Interview with Kelsey Zukowski

- written April 20th, 2011





- Kelsey Zukowski has appeared in a few movies, including "Echo Lake". Anyone looking for more info on Kelsey or her films, can visit her at her IMDB page or her Facebook Page.








Q: Ms. Kelsey, can you tell me a little bit about yourself and how you first got involved with movie making?


          A: I have always been attracted to storytelling. When I was 7 I decided I wanted to be a writer. Although I never thought I would be writing horror screenplays and reviews back then it still serves as my creative outlet of choice. From there I fell in to theater, which quickly turned in to a love of film. I got away from the acting thing and concentrated on writing movie reviews. One day I decided I wanted to improve my writing skills and decided to write a screenplay. It was such an exciting experience I realized that is what I wanted to do. I majored in Digital Cinema with a concentration in Screenwriting. It wasn't until I was nearly graduated that I even considered acting again. I can't imagine how different my life would be if I decided not to pursue it.


Q: Would you please explain your role in "Echo Lake."


          A:Jonathan Moody and I co-created the series together. We co-starred in the series with Brittany Coley, Chason Hunter, Andre Bland, Sam Qualiana, and many more.










Q: Knowing how movie reviews may skew the perception of one's product, give us in your own words what you want people to know about the film.


          A: It’s based on the idea of people getting killed off by a mysterious killer. Anyone could die and at the same time anyone could be the killer. In fact, the audience is guaranteed at least one kill per week, creating a higher sense of tension. You know death is coming you just don't know to who or how. It's a modern day murder-mystery with the brutality of slasher films. I knew it had to be very character heavy if people were going to care who died and who lived. Not to mention the killer is kept discreet so majority of the dialogue is void of our killer. The setting of Echo Lake, a small town where everyone knows everyone, was perfect. It made the havoc and mayhem really take over this town considering the numbers it is wiping out and how quickly the fear can spread.










Q: So far, what can you tell us about how the project is coming along? Is it completed yet? Any interesting stories to come out of the filming?


          A: We’re getting there! There are a few more things that need to be wrapped up before we head to post-production. Right now we are aiming for a summer 2011 release. No crazy set stories, but we really had a blast filming it. I can’t wait for people to see it. I think it’s going to be very exciting to see everything unraveling before them; knowing each week they are getting one step closer to solving the mystery of Echo Lake.


Q: Looking back, I see that you’re working on a few other films. Can you tell me a little bit about some of your other work?


          1) Trick or Eat


          A: I co-wrote ‘Mask of the Wolf’ and ‘Ritual of the Dead’ with Jonathan. I will be starring in ‘Ritual’ with him as well. The film is also set to star Heather Dorff, Andre Bland, Sam Qualiana, and Chason Hunter; all close friends of mine so it should be a lot of fun. Plus, it will be my first time directing so I am thrilled for the challenge.










          2) Scream Queen Campfire

          A: Scream Queen Campfire is so star packed. It’s really impressive the line-up Jonathan has put together so far. I wrote 5 of the episodes, which vary from vampires, serial killers, scream queens, and a few other kinds of monsters. I think that’s what really makes the series so unique; there are so many different brands of horror throughout all the different stories.

          I will be starring in a segment called “Wrong Number” which I also wrote. It’s about a woman who accidentally text messages her address to a serial killer. I actually have a funny story about the premise. Last week when I was shooting a serial killer short, “Inhumane“, I sent a text picture message showing how bloody and tortured my character was to a friend of mine. I accidentally sent it to the wrong number though and I almost had the cops tracing my number. The poor guy I sent it to didn’t know if someone was messing with him or if he was somehow linked to a murder victim. Obviously, it’s not quite the same situation as the Scream Queen Campfire segment I will be in, but it seemed like a funny coincidence to me.










Q: I saw that you’ve also done some horror film reviews. Where can readers find some of your work?


          A: I’ve been writing for HorrorYearbook.com for over 3 ½ years now. You can view my author archive here: http://www.horroryearbook.com/54author/kelsey-zukowski.

          You can also view some of my reviews at TCWReviews.com, another great film website.










Q: Q: What's next for you? Can you tell me what else you have going on in 2011?


          A: So much, but I couldn’t be more thrilled about it! I’ll just let you know about a few projects though. I’m set to star in a psychological thriller called “Inside”, written by Garry Charles and directed by Ron Purtee, who I worked with recently on The Social Media Massacre. I’m thrilled about the cast, which includes Andy Schatner, Kitsie Duncan, and Travis Legge. We have such a talented group of people. We’re all really excited about it. It’s a powerful script about the deep dark secrets we all hold within. I’m really looking forward to examining these horrors that people suffer through everyday.

          I should also have my first feature, “Melon Heads“, premiering soon. The film is based on a dangerous cult and is based off an actual legend that took place close to my hometown. It was really cool to explore it, especially since my character is based on a real person; the Melon Heads neighbor.










          At the end of this month a film I wrote and star in with Heather Dorff, “What They Say“, will be going in to production. It’s very surreal and allows us to get inside of the main character’s head, who is so alone. Everyone around her is oblivious and very self-involved. They really have no clue about anything that she is dealing with. She searches for an escape from the pain. It turns out the only beauty left in life for her is the razor piercing her skin. It’s really a striking and enthralling story, which I’m sure will translate to the film.










Q: Is there any movie director or producer you really want to work for one day?


          A: Wes Craven! He will always be my idol. To be a part of one of his films and bringing his dark visions of tormenting through the mind and all of the compelling themes that follow, would be an honor.










Q: Finally...this is an "Obscure Horror Movie" website. Can you name the last horror movie you watched either at the theatres or on dvd, etc? How about name a favorite horror film that you have seen that most people probably haven't seen?


          A: This is horrible, but it has been a long time since I have had any time to watch movies. I remember a few years ago I would religiously watch 4-8 new films on Netflix every week, along with other films I watched in between. I wish I had that kind of time now! I honestly couldn’t remember, but I just opened up my DVD player and it was the original Halloween. Considering that is the film that got me in to horror, something that now defines my life in so many ways, that’s pretty fitting.

          As far as an unknown horror recommendation goes, everyone out there keep an eye out for “Doctor S Battles The Sex Crazed Reefer Zombies”! How’s that for a title? I saw it 2 years ago at The Chicago Horror Film Festival. It mocks the 1930’s propaganda film, “Reefer Madness”. Add an ass kicking mad scientist and gruesome zombies-who are infected after getting horny and high off that reefer- in to a previously clean cut and wholesome community, and you can imagine the results. It’s heavily stylistic and packed with gore and comedy. Unfortunately, I haven’t heard much about it since the screening, but I really hope it gets a wider release. It’s an incredible film that horror fans are sure to love.










Q: Thank you very much for doing this.


          A: Thank you! I always love talking horror

- END -





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