Interview: Indie Starlet Deneen Melody
Interview conducted by Marc Patterson
Deneen Melody might not be a name you’re immediately familiar with, but you will be soon. She currently has more than half a dozen independently produced films under her belt, with several more lined up for this year. She’s a model, a ballet dancer, and an actress who does her own stunt work. She’s featured as a character in the upcoming comic Ginger Stein: Rise of the Undead, and I’m pretty sure that between all of her projects and keeping up with her ever-growing fanbase she never has time to rest. Hell, if all that weren’t enough we just learned she’ll be joining our friend Brian Shirley from Geek Tyrant for a new horror podcast. You can bet your britches we’ll be tuning in for that. Deneen represents both a new breed of horror actress that transcends the term Scream Queen and a return to the DIY work ethic that’s been missing over the past decade.
She was awesome enough to chat with us for a while and we went everywhere from Christina Hendricks to zombie fighting techniques and back again.
Brutal As Hell: First up – let’s not dwell on the fact that you were a ballet dancer. Let’s just be impressed. What was it like going from the world of ballet dancing to low budget splatter films?
Deneen Melody: Actually, it was pretty easy! I think this is what I was always meant to do because I absolutely love it. While I do all different kinds of acting including drama, action, and comedy, horror is definitely my favorite, and a lot of that has to do with the blood and gore. I grew up watching scary movies, so I have always loved horror and it has never bothered me. Except Wolf Creek. For some reason, that one creeps me out! I don’t like psycho killers.
I also find acting in the horror genre extremely rewarding. Some people think all you really need to do is run around and scream, but they have NO idea how emotionally exhausting horror films really are. Aside from the physical aspect (running, fighting, etc.), screaming can take a lot out of you. Plus, it is all very dramatic, and that can be difficult. Crying, screaming, running, gasping, being covered in blood, pretending to kill people, it takes a lot out of you! You need endurance and energy, for sure.
Brutal As Hell: I understand that you got out of ballet because of an injury. Correct me if I’m wrong. So what – in the love of all that’s unholy – would possess you to take up stunt work on top of the acting gig?
Deneen Melody: That is correct. I had to stop dance due to a foot injury. So why would I get into stunts? Because I get a kick out of it! I ain’t a wimp. I actually danced on my injured foot for several years before it got to the point of not being able to handle hours of rehearsals and classes, so I’m definitely not one to baby away from pain.
While I don’t get to do stunt work or go to stunt class as much as I would like, I absolutely love it. It’s a thrill! The fight choreography is always fun, but I also love being thrown into things and doing falls. It may sound and look a little intimidating, but you learn to do everything safely and practice several times before doing it on set. One of my favorite things I have done so far in a film was getting thrown into a fence by Debbie Rochon for the film As Night Falls by Joe Davison. Now THAT was a blast! I wanted to do it over and over again.
Brutal As Hell: Have you been in any real fights?
Deneen Melody: Actual physical fist fights? A few, yes. I was an angry child. (laughs) No, I am only kidding. I seriously did get into a few minor fights growing up though, most of the time defending my friends at school. I was little, but I couldn’t stand it when bullies would pick on my friends. I really couldn’t stand it at all. I also remember my best friend and I getting into a fight on the playground during second grade over something very silly. She jumped on top of me but I kicked her with my cowboy boots. Of course, we both got in trouble, but it was kind of fun in a strange way.
All my fights now are choreographed, but we make them look real and they are always fun.
Brutal As Hell: If we pit Lindsay Lohan in a back alley brawl against Megan Fox, who would come out on top?
Deneen Melody: Really? Ehhh… neither. I’m not going to say anything negative about either actress, but Sigourney Weaver could take them both out easily. Not only is she a real bad ass… I mean, come on, she is Ripley in the Alien movies, but she is super intelligent and could definitely put them in their place.
And in terms of the younger actresses, Abbie Cornish could kick both their asses. Haven’t you seen her in the new Sucker Punch trailer? Now THAT’S what I’m talking about! Plus, she is a smart girl with loads of talent. Watch some of her stuff. You’ll be impressed.
Brutal As Hell: Tyler Durden asked me to ask you if you could fight anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Deneen Melody: Wow, people are probably going to think I’m bloodthirsty and violent after this interview! I’m not going to lie. A certain entertainer popped into my head right away. Out of respect, I shall not say his name, but I do not like him and his acting makes me angry. People love the guy, too! That’s the thing! But whenever I watch ANYTHING with him in it, I just want to smash the TV. I cannot explain why. Sure, I bet he is a nice person, but since I do not know him personally, he would be my first choice at this moment. I think he and I could have a good fight. I would rather fight a man than a woman, anyway. If I could punch him right now…I would totally do it.
