work in, you have done some pretty amazing work in the genre.  And it is our Month of Horror Showcase after all, so I am inclined to ask you how you enjoy working in this genre? What sets it apart from other genres?

It’s probably my favorite (other than Sci Fi and Comedy…but I like to mix those into the Horror) mainly because I grew up with it.  The effects, the monsters, the mood…it’s all so fantastic.  Plus, horror fans are so forgiving…they want to like your movie, and so lower budgets can deliver a satisfying experience.  I think a lot of horror fans have suffered through a lot of tragedies in their lives, or themselves were outcasts as youth…horror is a great escape.

What is your favorite scary movie? 

It’s hard because not many of them scare me.  As a kid, I was pretty terrified of A Nightmare on Elm Street 2, and also the super low budget “Monster Dog”…probably because I was 5 or 6 years old when I was watching them.  As an adult, I don’t think anything has given me nightmares like The Ring (or moving, ha ha ha!).

What are you plans for the upcoming Halloween? Any kind of traditions you try to uphold each year?

There are some parties I like to go to in LA, and of course, I like to cram the whole month with horror viewings…something about October just feels right.

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

Watch Snake Outta Compton with an open mind…then we’ll see what comes up next.

What was the last thing that made you smile?

I think it was a cat video.

Caleb Emerson [Interview]

Welcome to Day 18 of Trainwreck’d Society’s Annual Month of Horror Showcase! We have a fully loaded month of all things horror for you fine folks! October is our favorite month for this very reason, and we are so excited to share 31 full days of film showcases and interviews with some of the finest folks from the world of horror, just as we have been doing for the last 5 years. What started as a simple 5 day showcase, has now blossomed into a full blown month long event. You’re going to love this! Enjoy!

We are trucking along here folks, and it has been a wonderful winding road thus far. Today we are chatting it up with a wonderful filmmaker who made waves in the indie horror world in 2005 with the brilliant film that he wrote and directed entitled Die You Zombie Bastards! It’s Caleb Emerson Everyone! Caleb has worked not only behind the screen, but has done some amazing in work in front of the camera as well, including a great role in 2012’s I Spill Your Guts which also happens to feature our new friend Genoveva Rossi! Not to mention his work in the wonderful world of Troma that he did alongside our other new friends Asta Paredes and Catherine Corcoran on the wonderful film Return to Nuke ‘Em High.

We talk a bit about these projects, and so much more in this wonderful interview with the great Caleb Emerson. You’re going to love it! Please enjoy some wonderful words from this amazing artist!

What inspired you to get into the world of film and television? Was it an early aspiration to do so, or did you just happen to find yourself in this world one day?

It was pretty early. I grew up during the VHS boom of the mid eighties and I spent a lot of time at our local video store, so I got excited about movies at a pretty early age. Genre movies and comedies were always my favorites. When I got a little older and started reading Fangoria and Gorezone I read interviews with horror film makers and realized it might actually be a possibility to make one myself. Bad Taste in particular was the one that really got me to thinking I could do it. Peter Jackson pretty much hand-made that whole movie over a long period of time with his friends and local talent and Haig and I set out to do the same with Die You Zombie Bastards! I taught myself how to do make up FX, we both made most of the props and sets. We were lucky to be around so many talented people who could lend their skills to that movie. 

You have worked in the wonderful world of Troma Films, one that we have covered excessively here at TWS, and always love to hear more! So how was it working under the guise of someone like Lloyd Kaufman and the wonderful bit of weirdness that Troma has brought to the world?

Lloyd is amazing and he’s the real deal. Just watch any of the “making-of” features that accompany his movies. It’s really, really hard work to be involved with one of his productions, and isn’t always pleasant, but it’s really rewarding and you can learn more than on any other set. It is 100% what you make of it. Some people show up thinking it’s going to be a party, and those people usually wind up going home. Lloyd is like a slave driver, and a cult leader and he can be frustrating to work for…but when it’s all over you realize he’s a genius and he’s one of the most generous people I’ve ever know with favors and with his time.

