With “Madison County” making its World Premiere at ScreamFest 2011, it’s an opportune time to start an infatuation for KATIE STEGEMAN, one of the stars of the gritty 70s-styled horror flick. It’s not just about Rose McGowan and the offsprings of luminaries at ScreamFest as there’s a host of upcoming starlets that we’re sure to have the hots for! KATIE will be there in the flesh to promote “Madison County” where already the promotional teaser sees her scantily clad character Kristen bloodied and scampering for her life in one of the more harrowing sequences. While we can’t get enough of the visceral violence, we can say the same of the young women of horror who over the years should be lauded for their physicality. So often, their contribution is overlooked and KATIE conjures as much intrigue as the Pig-Masked serial killer especially since the backstory on her role has never been revealed.
One thing is certain, it’s a debut to remember for KATIE as she’s an absolute babe! But by no means is she all about being titillating as the filmmakers have promised a return to the nerve-wrecking chills of old school terror….a contender for this generation’s “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” anyone!! In her next feature “Roadside”, KATIE gets even more riveting as a pregnant wife whose only form of safety is a car as a mad gunman rain bullets on her. With an obscene amount of fans on her Facebook Page, it’s apparent that we’re going to be entranced by more than just her drop dead gorgeousness. News just in that “Madison County” is the first film to become a sell-out at Scream Fest….hmm…I reckon it might have something to do with the spellbinding KATIE…:)
Australian actresses are always dear to my heart and my fondness for them grows tenfold watching fantastic talents like GEORGINA SYMES shine in absorbing projects. She definitely caught my eye in the ultra-violent trailer of “Bad Behaviour” (above) particularly at the end when she got plastered by the huge geyser of blood spewing from a dude’s face!! In the spirit of a classic such as “A Clockwork Orange” which this year incidentally celebrated its 40th anniversary, “Bad Behaviour” itself has some pretty disturbing moments, pushing the boundaries of taste yet keeping that chillingly Australian twist. For sure, this Aussie gore fest and its amazing cast would receive plaudits if ever Malcolm McDowell himself came across it! It lives up to its billing as a Serial Killer Thriller from start to finish. With industry circles likening GEORGINA to a blend of Claire Danes and Cate Blanchett, don’t be surprise if she’s the next emerging starlet from OZ. The fact that she’s a Queensland native, I’m throwing my weight of support behind her for as you know I was a resident there for a good 3 years that it felt like home. Furthermore, “Bad Behavior” was screened at CANNES ensuring plenty of exposure for this wondrous upcoming talent.
GEORGINA is also considered one of Queensland Theatre’s most cherished leading ladies having wowed audiences in the Shakespearean satire “The Alchemist”. She’s expected to do so once again in “FEFU AND HER FRIENDS” playing at Parade Theatres on 6-14 August that is if you are in Australia or plan to pay a visit. Her elegantly styled blonde hair heightens the sassy confidence she projects on film and stage and with such an engaging glow, we can’t help but be charmed. When it comes to GEORGINA, there’s can be only good things to come from her and she’ll be on our radars this year and beyond.
SHANLEY CASWELL is the very fetching Star of groundbreaking “Detention” which transcends being just a smart teen horror film and stands on its own two feet as a genre-bending master class. If it created a huge buzz at SXSW this year as well as constantly receiving rave reviews on the internet, the intelligent slasher is expected to shine at the SIFF Film Festival 2011 as will it’s endearing female lead SHANLEY. I’m enraptured with her kindness for doing this interview at such short notice, a reflection of her appealing accessibility that’s truly charming. Already being praised as a female version of John Cusack and spoken highly of as the stirring centerpiece of “Detention”, admiration for her is rapidly growing.
In the throes of the psychedelic pace, pop culture references and riveting sci-fi cum slasher elements of “Detention”, SHANLEY is a standout as RILEY, the human touch amid the chaos. She captures the trepidation of youth, the foreboding of terror and the thrilling face offs with the movie’s villain impeccably. Even at 18, SHANLEY has shown she is adept at delivering a solidly authentic performance which could prove to be her launchpad as a Teen Idol.
