I finally dug up a synopsis of the plot: “Oh…I don’t know…it would be in the desert…and you know, something would happen…and then…I don’t know…stabstabstab the end.” Admittedly, not much to go on, though absolute genius in its simplicity—but how would Ponder and Lark bring this vague idea to life? Well, a little more than a year later, we finally have the answer to that question. And it’s not what you’d expect.

All of Ponder’s past films have been wildly funny, but Ludlow is very serious business. When the stark, opening images flicker across the screen, it’s apparent this movie is completely different from anything she has done before. A broken young woman, Krista, drives alone through the desert, on the run from her troubled past. Checking into a rundown motel to await the arrival of her sister, Maddy (Elissa Dowling), the battered Krista’s only companions are a large stash of cheap vodka, a seemingly endless supply of anti-psychotics and her increasingly disturbing thoughts. As she sits alone, waiting and self-medicating, her grip on reality becomes tenuous at best. Soon, she can’t tell what’s real and what’s not. And, to Ponder and Lark’s credit, neither can we.

With this movie, Ponder set up quite a challenge for herself—it’s difficult to make a compelling film with two characters, one location and one crew member. But Ponder pulls it off effortlessly. It would’ve been easy for her to misstep with material this dark and ambiguous, but her stunning visual sense and imaginative approach keep the movie moving forward steadily. The narrative she’s conceived is something of a funhouse mirror, and she translates the shattered psyche of her lead character quite effectively using a variety of video and editing techniques. The evocative score by James M. Barry plays a large role in her success, but Ponder’s ace in the hole is Ms. Lark.

As Krista, Lark is in every scene and onscreen almost every second, yet she remains eminently watchable throughout. She manages to make us care for Krista even as we grow to fear her, and that’s a nice trick to pull off. Her role demands she be vulnerable one minute and raving the next and Lark handles it with aplomb, making interesting choices and never once descending into the hammy histrionics these types of parts often elicit from lesser performers. Because of the all the blood and bruises and lack of vanity required, some might call Lark’s performance “brave,” but with her work here Lark has proven she’s a real actor, not just a “spooksmodel.” As Maddy, Elissa Dowling is successful in a tricky part, playing a role that’s more than it seems.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I have to reveal that I contributed a very small amount of money toward the completion of Ludlow and my name appears in the closing credits, along with many others who did the same. I spoke with Ponder about this before I received a screener, and we agreed that I would relay my true feelings and divulge any issues I have with the film. Accordingly, as much as I like Ludlow, I do have one consideration—the flick’s running time. At 65 minutes, it’s not quite what’s considered feature length, but I think it’s the perfect length for the material. Ponder could’ve added another 10 minutes, but that would be padding it, and I’d rather see a movie that’s a bit short than one that’s obviously been extended to make it run what’s considered the “correct” number of minutes. And in today’s video-on-demand culture, where people view movies on their computers and phones while answering email and surfing the web, who’s to say what’s the proper length of a feature? I believe that, as the internet becomes a more viable entertainment delivery system and theatrical runs become less of a factor, we’re going to see a shift away from 90-minute movies as a rule. The bottom line is, this is an accomplished film no matter its length.

Ludlow is a mesmerizing look at a woman’s journey into darkness, and it’s definitely not what I expected Ponder and Lark to deliver. Truthfully, I thought we’d get some kind of twisted buddy comedy, like a scary Thelma & Louise. Or maybe alien zombies. But with Ludlow, Ponder has proven she’s an artist with many colors and shades on her palette. I wonder what she’ll paint next—light or dark.

~Theron Neel

This episode, dubbed The Mis-Adventures of McT & A: The Twilight Spoof, takes a different approach than the first, which was totally improvised. Amato and Tomlinson portray two überfans of a Twilight-like series of movies. They apparently spend all their free time arguing the relative merits of Edward and Jacob…I mean, Josh and Landall, the Edward and Jacob analogues they worship. Their ongoing discussion is illustrated with tongue-in-cheek “dramatizations” that make their various points and lampoon the overblown acting endemic to the series being spoofed. McT & A are aided and abetted in their efforts by Joshua Benton and Landall Goolsby, playing…umm, Josh and Landall. Also on board is a hilarious Lisa Gershuny as the very over-the-top Bella counterpart.

