Exclusive Interview With Shriekfest Founder Denise Gossett

It’s a Carnival of Horror this weekend as the 11th Edition of Shriekfest which runs from September 29th till 2nd October returns to put the fear in you. Shriekfest founder DENISE GOSSETT has promised a Screaming Good Time as audiences will be treated to the best in independent horror and sci-fi from the world over in all its unrated glory! There’s the opening night screening of Troma Legend Lloyd Kaufman’s “The Feed”, the world premiere of retro thriller “Isle Of Dogs” and a host of bloodcurdling shorts to make your skin crawl.

Plaudits have to be bestowed upon Miss DENISE GOSSETT for generating such buzz for Shriekfest over the years and which now thrives as LA’s Most Successful & Entertaining Horror Film Festival! She’s the original ‘Kickstarter’ who celebrated horror at a time when festivals were few and far between back in 2001. As a Horror devotee, I feel blessed to be touched by such an influential figure in the genre and it’s with great pleasure to present this interview with the vivacious DENISE, a gorgeous visionary hugely deserving of the moniker as a FIRST LADY OF HORROR.
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Q & A WITH HIGH PRIESTESS OF HORROR DENISE GOSSETT

1. Hi Denise. First off, Congrats on the the 11th Edition of Shriekfest Film Fest. What can audiences expect this time around and how has Shriekfest contributed to the horror scene over the years?

A: They can expect more of the same, awesome indie films from around the world…we have US film, films from Australia, England, France, Germany, Brazil, New Zealand, etc. I think Shriekfest has contributed by helping get the word out about indie horror and we’ve helped people get their projects made, distribution, agents, etc.

2. There’s an intriguing list of films guaranteed to make us Scream at Shriekfest 2011. What’s the selection process like and would it help if we were chummy with you (truthfully now!)?

A: Does not help to be chummy….actually many of my friends were rejected this year…we have over 40 judges and it’s a long, thought out process.

3. It’s amazing to see sci-fi as well as comedy features scheduled for our viewing pleasure. Why do u think it’s important to maintain that diversity even at an established horror festival?­

A: It helps break up the gore, plus there are talented filmmakers in all genres.

4. Everyone adores you for your gregariously warm nature and for being an awesome Scream Queen. Tell us who have been your favorite actors and how have they inspired you?

A: Aww, you are very sweet, but I don’t really consider myself a scream queen…haven’t done enough horror for that. I love lots of actors, all your typical oscar winner actors, but I also love the indie actors as well. I’ve made some amazing friends over the years.

5. I also read that you’re also been anointed as an Indie Sex Symbol. How did that come about and in your opinion, what is the true meaning of Being Sexy?

A: Ah, Haren, that was appointed by you my friend! The true meaning of being sexy is: loving life, loving yourself, and doing what you love.

6. You are in the book “Hot & Horryifying: The First Ladies Of Horror” which is absolutely amazing. What does it mean to be held in admiration for being a mover and a shaker?

A: It blows me away, b/c I just feel like this person who wants to help and I can’t believe the love I get on a daily basis….it’s wonderful!

7. Tell us some of your most memorable moments throughout your career.

A: Working with Mel Gibson, he’s amazing, being a gun slinger in A Chestful of Blood, working with Julia Louis Dreyfus & Christina Applegate…both so great with comedic timing….I could go on and on.

And of course running Shriekfest…for all of it’s hard work, there has been lots of joy too.

8. You’re revered as one of the hardest working women and a genuine maven of horror. When Miss Denise Gossett is not drenched in blood on screen, what does she do for fun?

A: Awww…Haren, you have a way of making me feel so good….thank you! I have a 3 year old little girl and I enjoy playing with her, we go swimming, work in our garden, I also love hiking and spending time with my family and friends.

9. What are your thoughts on the impact of Social Media on entertainment and how has that impacted on the horror genre?

A: Wow…social media still blows me away….it’s allowing indie filmmakers to reach wider audiences and get their talents seen…it’s truly wonderful!

10. To end this interview on a chilling note, what is the one thing that truly scares you?

A: Losing the love of someone I love.

Thank you Haren.

Sizzling Cutie: Jennifer Hall

After the glitz of the EMMYS, let’s peek into the crystal ball and envision actress JENNIFER HALL as one who could be a future TV Siren. She’s been tapped to star as the assistant of Ava, the talk show host played by Maya Rudolph in the new series “Up All Night” which has Christina Applegate and Will Arnett as the leads. In this plum role as the anxious PA Missy, she’s instilled an endearing awkwardness that will be the perfect foil to Maya’s egotistical character. Sounds like another winner for NBC as “Up All Night” is a fresh spin on the real-life challenges of being a parent with helpings of ironic humor. Bringing up baby has all the ingredients for some great knee-slapping moments and I’m pretty sure JENNIFER can indeed play a big part. With an extensive track record on TV after having appeared in House and Nip/Tuck among others, she returns to her impeccably offbeat roots in comedy. Many will remember how she excelled in HBO’s “Unscripted” and has even been Elle Woods in the television version of Legally Blonde made famous by Reese Witherspoon.

Might I add that JENNIFER appears in the entertaining “UnLeashed“, a 7-episode insight into the insane business of dog walking in Hollywood. Watch out for JENNIFER embodying a neurotic energy that’s funny and lovable at the same time. Her acting style is evidently intuitive; she reacts to things around her and let her natural instincts flow on camera. You’re encouraged to see just how spellbinding she was as a woman stuck in an epiphany after suffering a loss in the indie drama “Broken Windows”. While there is a time and place for Reality TV, scripted shows will always be that extra special thanks to the screen magic weaved by actresses such as JENNIFER HALL.

Hot Actress #473 – Carly Craig: Rising Starlet

OK i must admit I fell for the tempting CARLY CRAIG as so many have done around the world. I’ve also heard that she’s outdone Ben Stiller in the raucous comedy “Hall Pass” by being the worst date ever and of course being part of the signature Farrelly Brothers lewd toilet humor. More and more she’s looking like the foxy muse of the Farrellys and her ability to marry comedy, sexiness and even music have left us in stitches. Carly is noted for her comic timing as in the film “Role Models” and the Youtube song “I’d Rather Be Naked…Good Deeds” which many are calling to be un-mosiac…hehe. Seeing her all dolled up as a bombshell complete with her Louboutins for Vanity Fair during my casual bookstore stroll recently also probably sealed the deal for me. I’ve always held a strong fascination for pin-up gals as they seem to be in the throes of carefree joviality. One can sense CARLY is a bundle of fun and she’s been writing a lot of great material for the many sketches she’s in. Her Maxim Photoshoot for Funny To Die (above) is so hilarious especially with a re-enactment of Carly in her lingerie humping a make-believe Owen Wilson!

Her Wiki Page is seriously bare but come 2011 it won’t be anymore. One of the sexiest comedienne in town, we cannot help ourselves if we are transfixed by the sassiness in her. Be it a Hall Pass, Stage Pass Or Making A Pass just to catch sight of her, CARLY CRAIG has endeared herself to moviegoers in their droves…:)