- Stephanie Beaton is the star of many movies, including "Beast", "Blood Gnome" and 3 of the "Witchcraft" films. Anyone looking for more info on Stephanie or her films, can visit her at her IMDB page or her official website.
Q: Stephanie, can you explain how you first got into the movie business?
A: I never really had a passion to do acting till I moved from Ohio to California in 1986. Then it started to peek my interest. One of the first things I did do was some modeling and I did some runway/fashion shows. I liked modeling but I wanted more. From there I did a few music videos. My first film I ever auditioned for and landed was, "Unnaturally Born Killer". It was a horror film and of course I die a gruesome, horrible way. From then on out out I started auditioning for one film after another. Then I no longer had to audition. Directors or producers found me and cast me in their films. That's pretty much how it all started.
Q: How did you find out about “Witchcraft IX”?
A:This was a long time ago, in 1996. I was in this one kick ass acting school and I think it was my agent at the time who told me about it. I met with Jerry Feifer, owner of Vista Street Entertainment. He liked my look for Det. Lutz. I did do a cold reading for him. I believe I called him and said, "Did I get the part of not". I would normally never do that but Jerry was a cool guy. Plus I just paid another months worth of my acting school which was expensive. He said I have it, come by and get the script, we start shooting in 1 week. I about died. Needless to say, I never went back to my acting school because right after "Witchcraft 9", I booked, "The Zombie Ninja".
Q: Was there any hesitation returning for 2 more chances at the same character? Were you ever contacted about “Witchcraft XII” or “XIII”?
A: No hesitation. In fact, "Witchcraft 10", being shot in London was an amazing chance to leave the country and travel overseas. So I never turned it down. I was never contacted for "Witchcraft 12" or "13", because the people who wrote and directed the script, never bothered to write in the characters of Lutz and Garner, which is sad as they were the whole plot and story line. That might explain why you can't really find these last two films anywhere. No one wants them without us. Hahhaha
Q: Would you please explain the character of “Detective Lutz” from the 3 “Witchcraft” films that you’ve appeared in? Was there anything special about the character you wanted to portray?
A: Unfortunatly, the only thing I knew of her character was what Jerry had given to me when I first got cast. He gave me "Witchcraft 7" to watch and to see the role I was taking over. I wish the writers of these 3 films would of put more into the character. You can't do much when you don't have much to work with. I don't think Jerry wanted to much to be changed from the other films.
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 3 films.
A: Thats a hard question to answer. I mean, they are what they are. I can tell you one thing. Ron Ford directed and wrote "Witchcraft 11" and I seen and read the original script he had. I think he had 5 loves scenes in the original one. He gave it to Jerry and Jerry said there has to be more. So in the end, there was 13 love scenes. I can't change people's views on the films. They are what they are. The original script Ron wrote was better BECAUSE my character was built up and it had more of a story instead of every 5 to 10 minutes, a love scene. It's a shame is all I have to say.
Q: If there were one part of the filming of those movies that was more difficult than you expected, what would that be? Getting a costume to work? Appearing in a certain scene? Certain lines?
A: In "Witchcraft 10", I was sicker then a dog. I went from 100 degree heat here in Los Angeles in Oct. of 1997 to like 20 degrees in London. One of the sound guy's was so sick and everyone was in this small, tiny room with him and it was hot. I got sick after that and filming that movie was a challenge. I tell ya, when the director called "cut", I would just stand there and wait cause if I moved, I puked. I was REALLY sick.
Q: Can you tell me a little about each of those 3 movies and your experience with them? First, ”Witchcraft IX”.
A: I enjoyed working on this film alot. I met now my good, close friend, Mikul Robins. He played Det. Garner. We had a great director on the film. All around it was a nice time. We shot at Lacy Street Studions here in Los Angeles.
Q: How about “Witchcraft X”?
A: Like I said before, I was really sick on this film. I had a good time in London. The people were fabulous. It was cold, but it was fun. I brought home one of the stakes for which I still have in my living room today. On it says, "Elisar, is this a take". Of course you have to say it with a British accent. It's in inside joke.
Q: How about “Witchcraft XI”?
A: It was wonderful working with my good friend Ron Ford on this one. He wanted to make the movie so much more then what it's used to being, a T&A fest. He did try really hard. It was good to be working with Mikul again as my partner. We got to shoot in a lot of cool places as well.
Q: Tell me about your company “Silver Moon Productions.” What interested in you in getting to the other side of the camera? What’s inspired you to create your own company?
A: I figured, if all these other people can produce films and get them out there then why can't I. So I formed my company and started making films. I wanted my company to be different. I didn't want my films that came out of my company to rely on T&A to sell the film. Most low to no budget films have to rely on that to sell the picture. I didn't want that. I wanted plot driven scripts and good talent. I wanted films like there was in the 60's, 70's and 80's. Everyone told me.."you will never sell a film unless you have boobs in the first 5 minutes". I said, "wanna bet". Well I bet and I won. My films are out there and I can be proud that I didn't bow down and fall into the same old trap or routine that the low budget world caters too.
Q: What's next for you? If you and I were to talk 1 year from today, what do you think would be on your plate at that time?
A: You know, I don't know. I can only hope that I am doing what I love to do which is acting, producing, directing. You just never know what the future holds. There are a few scripts I have that people want me to star in their productions. I plan on it, I am just waiting for the money to come through. Once that happens, then I will be acting in a few films this coming year of 2009. It's Hollywood, nothing is carved in stone and everything is subject to change.
Q: Is there any movie director or producer you really want to work for one day?
A: I'll have to get back to you on that one. It's too early in the morning for me to think of that right now.
Q: Are there certain films you enjoy doing? You've appeared in some films with some horror elements in them but but also it appears like you're just out to have some fun. What do you look for when picking films?
A: Of course HORROR!!!! What else would I produce out of my company! I have yet to star in a film where I am a serial killer. Also, I have never been in a vampire flick either. Both I would LOVE to do
Q: Anything you wish to add for my readers and visitors? Something special about you that they probably do not know?
A: That's a good question as everything about me is an open book. I mean, I can't think of anything that people don't know about me. There is nothing special, I am pretty down to earth and grounded. Oh, maybe this....I do knife throwing acts. I haven't done one for a while. I don't throw the knives, David Markham does that. I am the one getting the knives thrown at me. Like "I Love Lucy". Well thats me. So when I have another show, everyone can come and see the performance.
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: Oh my god. This question is hard. Most of the time I have horror films playing on my tv. I mean, if its on cable, I have it on. Last night I had "The Reeker" on. And Showtime's "Masters of Horror". Oh I was up at 4am watching, "Urban Legend: Bloody Mary". Last horror film I saw in the theater was "Black Christmas" in 2007. I have to see the original. When I was about 5 years old. I remember being in the drive in IN Ohio and the trailer came on for "Black Christmas". I flew over the front seat of the car and landed in the back seat. That scared the hell out of me. I think me and my mom were watching at the drive in that night, "Blood Beach" and "The Changling". One film I remember when I was a kid that I liked and no one I know seems to remember this was "Humongous". NO ONE Remembers that film.
Q: Thank you very much for doing this.
A: You are SO welcome!
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