There’s Something About Devanny – An Interview with Devanny Pinn
Interview with Indie Horror Actress Devanny Pinn
Interview conducted by Marc Patterson – August 2010
I recently had the opportunity to talk to the always lovely Devanny Pinn during an especially hot summer day in August. For Devanny it was another zany day in LA. The sounds of crazy tourists screaming outside her downtown apartment filled the air, but she carved out some time to talk to us in between her crazy non-stop schedule.
Folks love to talk about new “up and coming” indie stars and starlets. If you spend just five minutes with Devanny you’ll realize she is the real deal. She is among those leading the charge in a new generation of horror actresses. In addition to her acting talent, Devanny writes, produces, and has even recently taken up wrestling. She’s also a bit of an oxymoron in horror as she’s well known, and outspoken, for her devotion to her Christian faith. Myself having been raised in a conservative Christian home we had plenty to compare notes on.
Brutal as Hell: First of all, let’s talk about who Devanny is for a moment. Where are you from? You’re outspoken in terms of being a Christian. Were you raised in a Christian home?
Devanny Pinn: I am originally from New Jersey. Yeah, I know. It may be the reason I am outspoken about, well… everything. Religion is not something that was part of my home originally. My family broke up when I was young and I ended up looking for outlets. I found performance first and then a youth group that a few friends from school went to. They were heavy on playtime and were really good at throwing a positive, watered down message in there as well. I ended up really loving the people and their outlook on life so I continued to go throughout school and studied the religion. My Christian foundation made me who I am. My morals, values, and general upbeat personality are all product of my love for God.
Brutal As Hell: So when were you first exposed to horror? What was it that immediately fascinated you about the genre?
Devanny Pinn: I was pretty sheltered. I watched Jurassic Park when I was a kid in the theaters and that was the first not-”G” movie that I had been exposed to. I was scared out of my mind. I remember leaving the theater with the bloody images racing through my head and then stopping to think, “Wow that was fun!” As I got older I started sneaking around to watch horror flicks and found that I really loved them, especially the most graphic and brutal ones. I find the shock value a blast!
Brutal As Hell: So did this cause conflict for you? Or were your family and church more liberal?
Devanny Pinn: No, both my family and my church are not horror fans. I struggled with this, and more so when I chose to make it my career path. I thought that maybe there was something wrong with me, or that sin was tempting my thoughts. There were a thousand reasons to feel conflicted or ashamed. For a while I spent extra time in church and tried to forget about what interested me as an artist. Then I felt completely the other way and really wrapped myself up in the horror and alternative scene, and really put my faith on the back burner. I prayed a lot about it, and what I ended up being shown is that I do not have to choose one or the other. People have a fixed perception of what a Christian girl is, just like they have an idea of what a horror fanatic is. When you first meet me, you would never know that past the pink bows, sparkles, and Disney princess items that I love the sickest, most twisted and disturbing material that is out there. And the same goes for those who see my films or meet me on set. I am very open about my relationship with God, but most horror people do not know that I am a dedicated Christian. The Lord holds my soul and the genre has my heart – I would not be me without either.
I think that is why I am able to go to the extremes that I do with my work and not let it really affect me. No one is perfect and everyone has evil within them, I just choose to have my outlet be on camera. At the end of the day, I want people to know that just because you have God in your life doesn’t mean you must now fit a specific mold, nor do you have to worship the devil and dress all in black to enjoy horror. We were all made to be individuals – be who you are. Me – I live to serve Him and fill the camera with bloody art.
Brutal As Hell: When did you start acting? And did you do any acting prior to getting into horror? How did you get your first gig in the horror biz?
Devanny Pinn: The end of high school. I moved out my senior year in Arizona where I found an audition for an indie horror film. I like to do stupid stuff so I went to the audition. I had never acted in film, did not have a resume, head shot, reel, or any clue what I was doing. The director saw something in me and cast me in the lead role. My first film The Lonely Ones was sold out on Netflix with a two year wait when it debuted and still plays frequently on television overseas. I learned all about film on that set and took it all in. From there I was hooked, I knew my path.