So, if you think hunky werewolves and sparkly vampires are getting just a little too big for their teen idol britches, or even if you just love all things Twilight, watch the episode below or head on over to YouTube and check out The Mis-Adventures of McT & A: The Twilight Spoof. It might be just the thing to get you in the mood for the continuing mis-adventures of the Cullen clan. And I promise, Edward won’t mind if you laugh…just a little.

~Theron Neel

Ponder is no stranger to the visual arts. She got her start as a painter and comic book artist, but a couple of years ago she began tinkering with video cameras. The result was Ghostella’s Haunted Tomb, an entertaining DIY webseries featuring Pretty/Scary queen bee Heidi Martinuzzi, and Taste of Flesh, Taste of Fear, a short film whose cast is made up entirely of fashion dolls. Then, she teamed up with Chainsaw Mafia founder Shannon Lark and headed into the desert with a camera and some booze. The result was the highly anticipated short film Ludlow (which really should be released soon—no, really). At the moment, Stacie is writing and directing the sci-fi extravaganza Space Girls, a webseries about, well, girls in space that “shoot ray guns, fight big monsters, and fly around in rocket ships.” Coincidentally, Space Girls also employs fashion dolls. (I suppose dolls are easy to work with. They don’t cost a lot to feed, don’t expect per diems and never ask about their motivation.) But it also features the voiceover talents of Amanda Deibert, Paula Haifley and Heidi Martinuzzi.

Although Ponder has plenty of filmmaking experience, this project marks the first time she has directed somebody else’s material. Itch was written by Amato, who is also co-producing and co-starring with Tomlinson. When I asked Ponder about her participation, she told me she’s excited, but a little nervous too. “It’s my first time directing for someone else, and my first time with a director of photography. But I’m psyched! I’ve wanted to work with Michelle and Kim for some time, but I never expected they’d hand me a script and say ‘Direct this, please.’ I’m thrilled about Itch. It’s going to be an intense little shoot, and I can’t wait. The blood’s going to fly. In the movie, I mean.”

Tomlinson and Amato are equally delighted about Ponder’s involvement. “Asking Stacie to be on board with this project was a no-brainer,” said Tomlinson. “She’s smart, talented, creative and has a strong personality. I’m stoked to finally be able to work with her.” Amato adds, “After watching Stacie’s work, reading her blog and seeing her fantastic grasp of visuals, the decision was a simple one. I’m honored to be working with her.”

Personally, I think Ponder is a good fit for the material. Itch is a twisted little story, and Ponder is slightly warped herself. She also has a wonderful sense of humor, and material like this could benefit from her sensibility. Production begins next week in L.A., with a very tight shooting schedule. Let’s hope Ponder can bring it in on time and under budget. But, hey, no pressure…

~Theron Neel

First, they each formed a production company (Amato’s Little Crown Productions and Tomlinson’s Mighty McT Productions). Then, they joined forces to produce an episode of The Mis-Adventures of McT & A, a webseries that now looks to be a continuing endeavor. A second installment of this comedic venture gets underway soon, with more planned.

After that, they went out and found an independent script to co-produce. Touch, a neo-noir written by Patrick Julian and starring Tomlinson as a private investigator who gets in over her head, is in search of financing and already has a compelling promotional trailer. For most people, that would be plenty. But wait, there’s more.

Next on the slate is two more films—Dreaming Reality, a feature, and Itch, a short—both written by Amato. It’s this last project that I’m most excited about. I got a peek at the screenplay for Itch, and I have to say it’s pretty twisted stuff. I can’t reveal much, but I can divulge that the flick centers on the functionally dysfunctional relationship between two complex women and the men in their life. A brief conversation with Tomlinson produced this cryptic quote: “Even though it’s fictional, it’s an intensely personal script for both [Kimberly and me].” Having read it Itch, that confession has me even more intrigued…and somewhat concerned about these ladies’ mental health.

So, that’s the story so far. It might not be fair to ask, but the only question left for these two dynamos is “what’s next?” (Actually, a better question might be “what’s left?”) According to Amato, the team’s only concern is “to continue to make films we’re proud of and that audiences will enjoy.” While it’s a goal I think these two will attain easily, I hope they allow themselves the occasional break. After all, empire-building is hard work.

