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Your new movie Evil
Souls - in a few words, what is it about, and what can you tell us
about your characters in it?
The
simplest way to describe the underlying meaning of Evil
Souls
is to
discuss the dichotomy of human nature. Socially we have preconceptions of
good and evil, but is it the sin we hate, or the person we associate with
it? Evil
Souls
is about the struggle and balance between good and evil,
with the edges blurring. Is an evil act less because it is for the good of
mankind, or is it still an evil act? Is a person evil if they have never
been taught another way of life? Evil
Souls allows the audience to make
their own mind up in these matters.
I
play two contrasting characters in this movie, Maddie Norton, and her
mother Catherine:
- Maddie
started life as a good child, but became subject to abuse and control by
her older brother “Valentine”, played by Peter Cosgrove. Valentine got
Maddie hooked on drugs and alcohol as a form of control. Unable to see
any other option Maddie looks for a way to gain some power over Valentine
to break the chains he has bound her to.
-
Catherine
lives in regret, she made a pact of which she is bound but tries to break.
Since no one would listen or believe her, she was locked in a mental
institution and deemed insane. Diagnosed with several mental health
issues, she knows the future but is helpless to stop it. That is until
Father Albert, played by Julian Boote, comes looking for answers.
What did you draw upon to
bring your Maddie to life, and how much of Lisa Marrs can we find in your
character? This
is actually rather difficult question to answer, mainly because of my life
experiences. I have seen first-hand the destructive nature of drug
addiction since my sister was a heroin addict, sadly deceased. But my
personal feelings towards this matter was never infused into Maddie, after
all, addicts are people with feelings, emotions and passions like any
other person, just they’re ruled by their addiction. Maddie is simply a
created character. I personally cannot identify with a prostitute, drugs
or drinks since I refrain from both and certainly have never worked as a
hooker. Saying that, I am sure subconsciously I have mimicked perhaps,
some things I have seen in the past. You also play Maddie's mother in
Evil
Souls under heavy makeup - so how much of a challenge was it to
bring your character across there?
Originally
it was never intended that I play Catherine, there was an actress in Devon
that was going to play the part. But since we filmed in Italy, she was
unable to make those dates. It was more of a last moment decision to fill
the role. Fortunately, one of our make-up ladies, Nicole Rossin, had
experience in aging make-up so we went with it.
I
can honestly say, I didn’t plan anything for Catherine. I saw the set,
knew my lines, and improvised bouncing off the actor Julian Boote. I do
know I drove Nicole mad, because the movements of my face were causing the
latex to come lose J
How did you get
involved with the project in the first place, and how did you end up on
the production side of things as well? Being
an actress in my early 40s I am frequently offered roles that revolve
around a mother, ironing board, and a sofa. Artistically these are very
unsatisfying. I decided I would like to stay within feature films, but
build towards an overall knowledge and background to emancipate women, by
creating better roles. It was during a discussion with Roberto Del Piccolo
[Roberto
Del Piccolo interview - click here]
that he mentioned a script that had interesting female roles. This helped
make my decision to take the next step. At this point I had no intention
of acting in the movie, but wanted to learn more about behind the scenes.
What were the
major challenges when producing Evil
Souls? And how much creative power did you wield or demand during
the shoot? I
find these interesting choices of words "wield" and "demand"
- it was a
team effort, everyone pitched in as much as possible. Much of the ground
work was covered by directors Roberto and Maurizio Del Piccolo, having more experience, but
everyone was free to add their creativity and to make changes if it was
for the better – many minds are better than one. I did have artistic
control over certain scenes, i.e. the fight in the forest. But, input came
from actors, all corners, we never blocked creative thinking. The biggest
challenge in making Evil
Souls was the cold. We filmed in January, and
although we had heaters, hot drinks and blankets, we all were pretty cold
at times, but plenty of smiles to warm us inside.
What can you tell us about your directors,
Maurizio and Roberto Del Piccolo [Roberto
Del Piccolo interview - click here], and what was your
collaboration like? We
are quite an unusual bunch really, Roberto is hyper active, always on the
go, Maurizio is a very quiet and an unassuming person, and there is me. I
am serious when I work, and I say what I mean. The one thing we all have
in common is a passion for horror. Working together was easy enough. We
adapted to each other, and compromised when needed. Of course, sometimes
visions collided, but there was never any drama. Both gentleman are very
talented, and give 100% to their work. What more could you ask for? The
only thing I can’t agree on is Roberto’s love of crocs! :S :O
You were also responsible for
casting Evil Souls,
right? So what can you tell us about your cast, and why exactly these
people?
