Femme Fatales Of Fright
Featuring The New First Ladies In Horror
Special Guests Interviews
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Interview
With
April Burril & Jimmy ‘O
Hello, folks. Long time no hear. How ya been?
A: Great – super busy, but that’s how we like it
J: Crazy Crazy Busy. Thank god for all the medication! LOL
Been busy? Any new projects since Chainsaw Sally?
A: In June, we completed principal photography for our next film – The Good Sisters, starring myself and Debbie Rochon. It’s in post-production as we speak.
J: We are also starting the Chainsaw Sally show, and as if we didn’t have enough to do April and I are in a local production of Evita.
Not to be nosy, but how did you two meet up? Hey, I am a sucker for a good love story, okay?
A: Hm... well, it’s a long and ridiculously romantic story... Years before we actually became an “item”, we were in Harford Dance Theatre together. Jimmy’s sister, choreographer Katie Hutchinson had created a dance piece set to three Led Zeppelin songs. The piece was called “Family Portrait” and followed a husband and wife – played by Jimmy and myself, who painted a large family portrait on a 8’ x 12’ canvas during the course of the piece while our “daughters” danced around us and “grew up.” It was big, messy fun – painting portraits using latex paints, brushes, hands, whatever... It ended with “All of My Love” and Jimmy and I dancing together. We were both involved at the time, so were no more than friends. Eventually, Jimmy moved down to Mississippi, got married, got divorced, started the theatre group Jamo, had a kid, and moved back up to Maryland. When he moved up here, he decided to get back together with his talented sister and start a branch of Jamo Alturnative Theatre in Maryland. They asked me to join up.... and the rest is history.
And... for our wedding – which was on Halloween and in costume – of course! – we asked our talented friends and family, instead of material gifts, to perform for us. Sing, dance, ... one friend did his sword-swallowing act. Pretty great. The finale was a performance of Family Portrait (minus the big canvas), leading into “All of My Love” and that was our first real husband-wife dance.
There – sappy enough for ya??
J: to add to that, the dance instructor called me before we met and said “you gotta see this girl, she is right up your ally. “ as it turns out, she was right.
Okay, here’s one just for April; I see you are a costume designer, too. And an art director. Now, is this for your and Jimmy’s films, or do you have own line as well?
A: Just our stuff. Mostly because I’m very content doing our own thing. I don’t really go out hunting for outside work. I have a steady job as a graphic designer and I’m pretty happy with it. I’m also branching out into freelance illustration – book covers and children’s books – and I’m really enjoying that. I have enough to do just handling our own projects. Plus, I’m sleepin’ with the boss!! Talk about fringe benefits...
Okay, Jimmy. I am gonna pick on you, now. Have you ever done any acting? You look to me as though you could have a very strong….uh…screen presence. No offense intended!
J: I’ve been acting since 1984 onstage. As a matter of fact right now (Sept 08) I am playing the part of Che in Evita. I’ve played the King in the King and I 3 times, and… well I cant even count all of the local theater shows I’ve done. I’m also the “Count” in the movie Silver Scream.
I am sure both of you have attended a lot of horror conventions. I have yet to go to one of them. Are they as fun as they look?
A: Yeah – I always enjoy them. Sometimes I get a little restless being stuck behind a table the whole time, but just when I’m about to be really bored, some new and fascinating person comes by to entertain me. I love it!
J: They are good and bad. Sure we get to meet people and hang out with other film folks, but I’m weak when it comes to buying horror goodies that don’t really need.
What was it like working with a screen legend like Gunnar Hansen? To me, that would be an avid horror fan’s wet dream.
A: Excellent. Though the honor of actually sharing screen time went to my lovely stepdaughter, actress Lilli Burril – who played young Sally in Chainsaw Sally. Still, I was on set and enjoyed Gunnar’s company a great deal – as I always do. He’s been a huge help in getting the word out about Chainsaw Sally and, more importantly, has become very dear to our family.
J: He’s a bastard! ok... I told him I was going to start saying that. He’s one of my dearest friends. our whole family loves him. he never forgets little things, birthdays, etc. As a matter of fact, when April had Willow, he was on the first call list with our families.
Okay, here is an interesting question for both of you; Lets say you are just kicking back on a Saturday night, relaxing…snuggled up on the couch….you get the idea. What kind of movie would you pop into the DVD player? Horror or NON-horror? Dr. Doolittle or DR. Phibes?!
A: Oh, we’re both avid – perhaps rabid – horror fans. And, if its not horror, it’s usually comedy or camp. Sometimes a good action film. Pretty much the only kind of movie we both avoid like the plague is the dreaded “chick flick”. If it’s not actually a scary movie, it’s usually a John Waters or Herschell Gordon Lewis.... sometimes a good ol’ Dolemite or some saucy Pam Grier (her and Sid Haig in The Big Bird Cage... possibly my favorite roles for both actors)
J: Almost always exploitation of one kind or another. For example, last night we watched Hell Up in Harlem.