~Theron Neel

Both short and feature-length flicks will be presented, including The Mis-Adventures of McT & A by Kimberly Amato, Amy Lyndon and Michelle Tomlinson, Death in Charge by Devi Snively, Family Demons by Ursula Dabrowsky, and Dead Hooker in a Trunk by Jen and Sylvia Soska. Also featured will be the world premiere of The Retelling by Emily Hagins.

Eve Blaack, owner and editor of Hacker’s Source magazine, will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies. I have it on good authority that both Ms. Martinuzzi and Ms. Tomlinson will be in attendance as well. If you’re cool, you’ll be there too. I know I will. Tickets are $15 and are available HERE. If you need a place to stay, try the Hyatt in Addison.

I don’t know what it is about the Lone Star state that attracts all this blood, but this event definitely makes me Texas Proud. And that whole Leatherface thing? That’s pretty cool too.

~Theron Neel

Well, I am pleased to announce that the first episode has been posted for your viewing pleasure HERE. Do yourself a favor and go check it out. And while you’re there, poke around and watch some of the other videos available from these fine actresses. Remember—Support independent film! If you don’t, you can’t expect anybody else to do it.

~Theron Neel

The Mis-Adventures of McT & A is what happens when you put two crazy people together and say “go!” The concept is pretty cool: You, the viewing public, write in with requests for what you’d like to see them do, and they do it. Simple as that. Episode 1 is divided into three distinct sections of madness. “The Annie & Ronnie Saga” is a hilarious little piece, inspired by horror icon Kevin Tenney, starring two fashion dolls lost in the woods. “What the Hell Is Erdega” is a peek at Tomlinson’s super-secret language, Erdega, and what can be done with it when combined with copious amounts of alcohol. The final section is a bit of lunacy called “Cemetery Lights.” Acting guru Amy Lyndon directed the first two segments, and Tomlinson and Amato co-directed the third.

The result of this team-up is a lot of fun to watch. It’s clear these two women are having a blast, and that translates into an extremely entertaining few minutes for the audience. These ladies have recently each formed a production company—Amato’s Little Crown Productions and Tomlinson’s Mighty McT Productions—and The Mis-Adventures of McT & A is a joint production. There are several other exciting new projects in the works from this team, including Touch, a feature film starring Tomlinson as a private detective facing the most challenging case of her career.

If you want to suggest ideas for future episodes of The Mis-Adventures of McT & A, go check out their Facebook group. You can also be sure that I’ll keep you updated on any and all developments. Now, courtesy of Mighty McT Productions and Little Crown Productions, allow me to present a few exclusive photos from The Mis-Adventures of McT & A.

~Theron Neel

One thing is sure—I couldn’t have done this without encouragement and help from my friends. My lovely, patient wife is my partner in both this site and life. She’s working behind the scenes on all the boring, thankless stuff and doing an amazing job. Michelle Tomlinson has been telling me forever that I could really do this and, sheesh, why aren’t I? And Kimberly Amato not only supported my efforts, she completely designed and built the site. I am forever grateful to them all and thankful I have such people as family.

Now, the question remains: What will this site be? Obviously, you will find reviews of horror movies under “Reviews.” You will find interviews with industry people under “Interviews.” The two wildcard categories are “Updates & Teasers” and “Other Awesome Stuff.”

At the moment, “Updates & Teasers” is looking like a blog page, where I just hop on and tell you what’s what about whatever. Like this: “Hi! What’s what about whatever.” In all probability, it will also include any horror-related news I find interesting and any plans I have regarding the site. Stay tuned and you can find out what this category is along with me.

“Other Awesome Stuff” will most likely be a catch-all section. I think I’ll post, well, any other stuff that I find to be awesome—and not necessarily horror-related stuff. It’ll probably be anything I’m hung up on at the moment. There’s already a piece that I wrote about B movies sitting in that section, because I think B movies are awesome.

One thing you probably won’t find on this site is a lot of reviews of major new releases. You can find those at several other sites. I tend to favor the low-budget, cult movies…as you can tell from my review choices. But if something intrigues me, even if it’s mainstream, it’ll probably end up here eventually. So, thanks for stopping by. I hope you like what you see. Next time you come, it might be totally different. Or it might not. But not knowing is part of the fun, right?