Probably one of your best known works would be the brilliant cult classic of a film, Die You Zombie Bastards! How did you come up with the concept of this film? And is there anything about this film specifically that makes it special to you?

Thanks. It was written kind of stream of consciousness-like by myself and Haig Demarjian, and a good deal of the material came from or was at least inspired by the lead actor, Tim Gerstmar. I made a series of short film in college starring Tim where he played the character Red and Die You Zombie Bastards! sprang from those. They were mostly just jokes between me and Haig and Me and Tim brought to life. It took a little over 2 years to shoot (not straight…a few days every couple of months)  and another year and a half to edit. It’s a really personal film to me and  it was a pretty major part of my life. That may sound silly saying that about that kind of movie, but it’s true.

Outside of the world of horror, you have had a long running gig as an editor on the very popular Comedy Central series, Tosh.0. How has it been working on a show like this? Is it as hilarious to work on as it is to watch?

Tosh.0 has been a fantastic job. I’ve been on the show for 8 years and it’s provided me the stability to pursue other projects while having a normal life as well.  Is it hilarious to work on? I guess, compared to most other shows…I get to be on it all of the time and I have done some pretty ridiculous stuff on TV.

While the world of horror is not the only one you work in, it is our Month of Horror Showcase after all, so I am inclined to ask you how you enjoy working in this genre? What sets it apart from other genres?

One way in which it’s different is that there is such a huge, crazy fan base that in some ways it’s easier to find an audience and interact with them. I’m not saying that it’s necessarily easier to make a living doing that, but if my first film had been a romantic comedy, or a western…there aren’t conventions all around the country to go to to promote your film, and fans aren’t clamoring for t-shirts and toys related to your movie. It’s a very interactive scene and I’ve met a lot of great people.

What is your favorite scary movie?

Movies rarely scare me, but my favorite movies that are considered straight horror movies are The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Exorcist. The stuff I make is nothing like them, but I would say that those two films are essentially perfect. Each is like nothing that came before it and each has been endlessly copied (unsuccessfully) and even though it may not be obvious on the surface, each was a big influence on me.

What are you plans for the upcoming Halloween? Any kind of traditions you try to uphold each year?

My wife and I usually make the rounds to Universal Halloween Horror Nights, Knotts Scary Farm, and those kinds of things. Los Angeles is an amazing place for Halloween. There are so many haunted attractions, and clubs that do Halloween events. This place is crazy and filled with crazy, wonderful people. We also have a son now who is just getting to the age where we can take him to do Halloween stuff so we’re figuring out what to do with him this year. Probably a few parties and trick or treating around our neighborhood in Glendale.

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

I have a somewhat secret TV series in development that I can’t talk about, but my partner Dan and I are pitching it to networks as we speak. If it happens, it’ll be the most amazing show ever…exactly the kind of show I would want to watch. We also have an adult animated series that we’ve been shopping around. I  probably won’t make another movie in the way we made DYZB and the way I made my second movie “Frankie in Blunderland”…the raise all of the money, do everything yourself and then try to sell it method. It drove me crazy and I don’t know if I have it in me to do again, so I’m trying my hand at doing things a little more traditionally. Keep an eye out…I have many things brewing!

What was the last thing that made you smile?

Probably something my son said. That kid cracks me up every day and I can’t wait to see what kind of brilliant weirdo he turns into.

Check out this trailer for 2005’s Die You Zombie Bastards! and check it out on whatever platform it is available:

Catherine Corcoran [Interview]

Welcome to Day 17 of Trainwreck’d Society’s Annual Month of Horror Showcase! We have a fully loaded month of all things horror for you fine folks! October is our favorite month for this very reason, and we are so excited to share 31 full days of film showcases and interviews with some of the finest folks from the world of horror, just as we have been doing for the last 5 years. What started as a simple 5 day showcase, has now blossomed into a full blown month long event. You’re going to love this! Enjoy!