Brutal As Hell: You’ve worked in modeling and as a “ring girl” for MMA events. Put this into context for us. When did this happen? Are you still involved with the MMA?
Devanny Pinn: Right after my first film, I turned 18 and was able to sign my own contracts so I went crazy. I did everything in the industry. I loved performing and wanted to have every experience I could. I worked as a model for a couple years, did a lot of event hosting, magazines, and eventually started booking ring girl gigs. They are a lot of fun. I do not model much anymore since I am very busy filming these days, although I still do get calls sometimes to do it. I am not working with MMA anymore, however I just started wrestling myself. Fellow genre actress Tara Cardinal and I are exclusively contracted to USCWF as the Scream Queen Tagteam. I really love it so it’s possible to see more of that in the future. If you are curious, you can watch for us, several other wrestling girls and former pro wrestling stars Al Snow and the Maestro in the upcoming film DogFight.
Brutal As Hell: You’re called “The Horror Barbie”. How did you acquire this moniker?
Devanny Pinn: On a set right after I decided to embrace horror full time, I went to film a project and the crew were teasing me and asking the director why he had hired Barbie to come act in his film. When it came time for me to do my scenes, I remember looking around after the first few takes and their jaws were on the floor. After a torture scene one of them threw up and had to leave set until I was done. It was a huge compliment. They were in shock that someone so perky and girly was such a sicko and started calling me the Horror Barbie, and the name just sort of stuck.
Brutal AsHell: You’ve worked on some massive sets, such as Piranha 3-D, but most of your work takes place in the world of small budget independent horror. How has this experience for you been, getting exposed to bigger sets and higher dollar budgets?
Devanny Pinn: A lot of people give me crap for it, but I would rather work on smaller sets. I love the ART and passion in indie filmmaking that is really lacking on larger films. The creative process is what does it for me. I am not interested in being the next Angelina Jolie or making eight-figure salaries. It might be the religious teachings. I have different priorities and was taught that material or egotistical quests are so irrelevant. Experiences and expression are what matters to me, so I really want to work on interesting and creative films that stretch me as an actress and satisfy my blood lust.
As far as Piranha 3-D, it was a good learning experience. I do like that I got to be part of the biggest slaughter ever to hit the screen. Boy did I get my gore fix! Plus Alex Aja is a hottie, so that didn’t hurt either. It’s getting good reviews so far, so congrats to all involved.
Brutal As Hell: You’re doing some producing on smaller budget projects. Do you find that you enjoy working “behind the camera” more?
Devanny Pinn: Acting is my first love, but yes I am having a blast behind the scenes. I am very curious to see what people are going to say about it. My film Song of the Shattered is about to debut and so far the few that have seen clips are raving, and the trailer has got everyone tuning in. I am proud of it because it’s the first time I had my hands in a project from beginning to end. It won’t be the last either. I am learning the ropes on producing right now, working on DogFight and about to shoot another sci-fi/horror film that I really think people are going to love. Eventually I want to direct, but that will be a little later down the line.
Brutal as Hell: Being that you’re a Christian, how have you found it to work in a genre that is generally defined by it’s defiance towards religion, and especially Christianity?
Devanny Pinn: It’s funny, two ladies just walked by with signs saying “Believe in Jesus Christ, don’t go to Hell.” I was going to go smack them over the head with their signs, but opted to answer this instead. Just like with anything, there are a wide range of people with an even larger range of ideas. Generally the message is the same in most religions, it is the people who interpret and follow it in different ways. For instance: “Love thy neighbor”. I would focus on love and try every day to pass on positive energy and good will. The next Christian may do something nice for someone and then pity them, or judge them for needing or wanting something, or feel superior because they know God’s word and this person does not. Or like these women with the signs. I am sure they think they are doing a good thing by telling people that they need to act now before their souls burn in hell, but to everyone else they suck. They are filling the sidewalk with hate, negativity, and judgement, and making the rest of us look like brainwashed psychos.