~Theron Neel

The examination of a group of young women and the crime they committed, Under the Raven’s Wing is not a traditional horror flick. It’s more a psychological drama/character study. The film is told in the form of a documentary, a narrative device it shares with The Blair Witch Project. I bet these two films will draw comparisons, but trust me, they couldn’t be more different.

Under the Raven’s Wing is the story of Raven (Kimberly Amato), Angel (Kamilla Sofie Sadekova) and Jessie (Jessica Palette) and the filmmaker that becomes involved with them. The girls share a cult-like belief system that includes different dimensions and, apparently, murder, which they refer to as “transcendence.” Raven is the leader of the pack—sort of the ultimate mean girl. She knows how to get what she wants and uses any means necessary.

As the tale unfolds through snippets of film, we slowly learn more about the story. It seems the girls have murdered a man and want to share their crime with the world. Raven has persuaded a young director (Coy DeLuca) to document their philosophy of transcendence for all to see, though it’s obvious that the filmmaker has much more than movies on his mind. The further he gets sucked in, the more horrified he is by what he learns and the harder it is for him to get out.

Adriensen’s script is quite smart and subtle. She assumes her audience is intelligent, which is nice change from most of the films out there these days. She doesn’t feel the need to hit you over the head or spell things out. There’s also a sly sense of humor on display. Adriensen has also done some impressive technical work here. The film uses several different film styles to convey the story. Though it was all shot with one camera, the movie is constantly changing looks and techniques. The sound and lighting are uniformly excellent, and the performances are wonderful throughout.

As Raven, Kimberly Amato gives an incredibly nuanced performance. At times seductive, stupid and sadistic, Amato is a lot of fun to watch as she blusters her way through what is basically a psychological study in group dynamics. Raven definitely has her hands full with Angel and Jessie.

Kamilla Sofie Sadekova’s Angel is the ultimate woman-child—confused, sexy and rebellious. Sadekova is very good at expressing Angel’s turbulent, flirty personality. And though she may have the fewest lines, Jessica Palette might be the most intriguing actor here. The camera absolutely loves her. Her eyes are extremely expressive, saying volumes with a single glance. Jessie is a little girl lost, and Palette makes you want to rescue her at every turn.

Under the Raven’s Wing is a striking film that fascinates as it entertains. Susan Adriensen has proven that she can play in the big leagues. Next time up, I bet she steals home.

~Theron Neel

Thanks so much for taking time to talk, Kim. I’ve been looking over your bio. I see you used to work at Bellevue, in the prison ward. Some people might see acting as quite a departure, but I get it. I mean, Hollywood versus the criminally insane? Makes sense to me.

Yeah, I did that job for a few months. At the time, I was earning my master’s degree in forensic psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Students had to write a thesis or do an externship. I opted for the externship and was interviewed at Bellevue Hospital. Funny thing about Bellevue—I got along so well with the correctional officers and most of the inmates. After the externship, I interviewed for a job on Riker’s Island. I got it, but decided it wasn’t for me. Acting really isn’t that far off from working in Bellevue. It’s all about appearances. Once you can break down the outside facade by hard work, patience and communication, you get to see the real person. Beyond that, it’s all about behavior. I am pretty good at reading how someone views something without them having to say anything. It helps a lot when rehearsing, performing and just plain getting along with cast and crew.

First things first—I know you write as well as act. How is the [then-current] writers’ strike affecting you? Are you getting it from both ends?

It’s tough. I would love to pitch some of my finished scripts or even my newer ideas, but I believe that the writers deserve to be treated better. Basically, I support the WGA [Writers Guild of America]. From the acting standpoint, it’s been difficult as well. Many shows have ceased production, so there is less background or smaller principal auditions.

I’d like to talk about your background. How did you get in to acting?