17 straight days in Folks, and it is only getting better and better! Today we have some amazing words from a brilliant performer who has dominated not only the world of horror, but specifically our beloved Troma series as well! It’s Catherine Corcoran, Everyone! She is an amazing and talented actress that has been killing it in the world of horror (pun intendend). She also worked on  a film that we have been talking about a lot here at Trainwreck’d Society entitled 100 Acres to Hell, produced by our friend Ernie O’Donnell and featuring our new friend Genoveva Rossi, that we are so excited to see…..soon?

Catherine was nice enough to give us some words for this year’s Month of Horror showcase in which she discloses what exactly it is she loves about the world of performance, working in the world of Troma, and so much more! She is an absolutely delightful person and we are so excited to have her grace our digital pages here today! So Folks, please enjoy some great words from the brilliant Catherine Corcoran!

What inspired you to get into the world of film and television?  Was it an early aspiration to do so, or did you just happen to find yourself in this world one day?

I have always had a passion for storytelling. Growing up, you could find me organizing performances of nursery rhymes or various dance routines on the recess yard. 

As I got older, that transitioned into more organized theatre and professional productions but I also developed a passion for a variety of social-political issues and corresponding activism. This was often very frustrating for me, because I so often was met with a general indifference to these issues by my peers. 

It wasn’t until I saw Darren Aronofsky’s Requiem for a Dream, that I connected the two things. I felt such a visceral, physical sickness watching that film and it helped me to understand the importance of storytelling, particularly in that medium. Often, cinematic experiences are the only way that we can understand the experience of another human or situation. It moves us, but also frees us, because at the end of the experience, we are purged of whatever suffering we may have witnessed, with a new understanding and, subsequently, the ability to create change. 

I think genre cinema in particular has always had this impact on its audiences, so I was definitely drawn to it in that regard. I was a huge Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan, growing up, and I think John Vulich’s work creating the practical monsters in that show to still be some of the most haunting that I’ve seen. 

Though, it wasn’t until working in the medium that I really developed a understanding of the FX processes and an appreciation for the work that goes into creating characters like that. I was super fortunate to be exposed to that work, early on in my career, and even more fortunate that the artists on those projects (Doug Sakmann, Lisa Forst, Kaliegh and Jason Koch) allowed me to see some of their process and educate me on it. They truly are masters.

You recently worked with our old friend Ernie O’Donnell that we are very excited to hopefully see soon entitled 100 Acres of Hell. It is a very intriguing story, so I am curious to know what your experience was like working on this unique project? 

Ernie is wonderful. I met one of his production partners, Ed McKeever, while promoting another film in the horror circuit and they (with Jason Koerner) really went out of their way to bring me on 100 Acres. Creating an entirely new horror villain and mythos is not an easy endeavor and the whole team did a great job. Ernie and his team are legends in their own right, and it was an honor just to be able to work with them. 

You are rightfully renowned for your role as Lauren in Troma’s brilliant Return to Nuke ‘Em High and its follow up film. There was a four year gap between the two films being released. With that, I am curious to know what it was like to dive back into that world after some time had passed? Was it a “like old times” scenario when you met up with everyone again? 

Thank you so much for the kind words. I honestly met some of my best friends on that production, and am lucky that many of us still stay in touch. Being that we’re friends, I had actually seen much of that team in-between releases, so it wasn’t all that different. Still anytime there is a screening or event for either film, it’s an awesome excuse to get everyone together and a blast to hang with everyone again. 

While the world of horror is not the only one you work in, you have done some pretty amazing work in the genre. And it is our Month of Horror Showcase after all, so I am inclined to ask you how you enjoy working in this genre? What sets it apart from other genres? 

Thank you so much. I think this harkens back to what I was talking about earlier, regarding the ability that cinema has to create an experience that you may not otherwise have or understand. 

Of course, the horror genre takes this to an extreme, but fear itself is an innately primal feeling- necessary for survival. I think we can connect to one-another in sharing those moments of “safe-terror” in a theater, because we all understand that emotion. 