To everyone reading this, do not blame Christianity. Blame the ignorant sheep of society who simply cannot think for themselves and take messages that they are spoon fed literally and do not know how to apply within themselves. As for working within the genre: there are actually many, many Christians as well as others of various religions in horror. Way more than you might think. It is a struggle to balance those worlds, but most people are tolerant of it. I appreciate that.
Brutal As Hell: What’s your attitude towards working with nudity? For all intents and purposes, horror is a celebration of carnal pleasures.
Devanny Pinn: I was not comfortable doing it for a long time. However, I am a firm supporter of nudity with my gore. It goes hand in hand like peanut butter and jelly!
I knew that it was something I would have to face eventually if I wanted to be in this genre. I have done nudity, just this year actually, and I waited until I felt very ready and comfortable. This was also something I needed to find balance with. I practice abstinence via my Christian background, however I do not ignore the fact that I am a sexual being. There is something very erotic about horror. I limit my cinematic nudity and sexual situations, but I am open to it if it makes sense for my role in the film. So once again, the genre is an outlet for me. I express myself sexually through the screen. It works well for me, and from what I have heard, the audience appreciates it as well. (laughs)
In short yes, horror needs its T and A. I like lots in the films I watch, especially if there’s tons of bloody bodies to match.
Brutal as Hell: Do you take flack from fellow Christians who look down on this, who might say you’re involved with the Devil’s work?
Devanny Pinn: Yes I do. My answer to them is to focus on their own lives. No one on Earth is that perfect that they have time enough to judge the next person. What is right for one may not be for the next. I do not agree with or support things some others do, but just because I do not understand it doesn’t mean it is my place to tell them what to do. God steers us all down our own paths and I believe he is supporting mine. I was never meant to go with the crowd and I am not about to start now.
Brutal As Hell: Got a church you wanna give a shout out to?
Devanny Pinn: Yes, but I am not going to just in case it causes problems. I am prepared to take a lashing for my opinions but I am not going spotlight my church because this is touchy subject matter. I will say that they are open minded and tolerant. They support alternative lifestyles and choices and really stick to their word when they say “Come as you are”. They rock.
Brutal As Hell: What are some of the key lessons you’ve learned from working in low budget cinema in terms of bringing a creative vision to the screen effectively on a limited, sometimes non-existent, budget?
Devanny Pinn: It is stressful, but this is my favorite type. I am big on problem solving and I think part of the problem with larger budget films is they just write a check for any bump in the road. For me, the fun comes with finding an alternative solution for getting the needed job done. That is where the artistic and creative vision comes in. I really believe that before you could “fix it in post” or “just CGI it”, some of the best films were made. A lot of movies these days lack passion and heart because it’s so simple to just fix anything. Also as an actor when it’s just you and the camera it really forces you to bring out your best performances. I think a lot of actors will hide behind fancy sets, makeup, costumes, etc. When there is no budget for bells and whistles, you better bring your A game to make up for it.
Brutal As Hell: After you made The Lonely Ones you went on to work in 12/24, another small budget zombie film, and a Christmas zombie film at that. I don’t care what anyone says – Halloween is fun – but Christmas time is such a better time for horror. It’s like Monty Python says – no one expects the Spanish Inquisition and no one expects Christmas horror! I’ve seen very short clips of you in the film. It looks like a lot of fun. Talk to us about this experience, and how it was to work with Tiffany Shepis, who is at this point a legend of indie horror.
Devanny Pinn: 12/24 was the first film I did after deciding I only wanted to do horror. It was so great to come back to my first love. The Gargoyle Films guys are wonderful. So much fun and really enjoy what they do, it was exactly what I had been missing. I thought a Christmas zombie film was a genius idea! Of course I had second thoughts when it was 30 degrees and I was walking in the rain for a scene (laughs).