I have always performed. Even if it is was singing in my room to my brush or accepting my Oscar in front of my mirror. My first actual performance was the holiday play in my grammar school. I was a cuckoo clock with one line. Every time another character said the word “time,” I got to jump in with “Time? The time at the tone is cuckoo, cuckoo.” See, I still remember my line! There was even a song with the dancing cuckoo clocks. I played a lot of sports, so acting was usually put on a back burner. In high school, I did stage crew for various plays, chorus concerts or other special engagements. I started doing some extra work, got a lead role in an NYU student film, and I was truly hooked. Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of doing various films and characters.

You’re a very intelligent woman in a business where women are often perceived as being the opposite. Have your “smarts” ever worked against you?

I wish I could say it hasn’t, but the reality is it has. I have been told on more than one occasion that a real actor needs a degree in acting. I’ve been cast in more than one project where other actors would grill me about my training. After they realize I only have acting classes under my belt, some turn their nose up at me. Others ask more about my master’s in forensic psychology and what it means for acting.

I’ve also auditioned for psychological thrillers/dramas where my character has a mental disorder. So, considering my degree and experience, I go out and do the best I can with all the information I have about the disorder. In some cases, the casting director will give me some pointers on what they are actually looking for within the disorder, but this is rare. If allowed, I will try to incorporate the information and do the sides [audition script] again, but again this is rare. In other cases, they say “thank you” and you leave. However, there have been more than few occasions where the casting director will tell me that my choices are wrong because I didn’t understand the disorder. They will they go into great detail about it and be totally wrong. You don’t know how many times I have played catatonic as an unmoving or fixed-position character only to be asked why I didn’t move. I ask which catatonia they want: excessive motor activity or motor immobility. That, usually, ends the audition. No matter how it happens, I don’t let it get to me. I am who I am and do the best I can every opportunity I get. That’s all I have control over.

I know you’re based on the East Coast, Kim, and you seem to be doing great. Do you ever see yourself making the fabled move to Los Angeles?

I would love to go out to California. It all depends on the circumstances and if that move would be the best for me. It also depends on how I would be integrated into the industry out in California—as a producer, writer or actress.

Hollywood puts both men and women into boxes, such as “he-man” or “hot chick,” but I believe it’s worse for women. Men seem to get to be more leeway in their type casting. How do you feel about that?

That’s a very difficult question to answer. I do feel that the industry still classifies women in specific roles more than the men, but it isn’t solely [the industry’s] fault. Ultimately, the public buys the tickets and gives the feedback via those tickets sold. If more people saw women in action films where they are the main/sole lead, the producers might be more inclined to release more of them.

Are there any actresses you model yourself after or whose career you admire?

In the case of my career, I want to be able to make any type of film and fill those theater seats. Angelina Jolie and Jodie Foster, both actresses I admire, have managed to fill those seats regardless of their characters. I hope to be able to do this as well in the future.

Actresses definitely have a “glass ceiling” in the biz. They make less than men, plus their career seems to end in their fifties. But many women are moving behind the camera. Do you have a lifetime career plan?

I do want to expand beyond acting. The industry has so many avenues to work within it, I hope to learn a bit of everything. Not necessarily so I can do it all, but so I have a better understanding of how it all comes together. Beyond that, I’m an avid writer and have dabbled with co-directing already. Two shorts I wrote, co-produced, co-directed and starred in should be finished sometime in 2008. I also co-produced Under the Raven’s Wing, which was a wonderful experience.

Let’s talk about Under the Raven’s Wing, your new film with Susan Adriensen. I liked the film quite a bit, and you were wonderful as Raven. How did you get involved in the project?

I went on NYCastings.com and submitted an old headshot of mine to Susan. I got an email asking me to audition on a Wednesday in August for the character of Raven, and she emailed me audition sides to review. I remember it being the hottest day of the entire summer. I showed up with my hair in a ponytail, no make-up, a muscle tank top and my long shorts, trying to deal with the heat. I must have looked horrible, but I sat in an air-conditioned room and auditioned anyway. It paid off in the long run.

Raven is quite a disturbed young woman. How did you approach this character? You really fleshed her out into a real person.

Raven is such a complex and layered character that it required a lot of work for me to flesh her out. I actually sat and read the script a few times and emailed Susan a lot. I have to admit I felt bad at the time, but I wanted to understand her vision for the character as well as the film. The script had so many wonderful hints about Raven’s life, so I just fleshed out the experiences. Once I had all that information together, I opened up my DSM-IV, which is the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Psychology. I did my best to figure out what she might have been suffering from. After all that, I made a playlist of music only Raven would listen to. Before any scene, I played those songs and became the character.