I also think that the best horror films serve as allegories for larger societal tropes or archetypes, and I really enjoy being a part of work that challenges it’s audience and makes them reevaluate things.

What is your favorite scary movie? 

That’s a touchy one! I have a few that rank pretty high up there. The first true-horror film that I ever saw was, Hitchcock’s The Birds, so that one has a real special place in my heart. It was a slumber party in a neighbor’s basement, so the environment was perfect for a horror introduction, and I couldn’t have chosen a better master director to dive in with. 

After that, I really love late eighties- early nineties horror (especially ones with great soundtracks). Joel Schumacher’s The Lost Boys and Andrew Flemming’s The Craft are still two of my favorite films of all time. People argue that The Craft isn’t horror, but I don’t feel that way. I mean, come on, with the demonic possession and snake-man chasing young girls down the street?! Get out of here with that nonsense. 

Then more recently, The Babadook was the first modern horror film in a while to give me nightmares (shadow monsters are never good to watch before bed- thanks Jennifer Kent!), and Robert Eggers knocked it out of the park with The Witch– the dialect work alone in that film is outstanding. 

What are you plans for the upcoming Halloween? Any kind of traditions you try to uphold each year? 

I honestly haven’t gotten that far yet, but I do try to outdo myself each year with pumpkin carvings. A few years ago I did a Fairuza Balk [from] The Craft pumpkin which I thought was pretty cool. My boyfriend and I have a lot of fun making our own cinema-inspired couples costumes from scratch, so we’ll probably try to do that again, this year. We did Mad Max and Furiosa a few years back (I built the mechanical arm out of a football pad, motocross glove, belts and miscellaneous wires), and then we did Leeloo and Corbin Dallas two years ago (we won a prize for that one, haha) and last year we did Mick and Mallory from Natural Born Killers– so who knows what’s in store for this year! 

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

I’m really excited for the release of the upcoming feature Long Lost, by Erik Bloomquist, which starts doing the festival circuit in October. It’s not a horror film but definitely has a ton of thriller elements and some really great horror film alumni cast, and I’m really proud of the work that we did on it- so definitely keep an eye out for that. 

Then in a very different note, you can see me in the TV feature, The Last Vermont Christmas by David Jackson, this Holiday Season. That whole team is just the sweetest, as is the film. 

And I just signed on to be involved in the development of another feature with Ernie O’Donnell, Ed McKeever, Jason Koerner and team so keep a look out for updates about that as well. 

What was the last thing that made you smile? 

At this very moment, my puppy, Luna, is rolling on her back because she wants my attention over this article, and I cannot help but be filled with smiles.

Sarah French [Interview]

Welcome to Day 16 of Trainwreck’d Society’s Annual Month of Horror Showcase! We have a fully loaded month of all things horror for you fine folks! October is our favorite month for this very reason, and we are so excited to share 31 full days of film showcases and interviews with some of the finest folks from the world of horror, just as we have been doing for the last 5 years. What started as a simple 5 day showcase, has now blossomed into a full blown month long event. You’re going to love this! Enjoy!

Folks, I know I say this about every interview we do here at Trainwreck’d Society, because I am….but I am REALLY excited about today’s words! Sarah French is another absolute legend in the world of both mainstream and b-horror. I have been following her career closely over the last few years or so, ever since I caught a glimpse of her genius in the work of our dear friend and former TWS Person of the Year, filmmaker Steve Sessions. She has a brilliant eye for sensationalism and really brings out the best of any character she is taking on. She is the ideal Scream Queen for the modern era, and we are so excited she is gracing our digital pages today.

We were so pleased with her responses as well, as we got to learn that French is even moving beyond the world of horror, which I always believed she should do and so happy to see her talents being stretched across all genres. Her success in this genre is inevitable and will definitely continue forward, but I am under the opinion that the more French the better! I’d love to see her in EVERYTHING! So, again, we are so excited to have her as a part of this year’s Month of Horror. Please enjoy some great words from the amazing Sarah French!

What inspired you to get into the world of film and television? Was it an early aspiration to do so, or did you just happen to find yourself in this world one day?