There are a few other people I really do believe deserve a good slap in the face, too, but it isn’t my place to do it. Plus, I am a firm believer of karma and they will get what is coming anyway. I don’t even need to fight them!
Brutal As Hell: In your experience what’s the best weapon to take down a zombie with?
Deneen Melody: Samurai sword. This is what my character, Elizabeth aka Lizzy, uses in Joe Davison’s As Night Falls, and it came in handy. Guns are fun and I am definitely a gun handling sort of gal, but you always run out of ammo and can sometimes miss. But with a sword, once you cut off their head, you know they ain’t coming back, unless they are some type of super zombie. Using a sword may take a lot more endurance and strength, but hey, that can help you in the long run by keeping you in shape. You can outrun and fight zombies all through the entire zombie apocalypse!
Brutal As Hell: Christina Hendricks is so incredibly hot. I know that’s technically not a question, I’m just sayin’.
Deneen Melody: Ooooooooh. I totally agree with you. I look up to Ms. Hendricks because she and I are very similar body-wise (as well as being red heads), and it makes me proud to see a curvy woman getting as much recognition as the skinny model types. Plus, she is a damn good actress, which gains even more respect in my book.
Brutal As Hell: Take us through a typical day in the life of Deneen. Feel free to elaborate and make stuff up.
Deneen Melody: Well. First thing I do is wake up, of course, and hop onto this magical little thing called a computer to respond to e-mails, Facebook messages, Twitter stuff, etc. etc. There are always about a million of them, so I try to respond to as many as I can before I need to jump into my car, which I wish was a unicorn, because I love unicorns, and go off on my many adventures of rehearsals, filming, slaying dragons, and production meetings.
When the day is done, I usually hop back onto the magical computer, finish up a few things, then go play video games ‘til I fall asleep. Every once in awhile my day will include going to the movies or playing more video games or something like that. Oh, and when I have free time I’ll go to stunt classes or play laser tag, but I haven’t had much time lately. My life really does revolve around films and acting, which is just the way I like it.
Brutal As Hell: Okay – let’s talk horror films. Slices of Life. A new horror anthology that’s current in post-production. You play a role as a character called Pink Snapper. Tell us about the film and your role in the film.
Deneen Melody: Slices of Life is a feature length horror anthology by filmmaker Anthony G. Sumner. It was written by Anthony, Eric Richter, and the indie horror legend Alan Rowe Kelly and features three different segments, Work Life, Home Life, Sex Life, including a wrap around story that brings everything together. It also features a fantastic ensemble cast of actors and was put together by the best crew around, TinyCore Pictures. I absolutely adore these guys: Eric Richter, Chad Norris, Brain Raida, Taylor Miller, Keith Ehrenberg, Paul Mackey, and Jill Young. There are so many others involved I wish I could mention as well!
I play the lead character in the Sex Life (aka Pink Snapper) segment along with Galen Schloming and Judith Lesser, both amazing actors. It is the final chapter of the anthology and is one of my all-time favorite films that I have done. The basic story is that two siblings, Galen and myself, escape from a sexually abuse home only to find shelter in a beautiful Victorian mansion that hides something much, much worse. It is full of blood, gore, and the creep factor is through the roof. My character, Susan Ballard, was such a fun one to play I feel honored to have had the opportunity to play such a role. She starts off rather mousy and timid, but as the story progresses, the audience can see that she really is a brave girl that will do anything to protect her brother. And then…well…you’ll have to wait and see.
Slices Of Life (Teaser) Feature Film from Eric Richter on Vimeo.
Brutal As Hell: The trailer looks bloody as hell, so we’re excited. What can you reveal about the film? How tough was the film to make?
Deneen Melody: Well, aren’t you in for a treat! The trailer isn’t any where NEAR as bloody as the real deal. (laughs with an evil tone). But, seriously, the film itself is super bloody, at least the Sex Life/Pink Snapper segment is. I was covered from head to toe in blood and gore, and yes, I loved every second of it. Horror fans are going to go crazy for this! Anthony, Eric, and the TinyCore gang really know how to make a real horror flick, that’s for sure.
As far as revealing anything, I actually cannot do that. I made a promise to not give out any spoilers. You all need to be surprised, which you definitely will be!
Making a movie is always a difficult process, but the wonderful thing about the guys of TinyCore is that they move fast and get everything they want without wasting time. One thing is for sure though, the amount of work these guys put into the pre-production and post-production is just amazing. Especially post. Slices of Life has been their main priority for over a year now, and they have worked super hard to make sure it is a darn good movie. And it is.