What would you say is your all time favorite horror film? Or…book? I have always been partial to Hellraiser for the film, and The Stand {Stephen King} as the book.
A: Film? Maybe Texas Chainsaw Massacre as it’s the only one that’s given me recurring nightmares... but there are many I love.
Books... I read alllll the time, Stephen King is absolutely my favorite author. And it’s very hard for me to pick a favorite King book. I am very very into the Dark Tower series as well as anytime I see a reference to it in another book – lots of mention in the Black House, which is a great one. The Talisman is also a favorite (both King co-wrote w/ Peter Straub, fyi). The Regulators is very freaky. Lisey’s Story is sweet. That one really showed his love and appreciation for his wife Tabitha – I don’t know if that was intentional or not, but I liked it, nevertheless. I recently read Duma Key and loooved it. It was interesting because it was relatively low-action, which often will make my attention wander, but somehow King kept me sucked right into it. I keep hearing King is done – retiring from writing. Then a new King book comes out. I don’t think you can retire from something that you simply are. I hope he never stops creating.
J: TCM, Pink Flamingos, Female Trouble, Return of the Living Dead, all of the Dolemite movies, Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein. I also love westerns.
How’s about any interesting and upcoming film projects? Anything nice and gruesome?
J: Well we have a few movies written and ready to work, we just have to do the funding dance. Really the Chainsaw Sally show will be fun and gruesome. We are going to really get to do what we want with that. No apologies. Just a mess. Picture if the Partridge Family was not a sit com about a family in a 70’s band, but a family who killed and ate the locals who pissed ‘em off.. There ya go.
Well folks, it was a real treat to have you with us, and I wish you both the best and a lot of happiness in life!
A&J: Thanks David!
****
Actress:
In Production
2000s
The Good Sisters (2008) (V) (post-production) .... Kindra Good
Corpus Kristi (2008) .... Doris
A Feast of Flesh (2007) .... Madelaine
Countess Bathoria's Graveyard Picture Show (2007) .... Mommy
Chainsaw Sally (2004) .... Sally Diamon
Silver Scream (2003) (V) (as April Burril) .... Clamidia/Babysitter/Witch #1/Dancer
Costume Designer:
Chainsaw Sally (2004) (as April Burril)
Silver Scream (2003) (V) (as April Burril)
Producer:
Silver Scream (2003) (V) (producer) (as April Burril)
Make-Up Department:
Silver Scream (2003) (V) (assistant makeup artist) (as April Burril)
Art Director:
Silver Scream (2003) (V) (as April Burril)
Art Department:
Silver Scream (2003) (V) (property master) (as April Burril)
Self:
Blood Bath: Blood Wrestling Volume I (2007) (V) .... Herself
Interview
NVF Magazine Interview
With Monique Dupree
Good morning, Monique. It is wonderful to have you here. How are you?
First, I just want to thank you for your time as I know we're both busy little bees. It's great to be here & I'm doing great. I color myself blessed. Thank you so much for asking. :)
First of all, what was it that made you want to become an actress?
I'm glad that you said "actress" and not "scream queen" which I'm sure we'll get into later. I guess it would be corny to say that it's always been within me to perform..period. I started entertaining the moment I could walk! Of course, instead of a television audience, I wowed a group of no more than 40 at a time (my family). But it was confirmed that acting was something I could not live without that first time I ever walked on a set of a film. That film was Lean on Me. The rush I got from that kind of work..it sealed the deal.
I, myself, get a kick out of the term ‘’Scream Queen.’’ In your opinion, what best describes the general qualities and responsibilities of being one?
I like to keep it simple..alot of people have alot of views on what they feel "qualifies" a scream queen to be..I simply say this: Sexy. Femme Fatale. Vulnerable. Clever. Unpredictable. Versatile . On a side note: For me, being a scream queen is only one facet of my abilities. I LOVE being considered a scream queen..esp since I LOVE horror first and foremost, but I'm just not limited to that.
What is it to you that is so appealing about the horror genre? I love it, too.
Do you mean as an actress or a fan? As a fan I love the gore..physical & sometimes psycholgical torture of it all. The artistry that some people have when it comes to filming & committing brutal acts on film. To tell a story with a creature or an object..it's just great! As an actress, I get to play out things that I know I couldn't do in reality. I get to exercize my demons. I get to be other people. There's just no greater genre out there for an actress.
Now, I know this may be old news, but I can’t resist asking: What was your film ‘’Pot Zombies’’ about? With a name like that, I almost fear to ask!
LOL..well, the title pretty much says it all. Well, actually, to accurately depict what the movie is about, it should be titled: Colorful Naked, trippy zombies of Pot, lol. That explains the movie right there. I hope to be one of the colorful naked people in the sequel:Pot Zombies 2, More Pot less plot!