I’ve always been a ham in front of the camera as far as I can remember. In high school my friends and I would make our own horror short films on a VHS camcorder… does that show my age?? Eventually we upgraded to an 8mm. I think I still have those tapes around here somewhere. I would write the scripts and do most of the directing. I knew nothing about filmmaking so I’m sure the scripts weren’t in proper format haha! I just always loved to create and entertain people, whether it was on camera or in person. I also did my fair share of backyard wrestling and promos on camera with my friends. For those of you who know wrestling, I would be the “Stephanie McMahon” of our backyard wrestling. When I was going to college for Criminal Justice I took a few theater and acting classes as well. One day I was at a metal concert and a photographer came up to me and gave me his card because he loved my look and wanted to shoot. Naturally I thought it was crazy, but a few months went by and I decided to shoot with him. From there on I grew confidence and wanted to give the movies a shot. Being a big horror fan my whole life, I was on a horror forum and saw an independent film was casting. I auditioned for a movie called, Pajama Party Massacre, got the part, and the rest is history. Eventually I quit college to pursue acting. How do you go from Criminal Justice to acting? Beats the hell out of me.      

 What was your very first paid gig you remember getting in the world of entertainment? And did this experience have any lasting

If I remember correctly, my very first paid gig was a Car Soup commercial that was horror related, because they were releasing it around Halloween. They picked me to do the commercial because at that time I had a few horror projects under my belt and someone in the industry recommended me. It’s the typical slasher style set up… a killer is running after me through a house then the woods. Eventually I come up to my car, of course drop the keys with the killer right behind me, but I get in the car and it starts up right away because it was a car from Car Soup. I drive away spitting up dust in the killers face. I had a blast shooting that. When we were done I got paid and went on my merry way. I remember at the time thinking about how cool it was to get paid to have fun… basically getting paid to play! From then on I wanted more and more.  

 You have appeared in two wonderful films that were written and directed by our favorite B Horror filmmaker, the great Steve Sessions. These would be Shriek of the Sasquatch and Zombie Pirates. We’ve spoken with several folks who have worked with Steve, and we always like to ask what it was like to work on a Sessions project? Was there anything about working on his very low budget films that was special or set itself apart from other projects you have been a part of?

I love Steve and had such an amazing time working with him on those films. Those films hold a special place in my heart. Steve is very passionate at what he does and is such a hard worker, he’s basically a one man army. When he wants something done, he gets it done no matter the budget, he makes it work. His attention to detail is impeccable. As you know these films were very low budget, with that being said, he didn’t skimp on anything. He makes sure to have great set dressing, lighting, wardrobe, props, and SFX. As we all know period pieces are very hard to do especially in the low budget world. Shriek took place in the 70’s, so everything had to be 70’s related. As you saw in the film, it is! Steve collected items over the year that were either from the 70’s or looked like they were. He even got an old newspaper and soda cans that were authentic 70’s items. Working on very low budget is different in many ways. For one, you have more creative control. You don’t have a bunch of producers and execs down your throat every time you want to do something. If you want something done, you just do it. You don’t need to ask anyone. Also it seems to be more intimate when you’re on a low budget set. Not as much hustle and bustle, not on Steve’s sets anyways. Like I said, he likes to take his time, talk to the actors, and make it as stress free as possible. Steve is very chill and still manages to get the job done!

 I am very intrigued by a project you worked on that is currently in post-production, and happens to be written and directed by another old friend of ours, one Rolfe Kanefsky. So, is there anything you are allowed to tell us about this project? What sort of character can we expect to see you brilliantly portraying on this film?