Firstly,
I would like to say we were very happy with our actors, they worked in
difficult conditions and gave us some wonderful footage. Roberto and I
worked together on the final decisions.
Valentine
was the hardest to cast, a lot of actors that applied just weren’t right
and I was beginning to worry. Then Peter Cosgrove applied, and I knew he was our
Valentine. His audition was creepy, and straight away I cast him. Peter
has a specific look that can look evil even when he is smiling. In real
life, he is a funny, sweet and gentle person without any malice in his
bones. But on screen he looks
the part.
Julian
Boote I already knew through a series called Acting Raw. We have some
mutual contacts, so when Roberto asked me what I thought it was a yes
straight away. Julian didn’t have to audition as we already knew he was
capable of the role effortlessly. Julian gives a very strong performance
in any role he undertakes.
For
the role of Jess, there were many applications to go through. Roberto and
I looked through every application and discussed each person. There were
many talented applicants, but some were not the right look or acting
style to match the character. I already knew Holli Dillon as we had been
cast in a movie that never happened, so I asked her if she would like to
audition. Since we wanted all the females to be different looking, she
fitted our vision, it became an easy decision.
Paola Masciadri was
picked by Roberto, he discussed with me in length his reasons and I
trusted his decision, it was a good choice. Paola gives everything 100%
and listens to direction very well. In real life, Paola is an emotional
being, and was able to feel her way with Susan. What can you tell us about the shoot as such,
and the on-set atmosphere?
It
was professional, with a few giggles and some moaning moments - who
wouldn’t moan in the cold? ;) Any future projects you'd
like to share?
Yes,
but from experience, I have learnt to never talk about something until
it’s finished. J What got you into acting in the first
place, and did you receive any formal training on the subject?
My
highest acting qualification is a GCSE. When I was a child I belonged to
an amateur dramatics society and gave live performances in the local town
hall. With school we acted scenes in a castle, for parents and finally an
examiner. My teacher, Chris Rickards, is still in contact with me after
all these years and is still active in the acting community J
My
first role was at 5 years old when I played the wicked witch in Sleeping
Beauty. I guess acting has always been a part of my childhood, so moving
to features seemed a natural progression.
You
have recently played a lead in the Nigerian movie The Lost Number -
now how did that come about, and what was the experience of filming in
Nigeria like?
Gosh,
I hate talking about myself can we talk about you instead? :D
I
simply auditioned for the role, and from all the applicants, they chose
me.
I
can honestly say it was an amazing experience, and I learnt a lot! Being
Caucasian meant I had to have armed guards at all times, as kidnapping is
frequent, but more in the North. It
was hard seeing how people live in the slums, and watching beautiful
children play with rubbish. A
lot of the children had never seen a white woman in person, so I became a
bit of a curiosity allowing me a chance to give them some fruit and
biscuits to enjoy. The
heat was difficult to work in and I was sweating profusely all the time
and there was no respite, but I had the luxury of returning to a hotel
with air conditioning, this is life for those people. The things we take
for granted are pure luxury for them, something I try never to forget.
I
will never forget Princess Edit, a very talented young lady, untrained but
a pure natural.
My
P.A was a lady called Edwina aka” tiger,” she took the time to explain
their culture, beliefs, and help me with everything I needed. HI EDWINA!
Any other films of yours you'd like to
talk about?
Ummm no, not currently.
How would you describe yourself as an
actress, and some of your techniques to bring your characters to life?
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I
simply learn my lines and direction without pre-planning anything, why? In
case a director would like to change something. I try to be aware of the
camera position and angles, past that I feel my way through a scene. I try
to entertain people, if I succeed great, if not, well maybe the next role.
Actresses
(and indeed actors) who inspire you?
I
am inspired by Jodie Foster. Her natural grace and acting style never
fails to captivate me. She is one of the most famous untrained actors of
my generation. Another is Kathy Bates she always brings something new to
the table. Male actors I have many likes, too many to mention. Your favourite
movies?
I
could fill several A4 papers J
But
I do think everyone should take the time to watch The Hounds, the
first feature by Roberto and Maurizio Del Piccolo. Ok, ok, I know,
shamelessly promoting! ;)
... and of course, films you really deplore? I
really don’t like erotic horror. It is usually devoid of any storyline,
not to say it doesn’t have its place, just they don’t stimulate me.
Your
website, Facebook, whatever else? I
prefer to keep private thank you.
Anything else you are
dying to mention and I have merely forgotten to ask? No
thank you J
Thanks
for the interview! Thank
you too! Have a wonderful evening J
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