Brutal As Hell: Do you get to do any crazy stunt work in Slices of Life?
Deneen Melody: In Slices? Nah, not really. Although, without revealing too much, I do have a rather physical scene at the start of the film and then I got to run around a bit… but aside from that, I didn’t do any stunt work, which is OK. There is plenty of action and suspense in Slices that people will be satisfied.
Brutal As Hell: You’re also starring in another bloodbath of a film called Song of the Shattered. Tell us how you got involved with this project and your role in the film.
Deneen Melody: Song of the Shattered, written by the talented Brandon Slagle, who also stars in the film, was originally slated to be a short film as part of a horror anthology. However, from my understanding, it was a story that didn’t really fit with the rest of the anthology and after a few complications, the people involved in the original short (Brandon, Devanny Pinn, Tara Cardinal, and Wolfgang Meyer) got together and decided to just shoot it as a feature. These guys are amazing. They basically pulled everything that they had together in just a matter of a few days to make this thing into a feature length movie, and they definitely reached that goal. It just goes to show that when you are driven and dedicated, you can make anything happen, even a feature film. Making movies isn’t an easy thing, but it can be done if you have the right people and actually apply yourself to finishing what you started.
Another actress was originally slated to play the role of June, but I was brought in to the film a few days before filming began. Devanny had contacted me and after I read the script, I REALLY wanted to do it. This is a film that focuses on real horror, real issues that people have to deal with on a daily basis. Rape, abuse, insanity… these are the real monsters that haunt people and affect their lives forever. The story in Song of the Shattered, while maybe exaggerated, is not far from the truth. It was based on one of the crew’s personal experiences, and I can say that I have seen similar situations as well.
My character, June, and her husband Eric (Brandon Slagle), try to befriend and help Angela (Devanny Pinn, who is amazing in this role) after they find her walking alone on the side of the road. June is a genuinely kind person that senses that Angela has been through a lot, and she tries, even in a short period of time, to reach out to her. I don’t want to give too much away, but will say that something very tragic happens to these three characters, and all the events surrounding that start to affect Angela through out the film. The story is really about one person’s descent into darkness AFTER dealing with rape and abuse and all of the situations in the film are just so messed up.
The cast and crew of this film deserve so much credit. So much work was put into making this film and it really wasn’t an easy one to make: Devanny Pinn, Tara Cardinal, Brandon Slagle, Wolfgang Meyer, Joe Hollow, Jess Weber, Jimmy Creamer, and Kaliafeh Wright. You guys rock!
Brutal As Hell: You’re still generally new to horror and have many years of fighting the undead ahead of you. So what role are you dying for someone to cast you as?
Deneen Melody: I really really really want to be cast in something along the fantasy lines, like in Lord of the Rings. I play an awesome character named Hecate in Western X that is similar, but I want to be involved in a huge fantasy epic. So, it may not be EXACTLY horror, but if I could play a role in a dark, Medieval, bloody fantasy… that would be perfect. I want to run around with a sword and wear armor. Heck yeah.
Also, funny enough, I have been dying to voice an animated character in a fantasy or science fiction series…and I actually just got that opportunity, so I am excited! (I cannot say much about it at this point, but believe me: it is going to be huge!) If I could voice a character in a video game, that would also be swell.
There is also a certain comic book character I want to play SO badly. I don’t even want to say who it is… I’m afraid of jinxing it. But, she is a super awesome character from one of my all-time favorite comics, and she would definitely be a rewarding role for any actress.
Brutal As Hell: You’re also a comic book geek and you’re being featured in something called Comic Book Divas. Tell us all about this.
Deneen Melody: I love Comic Book Divas and am so honored to be a part of it! It was created by Jeff Hughes and Jason Dube of Scattered Comic Studios. Jeff had the idea to start making comics with the lead female characters being based on various actresses, models, scream queens, etc. I remember him telling me that he wasn’t too sure what the response would be, or if any actresses out there would even be interested, but he has definitely received a huge, and positive, response since CBD started last fall!
And, yes, I am a huge comic book nerd, so you can imagine how excited I was when Jeff first approached me about being in the upcoming Fangs comic. First off, it is a comic book. Second, it has vampires and I would be one of those vampires. Third, it also featured the lovely Devanny Pinn. How could I turn that down?