Oh yes, you are referring to, Art of the Dead! Let me just say, I loved working with Rolfe. I’ve known him for a few years now, and we finally got the chance to work together. He’s such a great director and knows what he wants. He takes his time with each shot and makes sure it’s done how he envisions it in the script. I also got to work with one of my favorite DP’s on this set, Michael Su, whom I just worked with on another feature earlier this year called, Automation, which Rolfe wrote the script for as well. Everyone on this set was amazing! It was also my first time working with the Mahal brothers who are powerhouses in the Vegas film scene. Art of the Dead is about a family who buys possessed artwork from a high end dealer and they have no idea what horrors they are in for. I had the honor of playing Heidi, who is a “high end” prostitute on the streets of Vegas. She gets targeted by one of the leads in the film, Zachary Chyz, who plays Louis, who is possessed by the artwork at this point. Heidi has no idea what she’s in for and has to fight for her life to stay alive. I had such a blast with this role. Let me just say this, this role had one of my most intense stunts I’ve ever done… you guys are in for a treat!

One of the nights we shot right on Freemont Street in Vegas on a Saturday night and it was insane! By the end of the shoot we had a huge crowd watching us and asking for autographs and pictures. Such a great experience! I’m a big fan of creating a backstory for the character I’m playing.  I wrote a two page bio for Heidi in order to fully be able to step into her shoes.  

When it comes to the world of horror, you are hands down one of the most legendary figures in the genre. And this being our Month of Horror showcase and all, I am curious to know what it is you enjoy about working in the more frightening world of suspense and horror? What is it about this genre that has you so drawn to it, and yearning to continue having great success within it?

Oh wow… thank you! I’ve always been a fan of horror, as far as I can remember. When I was a kid, my mom didn’t want my sister and I to watch horror flicks, so naturally we wanted to even more! One day my grandma took us to a video store and we somehow convinced her to rent us Childs Play. From that day on I was hooked! As a teenager my friends and I would make our own short films, and they were all mostly horror related. I’ve always been drawn to the darker side of things. When I hit my 20’s I started out modeling then eventually started working in film. My very first flick was a short film called, Pajama Party Massacre. I had so much fun with that I was hooked, I loved every minute of it! I’ve always wanted to be that girl running in the woods, half naked, covered in blood… and it’s happened, more than once, haha! I love to be scared and do the scaring!  It’s just so much fun to step outside the box, experience other worlds, and basically get paid to play. As much as I love horror, I don’t just do horror flicks. This year alone I star in a romantic comedy called, Bryan, the RomCom with Vernon Wells, Felissa Rose, and Vincent Ward. I also star in a mobster film called, Booze, Broads, and Blackjack with Vincent Pastore, James Duval, and Felissa Rose.  I love all genres, though horror has my heart.

  What is your favorite scary movie? 

That’s always a tough one for me because I have so many I love. Scary wise, one of my favorites is the classic, Texas Chainsaw Massacre.  A few months back I went to a triple feature, 35mm screening at the Egyptian theater of Texas Chainsaw 1-3, with Caroline Williams introducing them. It was so great to see them on the big screen, such an amazing experience. The original TCM has such a gritty, uncomfortable, and realistic feel to the film. Tobe Hooper really knew how to get under your skin. When I watch TCM I feel like I’m in that house with Sally and Leatherface is after me. Because it feels so real, it scares me to this day and the film is 40+ years old! They just don’t make films like that anymore.   

What are you plans for the upcoming Halloween? Any kind of traditions you try to uphold each year?

I love Halloween! The whole month of October is special for me. I’m usually pretty busy working on projects or at conventions. But the last few years my boyfriend, Joe Knetter, and I would go to all of the Halloween filming locations… the Strode house, Myers house, Brackett house, the hedge where you see Michael standing next to while he’s stalking Laurie, the opening of the film when Halloween pops up, and we always have a drink at The Buccaneer, the bar from Halloween 3.  I love that movie and I’m glad it’s finally getting the respect it deserves. We make a day out of visiting these cool filming locations, it’s so much fun! This year I have a few things lined up but one thing I’d really like to try to make is Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood! I’ve never done that yet and I live ten minutes from the park. This year they have attractions from Stranger Things, Trick r Treat, Poltergeist, Halloween 4, and more! I mean, you can’t go wrong!