Have a good read as SHANLEY lets us in on what’s it like being the female lead of a fascinating horror film, her grueling yet fun moments during the making of “Detention” and why she has the hots for Simon Baker after working with him on “The Mentalist”.
1. Hi Shanley.You’re possibly the Final Girl in “Detention”. What’s it like being the leading lady of the slasher and playing a character that’s an outsider going through teen angst?
A: At first signing on to do Detention was exhilarating. The script was so interesting and like nothing I had ever heard about that I had to do it. Riley is a character that is a lot like any normal teenage girl: pop culture oriented, embarrassed, tormented, self centered, and opinionated.
I’ve been through all of these things growing up, like most teenagers, so it was easy to relate to her “my life is ruined” mentality. Now on the note of being the leading lady; that scared the crap out of me. Especially with working with Dane Cook, Josh Hutcherson, and Joseph Kahn all people whom I highly admire.
2. Inevitable comparisons are going to be drawn between “Detention” and the “Scream” Franchise. Can you tell us how different is your heroine Riley as opposed to Neve Campbell’s Sidney Prescott?
A: Detention has a different feel than Scream. It’s more fun and relatable to people my age in my generation. Scream was the old generations meta comedy-horror, Detention will appeal to teenagers now-a-days. That goes for Riley’s character too.
3. There’s a scene in “Detention”, reminiscent of “The Breakfast Club” (the film that made a tremendous impact) albeit more in line with the reality of youth today. As a teenager yourself, what do you think are the movie/movies that define your generation?
A: “Superbad”, “The Hangover” and “The Social Network” are three that come to my mind. “Superbad” and “The Hangover” are ones that we see everywhere today with quotes and clothing. “The Social Network” is one that will never be forgotten because of the event that it’s about. Facebook and social networking have defined our generation.
4. You do a lot of running trying your utmost to escape from the serial killer. How physically demanding were those scenes and what were your favorite moments from the film?
A: I actually trained before we started filming for the stunt work and the dance scenes. I had to fall a lot so I was taught how to fall properly without getting hurt. The hanging scene was the hardest because I was in a harness for about 6 to 8 hours and hanging for about 4 to 5.
I had bruises from the straps and had motion sickness by wrap time. My favorite scene to film was probably the skateboarding scene. They set up this cool contraption where the skateboard was connected to the camera so we could actually skate and and do the scene. Those were fun.
5. Just read that your first major role was on Hallmark in “Mending Fences” as a gothic teen with a sarcastic side, a complete opposite to your bubbly disposition. Why do you think actresses much prefer essaying the darker roles?
A: I think there’s a lot more complexity to playing darker roles. I’ve definitely played my fair share of bubbly roles though. I would do it more often but unfortunately some people don’t think that I have a very “bubbly” face all the time. And I……I’m also very sarcastic which turns some people off.
6. There’s plenty of haters out there unlike me of course who shows the love for actresses on a daily basis…:):) How do you deal with the critics even at your tender age?
A: I’ve been very lucky so far to not have any critics. If I did I’m pretty good at taking things in thinking about them logically, then forgetting about them later.
7.From “Bones” and “The Mentalist to “The Middle”, you’ve been gracing quite a number of TV Shows. Who has been your favorite actor and why?
A: To work with? Simon Baker form The Mentalist. He is so cool and suave. He’s got a way of making everyone smile and feel special. Plus he’s got an Australian accent! How could I not be in love with him.
8. You once said the uncertainty of the acting industry gives you a thrill. What would be your dream role?
A: My dream role is always changing. At the moment I’d love to be some badass assassin or something. I’m really into stunt heavy movies right now. I feed off of adrenaline on set, the more adrenaline I have the more focused I am and the more work I get done.
9. In Tinseltown, teen actresses are regularly in demand more so this past year so what’s next for Shanley Caswell?
A: I have no idea what’s next. The thrill of this industry is why I love it. I’m not working on anything right now but next month I could be in France filming a miniseries. You have to learn to go with the flow. Right now I’m focusing on school and studying Kinesiology.
10. Tell us the one thing that nobody will ever guess about you.
A: I love rock climbing and bungee jumping.
Thanks again for the support and the awesome questions!