Music apparently is a quite powerful tool. I’ve talked to several other actresses that use it as part of their preparation.  Can you tell us what music you used to get into Raven’s head?

I felt that Raven would listen to Evanescence, so I went out and bought their CDs. There were so many songs that I could use, specifically “My Last Breath” and “Going Under.” I found those two and Linkin Park’s “Somewhere I Belong” were excellent in helping me prepare for the emotional roller coaster that was the character of Raven.

Not to focus on appearances too much, but you are a beautiful young lady…and Raven looks nothing like you.  Not that Raven isn’t attractive, but when I saw your head shot, I had to really work to see Raven.  Who designed Raven’s unique make-up? I’m sure that helped you get into character as well.
 
Raven has various levels to her at different stages in her life. So, the make-up had to reflect those differences. Susan actually did my make-up on the second weekend of filming. Then she worked with Chiara Fattorusso, a young make-up artist still in high school at the time, and the two created the faces of Raven. Usually, it involved making me look pale and then shocking with black everywhere else. The two of them were simply phenomenal.

This might seem very odd considering the level of the make-up, but the music was more pivotal for me to get into character. I think it had to do with the timing since I would either listen to it before the application or during. Sometimes I would run lines with Chiara, or I would already be in character and talking to Susan or Chiara as if I were Raven. Since I couldn’t see the make-up, it was more Raven being made-up for her performance. The make-up to me was the finishing touch. It completed the character for me. Once that was done, I was Raven, and not Kimberly. In fact, Susan actually referred to me only as Raven once make-up was on, especially during the more vigorous and emotionally draining sequences.
 
Outside of acting and writing, what are your passions, Kim?  Turn-ons?  Turn-offs?  Any hobbies?

My passions are my family and friends. I am very blessed with a large family and friendships of 14 years or more. They help keep my passion up for my craft even when times are thin for work. They also keep me grounded when I need to be.

My hobbies are varied. I love going to Mets game. I have been a fan since I could remember. I love doing as much outdoors as possible. Heck, I bike ride, roller blade, play softball and I even garden! I love being outside when the weather is nice enough. I love to drive as well. There is nothing like a nice long drive with friends, music and a theme park on the horizon. I’m also an XBox 360 gamer and play online with some friends. I love talking shop and sports too.

My turn-ons are as different as people. I love people with wit—dry or otherwise. I adore people with intellectual capability, and I don’t just mean in the academic sense of the word. Compassion, drive, patience, openness and heart are qualities that I look for in others as well.

My turn-offs are probably very common complaints [that] a lot of other people [share]. My biggest pet peeve is if someone treats you like you’re less of a human being for whatever reason. It doesn’t matter what your gender, race, ethnicity, religion, etc., are—I am a human being, so treat me as such. I dislike people who talk loudly on their cell phones during a highly anticipated movie or on the Long Island Rail Road while others are trying to enjoy reading a book. Finally, I hate getting lost on those long drives I love to take.

Who are some of your favorite filmmakers, Kim?  What about your favorite films?
 
There are so many filmmakers I respect and admire, like Wes Craven, James Cameron and Sam Raimi to name a few. I really do enjoy watching Disney films a lot, especially Lilo & Stitch. I have a very extensive horror DVD collection right next to my Stitch stuffed animals and my Mets hats. Odd, right? The Evil Dead series was great. They made an off-Broadway musical from the first two films in the series. The first few rows of the theater seats got splattered with fake blood in the second act, and I was in the thick of it. It was awesome, and the musical was pretty hysterical too. Other horror/thriller movies I enjoy include Silence of the Lambs, the Resident Evil series, Underworld, The Bone Collector, 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later, to name just a few.
 
Let’s talk horror. Why are you such a fan?
 
I love the genre for many reasons. First, it’s so much fun to be a performer in a horror film, for obvious reasons.

Such as?

You get to let loose. You get to say or do things that wouldn’t normally be heard or seen in everyday society. Not to mention you get to play with fake blood a lot—just make sure it doesn’t dye your hair.