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

Always! The trailer just came out from one of my newest features, directed by Marcel Walz, called Rootwood, and is projected to be released before the end of the year! Horror Society quotes, “Combines the aesthetics of ghost films and the intensity of monster movies to create a unique horror experience with surprising twists and turns.” So be sure to check it out!! Also my mobster film that I mentioned earlier, Booze, Broads, and Blackjack, is set to be released before the end of the year as well, so be sure to keep an eye out for that! I was just in an art gallery show as a cover model for VHS covers from the 80s and 90s for Revenge of Slashback Video at the Mystic Museum in Burbank, CA. I had so much fun with this art piece. My photographer Ama Lea and I paid homage to Ken Hall’s Horror Workout, so we went full 80s! Spandex, big hair, leg warmers, you name it! It’ll be on display at The Mystic Museum till the end of September!

I’m really excited about Bryan the Rom Com.  It’s my first romantic comedy and I had an absolute blast working on that one.  I’m a huge metal fan so I’d like to plug the band Witherfall.  They are absolutely amazing.  I worked on the video for their song “Portrait”.  It’s totally badass.  They are all very cool guys.  I just shot a fun little part in Eben Mcgarr and Chris Ott’s slasher film Hanukah. Tons of cool people in that one.  Garo Setian’s film Automation is also very cool.  I think it’s amazing to be working on movies that I would be watching whether I was in them or not.  I’m just a huge horror nerd and love it.  I have a few more projects in the pipeline I have to keep under wraps, but let me tell you, this has been an amazing year and can’t wait to see what else comes my way! To keep up with me be sure to check out my FB fan page and my website at www.sarahfrenchonline.com  Or find me on Instagram.  It’s my preferred social media page.  That’s where I post the most and interact.

 What was the last thing that made you smile?

My amazing boyfriend, Joe Knetter. 🙂

Check out this trailer for Sarah’s latest film Rootwood, mentioned above, as well as a beautiful gallery of photos provided by Sarah French herself:

Genoveva Rossi [Interview]

Welcome to Day 15 of Trainwreck’d Society’s Annual Month of Horror Showcase! We have a fully loaded month of all things horror for you fine folks! October is our favorite month for this very reason, and we are so excited to share 31 full days of film showcases and interviews with some of the finest folks from the world of horror, just as we have been doing for the last 5 years. What started as a simple 5 day showcase, has now blossomed into a full blown month long event. You’re going to love this! Enjoy!

Hello Folks! We are back in it for another week of some amazing interviews with some wonderful folks from the world of horror. Today we have some fine words from one of the most incredible Scream Queens in the b-horror world. it’s Genoveva Rossi! She is hand’s down one of the hardest working performers in the business, with close to 100 credits in just 6 or so years alone. A couple of them have been in our beloved Troma world, as well as some work with old friends like Christian Grillo and Ernie O’Donnell. She has also managed to get behind the camera as a writer and director, and has a very intriguing project coming in 2019 entitled Attack of the Killer Chickens the Movie. We are so excited that she was able to take some time out of her own busy Month of Horror to chat with us for a bit. So please enjoy this wonderful interview with the great Genoveva Rossi!

What inspired you to get into the world of film and television? Was it an early aspiration to do so, or did you just happen to find yourself in this world one day?

Since I was a kid I was attracted to performance and acting, but especially in horror. I acted in plays in grammar school, short films in college then one day I found myself in Jack ‘O’ Slasher then I Spill Your Guts then more and more films. Soon my acting took on a life of its own.  

In 2014 you appeared in our friend and past guest Christian Grillo’s brilliant sci-fi/horror flick Apocalypse Kiss that I enjoyed so damn much. With that, I have a couple of a somewhat relatable question. Hypothetically speaking, should the real world apocalypse come to a head: Where would you want to be when it happens? What is one physical item that you may not be entirely useful in this situation, but you just couldn’t imagine being without?

That was a great, artistically rendered film. I am thankful to be a part of it and I always love watching Apocalypse Kiss. I really enjoyed my role as this pregnant hippie Clara. In the end, I want to be on a tropical beach making love. Go out with a bang as they say. I would want to have my chicken foot and a rosary. Our faith may stay with us even in our final moments.