I did not film the same time as Tiffany, although I really wanted to. We flew in and out right after each other. It was great for me to be able to say we did a film together. I hope we get to actually work together on something in the future.
Brutal As Hell: In terms of your work with Creep Creepersin. This guy makes some messed up films. Have you heard of Vaginal Holocaust? I mean seriously… So tell me how you got hooked up with him, and repeatedly at that.
Devanny Pinn: Well, I like messed up, so Creepersin and I got along right away. I had heard of Vaginal Holocaust. I was shocked and then cracked up when I read the name the first time. It actually is a creative story. Creep found me as a Tromette during a Fangoria convention. I made a cameo in two of his films. After Orgy of Blood we parted ways, but I do wish him the best. He is another one who loves what he does and has his own style.
Brutal As Hell: Do you think of yourself as a scream queen? Do you find that term offensive?
Devanny Pinn: I think of myself as an artist who acts in horror films. I had been dubbed a scream queen immediately after starting to work in the genre and I was very flattered because I really do give 110% to my performances. However, I think the definition has kind of become skewed and the industry a bit saturated. I am not offended by the term, but I do wish that the title return to those exceptional actresses who have earned it such as Jamie Lee Curtis and Debbie Rochon.
Brutal As Hell: When did you meet Lloyd Kaufman? Tell me about this.
Devanny Pinn: Right after filming the Lonely Ones I was a spokesmodel for the Horror and Sci-Fi Film fest in Phoenix where Lloyd was being inducted into their hall of fame. He took a liking to me and made me a Tromette. I then attended various conventions and festivals with him. I love what he stands for and he’s an amazing man. I learned a lot from him. He acted in a couple of my movies such as Bad Girls Burn in Hell and Legend of the Red Reaper. There are a few more in the works too. He is awesome!
Brutal As Hell: I’m a big fan of Joseph Guzman and in my review of Run! Bitch Run! I said that he should make an expanded feature of the film within a film, Nude Nuns with Big Guns. Lo and behold he does, and you’re in it. Tell me about this project, how you got involved and what you do.
Devanny Pinn: Joseph is great! He has a great sense of humor. I actually really only make a cameo in this film. I saw the auditions for it over and over and almost went out for it because I also was a fan of Run! Bitch Run!. But I kept thinking, how am I ever going to explain to the Christian community that I did a film called “Nude Nuns with Big Guns”? So I didn’t go. Right after filming Piranha, I got back and a friend said she was going to do a scene for that film and that the director wanted me too. I went back and forth with it and then decided it couldn’t hurt to make a cameo, and I thought the plot was just hysterical so I did it. The shoot was a lot of fun. They are great people and it looked really beautiful. I am a dancer in a dive bar the biker gang hangs out at during the quest for the nun. Filmed with Tiffany Cache who also did Orgy of Blood with me, and Tawny Amber Young who is a fellow Rock of Love girl. Big fan of Bill Oberst Jr. so it was fun to finally do a project with him as well.
Brutal As Hell: Favorite Disney film?
Devanny Pinn: Oh I cannot choose just one! It would be a tie between Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin. High up on the list are also The Little Mermaid, Lion King, Hercules, Toy Story, Sleeping Beauty, and Mulan. I really love anything Disney! They bring out the giddy kid in me. I love the music, the humor, and that it can make me smile no matter what. Any film that takes me to another world and gets an emotional reaction out of me is what I enjoy. Disney makes me bounce and sing! On that same note, that is why I love horror. It is the only other type of film that makes me jump out of my seat.
Brutal As Hell: Okay – I feel like I’ve asked you a TON of questions. I appreciate all your time and can’t wait to start seeing some of these films you’re working on!
If you want to follow the exploits of Devanny Pinn then you can check out her latest happenings on www.DevannyPinn.net, and also be sure to friend her on Facebook.