At this point, I am involved in several comics by Comic Book Divas. Fangs is the first one, which also features Devanny Pinn (as I previously mentioned) and Michelle Shields, and beautiful artwork by Josh Barker. I am also in the web comic A Life Behind the Mask by Dennis Willman and Jeff Hughes as The Blackbird, the Batman parody of the group. (I love this character; she is such a bad ass!) The final comic I play a major role in is Dennis Willman’s Ginger Stein: Rise of the Undead, which is being put together through CBD. It features a wonderful cast including Shannon Lark, Cari Thomson, Cody Blymire, Bobby Ray Akers Jr., and several other talented names in the indie horror realm. My character is an evil one known as Nicole Harmony. I think horror fans are really going to dig it.
Fans will also be able to purchase and preview special addition “mini-comics” of Fangs and Ginger Stein: Rise of the Undead at the upcoming SAC Horror/Sci-Fi Show this September! I will be there as a guest, sponsored by the wonderful people of Legends of Heroes and Villains, and will be able to sign not only the mini-comics, but prints of my various characters from Comic Book Divas.
Brutal As Hell: Okay – Let’s take a break from all the “project questions”. It’s the post-apocalyptic wasteland. Where would you rather be stuck, a city crawling with zombies, or out in the jungle surviving the cannibals?
Deneen Melody: Definitely in the city with all the zombies, even though I strongly dislike the city. (Why am I living in Chicago?) I would have no problem taking out zombies. They’re already dead and depending on what “kind” of zombie they are, they are probably very slow. Plus, you can get your hands on weapons, food, and vehicles while you are in the city, even if it is the post-apocalypse.
While it would be an adventure being in the jungle, the cannibals would have such an advantage over their victims. I mean, they LIVE in the jungle. You couldn’t hide very well. They would still find you and eat you. Not to mention you have to deal with all the hungry animals and poisonous plants.
Brutal As Hell: What are you working on now?
Deneen Melody: I am currently getting ready this month for a film called Deathwoods by filmmaker and actor Scott Connor and Jason Crowe. It features one of my favorite ladies, Debbie Rochon, so when I was asked to play one of the roles I couldn’t turn it down. Plus, I met Scott and his family at Fright Night Film Festival and was so impressed with the script. (The character I will be playing is definitely a fun one!)
Aside from Deathwoods, I have several projects lined up for the next few months including two different films by producer Joe Hollow: Bloodstruck (from the Diary of Death series) and Cut!. Joe is such a wonderful person and he really works with his actors on their characters. My roles in each film are completely different, yet fit the personalities I love to play.
I will also be teaming up with the Song of the Shattered crew on their next feature film called Dog Fight written by Jen and Sylvia Soska, which features an awesome cast led by horror favorites Tara Cardinal, Devanny Pinn, Rachel Grubb, Shannon Lark, Tara Alexis, and Brandon Slagle.
After this, I’ll be working with K.M. Jamison, Jim Bett, and Mitchell D. Wells on Serial: Girls Night Out, which is a follow up to the wonderfully creepy Serial: Amoral Uprising. I’ll be starring in this along with Colleen Elizabeth Miller, Kelsey Zukowski, and Christopher Howell as Trenton Bracks. My good friend Marv Blauvelt is also featured in this one!
Other films I am working on include: Afraid of Sunrise, a vampire film by Andy Schatner and Justin Romine, Crestfallen, a drama written by Russ Penning and shot by Jeremiah Kipp and Dominick Sivilli, and Mediatrix by the wonderful Cory J. Ulder, also starring Debbie Rochon as The Virgin Mary!
Brutal As Hell: When can we start seeing some of your films?
Deneen Melody: Slices of Life and Song of the Shattered will be screening at various festivals starting this fall, so if you follow me on Facebook, you can be updated on the times and locations of each screening. As Night Falls and Distortion should start making the festival round soon as well. You may also see Western X online starting this fall, with a premiere of the first three episodes at the Sacramento Horror/Sci-Fi Show along with Song of the Shattered.
We’re hoping that Psycho Street will be finished by next spring, and I am sure the upcoming Dog Fight and Serial: Girls Night Out films will be ready by that time as well.
Brutal As Hell: Well thanks so much for taking the time out for this interview. We’re looking forward to hearing more from you and your projects!
Deneen Melody: Thank you so much for the interview and for all the support you have shown my projects and fellow actors/indie filmmakers. Brutal as Hell rocks!
For those interested in learning more you can check out the following links:
Slices of Life: http://slicesoflifemovie.com
Comic Book Divas: http://comicbookdivas.com
Sacramento Horror/Sci-Fi Convention: http://www.sachorror.com
Legends of Heroes and Villians: http://www.legendsalternateuniverse.com/
Joe Hollow: http://joehollow.com
Serial: Girls Night Out: http://www.girlsnightoutfilm.com/