And you will be appearing a film that was co-produced by another old friend, Ernie O’Donnell, entitled 100 Acres of Hell. According to IMDb your role is as “Backwoods Beaver Magazine Cover Girl”. I am very intrigued. Without spoiling anything, can you tell us a bit about this appearance?

It was a brief and hilarious cameo on the cover of a magazine. Perhaps a little sexy and racy too, but why not? I had fun. Ernie is a great guy and this film is filled with a lot of talent. I know audiences have loved it so far. A really unique ending! 

Just being candid here: When it comes to Scream Queens, there is no doubt that with your talent and charisma, you are at the top of the list!  And it is our Month of Horror Showcase after all, so I am inclined to ask you how you enjoy working in this genre? Beyond being so talented, what compelled you put your focus into this world?

Ever since I was a child I was attracted to the horror genre; to films, novels, comic books, all of it. It was so natural to act in this genre. I began my journey a a fan then became this horror queen. Perhaps I always had this darkness in my that horror fits into and completes. Thank you, I am honored to be a Scream Queen. I appreciate your kind words and being in the Month of Horror Showcase.

Scrolling through you credits, it is absolutely spell-binding how damn much you work! You’ve got to be one of the hardest working people in the world of film, and I absolutely commend you for that. With that, what about when you aren’t working (if ever)? What could we find you doing for a bit of “me time”?

I work a bit each and everyday. I just hit 97 IMDb credits since 2012. It is really a full time obsession for me. With my acting, writing, and now directing plus making guest appearances all over the world. In my mind, I feel like I can always be doing more and that I am not busy enough. I hold myself to a high standard I guess. Thank you so much. I like to think I have a good work ethic and I hope that is true. When I am not working; I got to the gym, go to the beach, travel the world, dance, make love, eat exotic food, and paint. But not necessarily in that order. But my creative life of acting, writing, and directing does take up a great deal of my time honestly. They say if you have the sort of life you need to vacations from then you aren’t happy. I have definitely created my own world and my own life through my art. So I am grateful.  

What is your favorite scary movie?

I have always both loved The Pit and the Pendulum and The Exorcist. The Exorcist perhaps spoke to me as this girl raised in the Catholic church and I like horror with religious and occult themes. The Pit and the Pendulum introduced me to both Vincent Price and Barbara Steele. Both have had a huge influence on my acting life. It’s a perfectly crafted film. It plays out like this horrific morality play. A truly artful and beautiful film. I rewatch it often. I want to be as prolific in my career as Vincent Price.

What are you plans for the upcoming Halloween? Any kind of traditions you try to uphold each year?

I feel most at home dressed as a gypsy or witch; it speaks to my soul and has ever since I was a child. October is my busy time. Every Halloween I work as a professional fortune teller at many private parties. I also make many guest appearances at Halloween and horror events. Plus I do a lot of interviews to celebrate horror for the month. It’s a wickedly wonderful time of year. I like everything about Halloween. I enjoy ghost tours, haunted houses, costumes, all of it!

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

I will continue to act as much as I can plus I am directing Attack of the Killer Chickens the Movie which is based on my short film. He short film won six awards and screened at 40 film festivals. I decided to make it a feature. It is a horror comedy and fans can look for it in 2019. Please check it out on IMDb. I recently work on a Big Foot film directed by Mark Byrne, which was more fun than  a bucket of bats! I also have a small part in Lloyd Kaufman’s Shakespeare’s Shitstorm from Troma. My first Troma film after acting with Lloyd in numerous films since 2012. That was a hoot!

What was the last thing that made you smile?

Anyone that knows me knows that I smile and laugh a lot. I laughed a lot on the set of my film Attack of the Killer Chickens the Movie this week. It is a fun movie to make and will be even more fun to watch! Stay tuned! Thank you so much for taking the time for me. I enjoyed your questions.

Check out some more photos in this wonderful gallery provided by Genoveva Rossi herself: