Volumes of Blood: Horror Stories – Segment “The Deathday Party.”

Actress Anne Welsh – “Nancy.”

iHorror: Have you had any previous experience in film? How did you get attached to this project?

Anne Welsh: I have done some commercial work, but never have participated in a film like this before.  I did a film a few years ago that was done through Riverpark Center, but it was nothing like this experience. I had worked with PJ on a different film as a costume [which is what I am, a costume designer] and he asked me to audition for this film.  I was very interested in seeing what the process was and how it was all put together.  And boy, did I learn a lot.  I watch movies and tv now and think ‘Okay, there’s a cut’!  Stuff like that.  And I know that I’ll never be really scared by a horror film now that I know just how everything is done.  The blood is simply amazing, as are all the effects.  I had to go to Cassandra’s house to have a mask taken off my head.  She’s a true artist and her little dog Eli, was my companion for the event.  I lay on the floor, and he promptly placed himself on my chest!  He had to stay next to me the entire time she worked on it.  And the final product was amazing.

iH: Are you a fan of the horror genre? If so, what are your favorite films and have any inspired you?

AW: I really was not all that familiar with the horror genre.  I have seen several of the big name films-Nightmare on Elm Street, things like that, but really didn’t know that there was a whole other segment of the filmmaking industry.  Or that there were so many independent horror filmmakers.

iH: Any fun stories that occurred on set?

AW: Hmmm.  Well, the pants that I was given for my costume were really a tad bit small, so sitting was a problem!  And when we came to filming the scene where Jay is using the cleaver to ‘cut off’ my head, we were all jammed into this very small kitchen.  Jay was standing to my left, and I was bent over with my head towards the kitchen counter.  There was a tech guy on the floor, who was flicking blood at both of us.  I was directed to stand there for a moment and then as Jay brought the cleaver down, to quickly back out of the way.  I assumed that we were using a prop knife until someone said that maybe I shouldn’t be standing there.  At which point, I stood up!  I had blood all over my face, and my mouth[ done for effects]  and so couldn’t speak without ruining the effect, so I made some strenuous noises and hand motions, which everyone found very amusing!  Someone said, ‘Oh, you didn’t know it was a real knife?’  Uhm…..no!

The cast and crew were really great on this shoot, it was a ton of fun, albeit a very long day, but I would do it again in a heartbeat.  I come from a long theater background; I can’t even begin to estimate the number of stage productions I’ve been in, so that’s my training.  There was one moment when we were again in the kitchen, and Eric was directed to hit a mark.  He was missing it for each take, so doing what stage actors do, I adjusted my position, so I was still in view.  At which point, we were both told what to do again!  And I was also corrected for speaking too loudly, which is another common problem with stage actors.  Projecting to the back of the house is not necessary!

iH: Did you previously know any of the cast members in “The Deathday Party” segment?

AW: No, I didn’t know anyone else in the cast, so it was really nice to meet other actors and share experiences.  I also didn’t know what the protocol was for lines.  I’ve been trained to come knowing them all and realized that that really wasn’t that necessary for film.  Sure, you have to know your scenes, but actors were studying through the course of the day.  Were I to do something like this again, I’d still come prepared, though.

iH:  Is there anything that you are currently working on that you can talk about?

AW: I’m not currently involved in any other films.  I’d love to be, though!  I’m working on a dance production and will most likely be doing another stage production in the near future.

 

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