How many ‘’Scream Queens’’ do you know personally? I know that may cover a lot of ground. By the way; do you know Debbie Rochon?
The term "know" can be iffy. I've met and worked with alot of scream queens. I'm closer to some that others. I'm not sure if some of them consider themselves scream queens. I know Amy Lynn Best (and she is just the best!!) Nicola Fioree, who is just amazing and multi-talented as well. We've become close friends after working on For Christ's Sake. Then there's Sofiya Mina Smirnova, who is just one of the sweetest people I've ever encountered in my life. Tiffany Shepis!!! She's a gal after my own heart. I've worked with her, but we'd never been on set at the same time(Zombthology). We'd finally met at Chiller. It was a great weekend of breast grabbing, dry humping (well, I couldn't help myself)wine drinking and such..it was a wet dream, only I was awake. Other scream queens I've met include, Chainsaw Sally, Else McCain, Syn Devil, Rachael Robbins..and last but most assuredly not least, Linnea Quigley & Elvira. I do know Debbie Rochon. We've worked on a number of films together, including Cottonmouth, Bikini bloodbath Christmas, For Christ's Sake & Satan Hates You. I feel like she's responsible for my horror career taking off. She is such a beautiful, intelligent & strong Goddess. She's a shining example of what a scream queen should embody. Love you Debbie!
I, myself, have always shared a passion for the horror genre with my interviewees. I believe us ‘’horror folks’’ are in reality, a very nice group of people. How about you?
I would agree. I feel like, in general, we're like a big family "horror folks" Every horror set I've been on has been like a family reunion..even the conventions are like a big party and a chance to catch up with one another and see what everyone's up to.I never get to catch up with Tony (Todd) until we see one another at a convention. We always get to catch up on recent projects & if time permits, go and enjoy some music (preferrably blues/jazz) together. And may I say, Tony is one of the most intelligent, helpful, head on straight guys I've met in my travels as an actress to date.
Now for some of my obligatory – and boring – Q&A: What would you say is your all time favorite horror film? How about book?
Hmmm...That's really, really hard to say. I have more than one favourite horror film & horror book as well. As far as horror books..I have three..Two from Stephen King being, It & The Shining. A new horror author, Anthony Thomas has a book out called 666 Newark Avenue. That is one creepy book from another, seemingly creepy dude, lol.. As far as horror movies go..My favs are: The Fog( the original), Ichi the Killer, Audition (that's right Takashi Miike made my list) Nightmare on Elm Street & my all time favourite is Evil Dead.
Anything else exciting to tell us?
I surely do! As I write this, I'm expecting my 7th child (and the answer is yes..I'm crazy, lol), still filming and doing photoshoots. Some of my upcoming projects include: Plan 9 (remake brought to you by Darkstone Entertainment), The Campire Chronicles:Have a nice day featuring James Russo & Holly Weber, Night of the living dead: Resurrection, Spirit & Post Mortem, America 2021 just to name afew. I'm doing alot of alternative modeling now as well as moving more into television shows. I just finished working on a tv pilot called "Royal Pains" and that's only the start. I'd also like to say that if you hear people referrign to me more & more as GATA, that's just my nickname and title that I use in my band Negro Childe (www.myspace.com/negrochilde) as well as my alternative modeling. GATA is just spanish for cat...so MEOW!
Well Monique, it was a real thrill to have you drop in, and please, in the future, don’t be a stranger!
Thank you so very much and I thank you so very much for taking this time to interview lil ole me. You're a doll David!
How could I resist you?!!
***
http://www.fangoria.com/news_article.php?idg96 New dvd release!!
Monique Dupree on www.hollywoodiscalling.com
Satan hates you press http://www.fangoria.com/news_article.php?idh55
Monique Dupree in wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monique_Dupree
Monique Dupree on IMDB http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2374082/
www.1stgataofgore.com
FILMOGRAPHY
TELEVISION
The Superagent
Royal Pains
The Tyra Banks Show
Life Support
Pants off dance off (credits girl)
Say What Karaoke
Joe Hero (aol show)
Monster Madhouse television show
Fangoria radio/tv scream queen contest
The View (dancer for Nelly Furtado)
The View (audience member)
FILM
Handsome Hary
Spirit
Timo Roses Beast
For Christs Sake
Rain of Flesh
The Misadventures of cb santa and mr. fanta
Patchwork
Satan Hates you
Skeleton Key 3
Triad
Super Tromette Action Movie Go!
For Christ’s Sake
Lean on Me
The Replacements
American Gangster
The Ten
One Night
Pot Zombies
The Wrong Room (film short)
Zombie (film Short)
Spontaneous Decapitation (film short)
The Creightonville Terror
Bachelor Party in the Bungalow of the Damned
Shadowhunters 2: Oria
Skeleton Key 2
Heavy Mental
Zombthology
Cottonmouth
The Maim Event
Bikini Bloodbath Christmas