I haven’t had a chance to catch quirky comedy “A Bag Of Hammers” which is screening as we speak but most certainly the actresses in it are ultra-endearing. It gives me great pleasure to introduce JULIANNE BIANCHI who has a supporting role alongside perennial cuties Rebecca Hall and Amanda Seyfried. Although Amanda and JULIANNE are not in the trailer (above), I think it’s a ploy to get us to take a trip to Newport to fixate on these beauties since there’s about two days left to experience the film festival. I love the spirit shown by women of independent cinema as they are living the dream every single day. Everyone knows I’m going to be rooting for Blue-Eyed Blondes like JULIANNE who herself is a natural charmer. Check her out as a helicopter pilot in “The Incredible Bulk” (above), cleverly employing CG/Green Screen effects that while may not win awards, will garner a following just like the intentionally bad it’s so good Eagle-Infested “Birdemic”. The landscape of film-making is shifting its emphasis towards creative expression and it’s great to see JULIANNE playing her part in it.
Competition is rife but I’m impressed that diversity is being celebrated in HollywoodLand by valuing upcoming actresses and giving them a fair share of roles. You may have already seen JULIANNE in several short films as well as the under-rated serial killer flick “Basement Jack” and she even appeared at the very start of “Homecoming”, an episode of TV sitcom “The Middle”. Expect to hear about her in the spotlight after the exposure JULIANNE will receive from festival fave “A Bag Of Hammers”. I would rate her as one of the most likable personalities in LA…:)
First off I would like to pray for the victims of the Sendai Tsunami that has devastated the Japanese people and left a telling reminder of how life can never be taken for granted. Hence, I feel wholly blessed to be alive and have the golden opportunity to write about my greatest passion, global actresses whom i admire so. Therefore this tribute today goes out to rising starlet KYOKO OKAZAKI, her family who are safe back home in Japan and all Japanese citizens who are deeply affected by the sudden tragedy. As you know I’m all about optimism and just like me KYOKO is full of positivity. Born and raised in Okayama, she uprooted to the US and became noted for playing a tomboy who dresses in male clothing to avoid detection from the Yakuza in the Los Angeles play Utsutsu. Found out that ‘Utsutsu’ means reality and thus we can’t change who we are, as I think is being implied by the theatrical production. After being praised for her acting on stage, KYOKO has segued excellently into the independent scene with roles in a number of films.
With her splendidly infectious smile, KYOKO’s natural poise is pronouncedly easy to adore. Be sure to check her out in the upbeat dramedy “Mouse Ward” as well as the upcoming short “The Curse Of The Apple” as its leading lady. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw her on the cast list for serial killer thriller “Luster” and I’m crossing my fingers she survives till the end of the movie! I’m very fond of bubbly young actresses and there’s plenty of cheer in the corner of Miss KYOKO OKAZAKI. She’s so affable as I’ve found out chatting with her on FACEBOOK; Her likability certainly puts her in good stead to be a breakout star…Start Watching Her!
At the tender age of 13, FELISSA ROSE created one of the iconic horror figures on-screen as the serial-killing ANGELA in ‘SLEEPAWAY CAMP’. She made the shy, disturbed outsider central character her own garnering rave reviews and recently reprised the role once more in ‘RETURN TO SLEEPAWAY CAMP’. With numerous cult-classics to her name up till today, FELISSA has to be considered as one of the finest genre actresses of all time. Ever the consummate actress, she’s also ventured into comedy by starring as a money-hungry wife in ‘HOTDOG CASSEROLE’. FELISSA has several intriguing films of the horror persuasion (of course) in the pipeline so you best check her out at the FELISSA ROSE OFFICIAL SITE.
Her love and passion for horror shines through in her performances over the years and she’s equally adept at playing the villain or the victim. Alluringly stunning and fetchingly buxomy, FELISSA has that bewildering foxiness that sometimes you quite can’t figure out whether she’s good or bad in the movies she’s in. A mystery on-screen but an open-book in real life, I’ve heard she’s oh so friendly and a joy to work with. The resurgence of FELISSA ROSE has always been highly anticipated and it is so cool of her to gratify a new breed of horror enthusiasts (me included) as i was only 7 when she first made her presence felt in 1983.