Fair enough. What else do love about scary movies?

Each film can make you run the gamut of emotions.  I remember seeing Nightmare on Elm Street when I was very young. I was so scared [that] I slept with the lights on for a long time. The movies Saw and Silence of the Lambs require you to pay attention every step of the way.  The fear was not in the supernatural evil, but about darkness that lives in our society.  Finally, more often than not, this genre allows one to have a campy fun time with friends.

You mentioned you’re a gamer.  I’m sure that’s something you have in common with other horror fans. What’s your fave XBox 360 game?
 
Yes, I am an avid gamer. My favorite XBox game…wow that’s a tough one ‘cause there are so many. I love the XBox live arcade games like Geometry Wars and the classic Atari games they are re-releasing. That being said, right now I have been playing a lot of Halo 3, Lego Star Wars, Assassins, Gears of War and baseball.

What’s your best score?

My best score? I honestly never paid attention. On Xbox 360, you gain achievement points while playing games when you complete certain tasks. My gamer tag is kimiekat76, and I currently have an achievement score of over 10,000.
 
Whoa! So, what’s next on the horizon for you?  Is it hard to predict due to the strike?

Under the Raven’s Wing is currently making the rounds at various film festivals and continues to garner critical acclaim. I’ve also starred in, co-produced and wrote two shorts that are almost completed and should hit festivals in fall 2008. Beyond that, I am looking to develop two different webseries. One, which my associate Amanda Ramirez and I are working on, is a behind-the-scenes look at developing a television series and the struggles to get it written and sold. The other one is a solo effort that’s more of a crime-riddled drama which will be shot with a handheld style.

Beyond that, I continue to audition and submit for various roles. The strike is taking its toll on a lot of actors, and I hope it will come to an end soon. I just hope to continue working regardless of the genre. I love what I do, and I hope to get the opportunity to entertain audiences for a long time.

Okay, now for a real geeky question.  You were in People magazine, in a picture with Lucy Lawless.  Just how awesome was that?

It was so much fun! There were a bunch of photos taken during the shoot. In a few of them, Lucy was standing right next to me. You know, she really isn’t that tall to me…but then again, I am 5’9”. The People magazine shoot and meeting Renee O’Connor [who played Gabrielle on Xena, Warrior Princess] are still two of my favorite moments.

Are you a big fan of Xena?  You’d be great if they ever decided to do a Xena movie.  You could be Xena’s long-lost sister!

I have to admit I used to travel to various conventions dressed up as the character Gabrielle from Xena. I am very tall for the role, but I had a bunch of people who knew me, and they always wanted me to dress up. I remember, once, I dressed up as the character Callisto and a few people were upset that I had switched and made their Gabrielle evil.

As far as the film, I would love to be a part of it. What fan wouldn’t? I can’t do the Xena yell though, but I do know all the great sidekick lines.
 
One last thing. Your family is important to you. How do they feel about you choosing acting and show business over a more stable, traditional career? 

My family has always lived by one rule: If you try your best and fail, you have done your best and that is all that matters. Deciding to put my psychology career on hold was a very difficult decision, especially since I had the job offer from Riker’s Island. I was so indecisive that I actually applied and interviewed for doctoral programs as well. The day before the interview for the school I wanted, I sat down with my mother about my options. She was a four-star thespian in college, and she wrote poetry as well. If anyone could understand the pull of the entertainment industry, it was her. So, we sat down over coffee and talked about the pros and cons of what I was doing. I realized that in the psychology field, I was being forced into a box of how other people thought it should run. There was no room for change or creativity, at least from my perspective on things. I went into my interview the next day [and] basically spoke my mind about everything. Needless to say, I was rejected. I have no regrets. I did my best, and they didn’t want it.

I am able to focus on my entertainment career because of what my parents have given me. They always provided guidance, assistance or a sound voice of reason when I needed it. I am very blessed to have a very solid family that supports me no matter what I do. I just hope I can make them proud in what I can accomplish.

That being said, most members of my family can’t watch my films. They say they can’t get past seeing me in funny make-up, accents or clothes. Ultimately, they always see me. I have to say that’s a wonderful thing, because no matter where my career takes me, I always want them to just see me.

~Theron Neel