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Your movie Pareidolia - in a
few words, what is it about, and what can you tell us about your character in it?
Pareidolia is about the concept of the same name. It's when you think you see
something that really isn't there. Like seeing a face in a
cliff or an eagle in a cloud. The film takes this idea to a darker place
though, where the mind becomes confused about what is or isn't real. So
the question becomes can the mind actually create something real from its
imagination? Real enough to murder or is it just the person's fear that
kills them?
My character is Micki Myers, a late night radio DJ. She has a sultry voice
that keeps her listeners tuned in. She enjoys visiting with them through
calls and fulfilling their song requests.
What did you draw upon to bring your character to life, and how much Sandy
Johnson can we find in Micki Myers?
I have always loved radio programs with charismatic personalities and I am a
night owl by nature. At a younger age, I would often feel lonely at night
so I can relate to lonely listeners. I have enjoyed playing several
sensual roles in prior films and was able to bring this to Micki. In
addition to drawing from myself, I also drew from Adrienne Barbeau in The
Fog and Jessica Walker in Play Misty for Me. Both had sexy, late night
voices.
To what extent can you identify with Pareidolia's
approach to horror?
I definitely identify to this approach to horror. Psychological thrillers
are my favorite genre. The lighting, music, acting and emotional tension
are what scares me. I don't require blood to be afraid.
How did you get involved with the project in the first place, what drew you to it?
I became online friends with Stuart Morriss from Misty
Moon [Stuart Morriss
interview - click here]. I was a virtual
judge for his film festival a few years ago. We have shared many
conversations about his film and theatrical projects, as well as his
lovely cottage home. He had mentioned along the way he would like to use
me in a film. Being in the US makes it difficult, but Pareidolia
offered a unique opportunity for me to play a virtual role.
What can you tell us about Pareidolia's
director Aaron Truss [Aaron Truss interview - click here], and what was
your collaboration like? Aaron
described the role as that similar to the DJ in The Fog. I was able to
view a trailer for Pareidolia
which gave me a feel for the film. We
discussed the role thru online chat and recorded it a few different ways.
In addition, we recorded some extra lines that could be used for
marketing. I enjoyed working with the Q-Cumber team. Since yours is only a voiceover
role - did you at all travel to the UK to do your lines or did you record
remotely? And what can you tell us about the recording session? I
didn't travel to the UK. We filmed through Zoom in the comfort of my
office. I do have a professional microphone so we were able to get a good
quality recording. Any future projects
you'd like to share? I
will be doing a film called The Executioner this fall in
Florida. I play a psychiatrist who is trying to help a young boy suffering
from recurrent nightmares after the murder of his father. Its a
great role and I am very excited about it. I also finished up a film that
is in post production called Vulpes: The Lust for Revenge. It is a
Hungarian film that should be released later this year. It was also a
virtual role. In addition, I will be attending seven horror conventions
this year, both domestic and international. Including Weekend of Hell in
Germany and Nightmare at the Falls in Canada.
What got you into acting in the
first place, and did you receive any formal training on the subject? I
started taking drama, dance, dance production, play production, etc.
throughout my school years. Once I graduated high school, I went on to
take improvisation, pantomime and acting classes at college and through
the Hollywood studios. I still take some private acting lessons virtually. Since
many of my readers are horror fans, you just have to talk about your
involvement with Halloween
for a bit!
I was cast as Judith Myers, Michael Myers sister in the original Halloween
1978. I was with the Playboy Agency when John Carpenter reached out to me
for an interview. I was very excited to get the role as it was a new type
of film for me. I had only done comedies before. We shot my scene in two
takes after considerable practice earlier in the day. I am so proud to be
the actress that was selected. Working with John Carpenter and Debra Hill
was amazing. Visiting horror cons and meeting with fans is one of the
highlights of my life.
What can you tell us about the rest your filmwork prior to
Pareidolia?
I did a few comedies, outside of the horror films Halloween
78 and Halloween
2018. They included Jokes
My Folks Never Told Me where I played a farmer's daughter, Gas
Pump Girls where I portrayed a sexy gas station attendant, HOTS
where I was a stuck up sorority girl, and a 3-D film called Surfer Girls.
After doing a handful of movies in the late 1970s, your career went
on a bit of a hiatus until now - why was that, and what lured you back to
the filmworld?
I lost both of my parents to cancer soon after I started making films. The
grief was almost unbearable. My first husband and I moved to Oregon to
find solitude. But unfortunately, we were divorced soon after. I then went
back to Texas to be with my sisters. Where I proceeded to attain a BS,
Masters and PHD while teaching special needs children. In 2018, I received
a message from my current agent Rick Henriques who wanted me to be his
client and attend signings at horror cons. I fell in love with conventions
so my husband and I travel together to all the ones I am invited to. Some
of the fans suggested I should get back in movies, so I have begun the
process. I am very excited to be able to act again.
How would you describe yourself as an actress? I
draw from personal experience or from others' experiences. My life has many
threads flowing through it so it serves as a rich source to pull from. I
am always learning and watching to see how great actors portray their
roles. I love to immerse myself in new roles and develop just the right
character.
Actresses
(and indeed actors) who inspire you?
I admire Jennifer Carpenter from Dexter, Jack Nicholson,
Jamie Lee
Curtis, and so many others. Your favourite
movies? The Shining,
Psycho, Fried Green
Tomatoes, Scream, Halloween 78,
Halloween
2018, The Rear Window, The Other. ... and of course, films you really deplore? Generally
I don't like any films where there is cruelty or death to animals. So I
had some issues with Pet Sematary. Your
website, social media, whatever else?
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They can find me on facebook.com/therealsandyjohnson,
on Instagram as Unicornsandyj, and on my website at www.unicornsandyj.com.
Fans can purchase autographed photos, collectibles and can mail in
items to be autographed.
Anything else you're dying to mention and I have merely forgotten to ask? Just
that I feel really blessed to be connected to so many fans and now having
the opportunity to attend cons and make films. Thanks for the
interview!
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