First of all, why don't you introduce yourself to those of us who
are unfortunate enough to not already know you?
Hi! First of all, let me start by saying how privileged I am to do this
interview. It's such a pleasure! I live in the fabulous Las Vegas and have
had the opportunity to be involved in the film industry for many years. What got
you into acting in the first place, and did you receive any formal
training on the subject? I actually started out modeling,
an agent of mine posted an audition for a movie. I said ''Why not?" I
didn't get the part but it was there that I discovered my love for theatre
and acting. My first gig, I had 6 hours to rehearse a complete scene. It
was The Wool Gatherer. My partner's ''partner'' dogged out last
minute, it was at the Debbie Reynolds Hollywood Hotel. I pulled it off,
shocked everyone, including myself, but what a challenge, stepping out on
stage for the first time. I knew this was the life for me. This is my
love. I have had several coaches for many years including training at the
Second City Theatre.
Can you still remember your
first time in front of a camera, and what was that experience like? Oh
yes! It was incredible! The nervousness went away as soon as they said
ROLLING! I have learned so much since... The excitement was
unexplainable... It's something you just have to experience to explain.
with Ted V. Mikels and John Carradine's head |
Over
the years, you have made quite a few movies with cult fave Ted V. Mikels -
so how did that come about, what can you tell us about your movies with
him as such? And what's it like working with him? Working
with Ted V Mikels is such a pleasant experience. I will say it again, I
have developed a worldwide fan base due to working on his movies. I
started out with Mark of the Astro Zombies, then went
on to Demon Haunt. And
was fortunate to star in Astro Zombies M3 Cloned. I have a fond friendship
with Ted to this day due to working with him. He's such a sweetheart. Ted
gives you a lot of leeway as an artist, yet he has his boundaries. I love
visiting his house. You never know what you will see.
on the set of Steve Sessions'
Sinister |
Likewise,
you've been in a handful of Steve Sessions' movies - so what can you tell
us about those?
Steve Sessions is such a gem to work with.
I love his movies and feel honored to work with him as often as possible. He
brings old horror genre to the plate and dishes it out with a touch of his
class. He is incredible producer, director, movie maker and friend. He's
such an amazing talent to this industry as well. I would hope any actor
could have the opportunity to work with him.
He is so easy to work for and has a pleasurable personality. He takes
simple stuff and makes it into something big. When people watch his
movies, I will say ''He did this in the garage with this and that''. You
can see their brains thinking : Huh? What? Really? Wow! Recently, you've starred in Blood
Mercury - what can you tell us about that movie and your character in
it?
with Luc Bernier and Deborah Dutch in Blood
Mercury |
Blood Mercury is about a experiment gone wrong. I play
a patient with, let's say, issues. It should be out soon! It has a cast of
very talented people whom I felt was a honor to work with, including Len
Kabasinski [Len Kabasinski
interview - click here] himself. I have no speaking parts in this movie, yet my scene rocks! I am
extremely pleased with it! It's a scene I always wanted to do. Not giving
away any more. You will have to watch! He he!
What can you tell us about Blood Mercury's
director Len Kabasinski, and your collaboration with him? I
was introduced to Len's work through a dear friend of mine, Luc Bernier [Luc
Bernier interview - click here],
who had worked with him and showed me some scenes from Warriors of the
Apocalypse, etc. I was astounded by his quality and professionalism. I
knew after watching them I wanted to work with Len. After experiencing
that, I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to do so. I know his
product is good! I will work with him again for Angel of
Reckoning, a
gritty thriller/action movie in which I will have a wonderful part.
Blood Reunion 3: Hunters - what's that
one about? And do talk about your character for a bit! Blood
Reunion 3 was done and produced by Jim Devault. I play Vanessa, an
unlikely ordinary person who eventually becomes a victim.
Vanessa is a property owner who rents out a house to Nathaniel, the main
vampire hunter, who is closing on their trail. Her lover has been bitten
thus the same is to happen to her.
Hunters are on Morgan Locke's trail. Morgan is played by Jim Devault
himself. Jim has been making films since the 70's and has published many
books on filmaking as well. He is pretty much an expert in his field. I
would encourage anybody in the industry to work with him. Filming in Texas
with his talented cast and crew was a lovely experience. There's much to
say about the Texan's hospitality. He's just an all around great guy and
definitely a person I look up to. You can learn all about him via his
website www.stonebellcreations.com
Other past movies of yours you'd
like to talk about?
Yes. Sinister by Steve Sessions is huge
in India to this day. I receive fan mail from people there who love the
movie! Newly released Ted V Mikels' Paranormal Extremes: Text Messages
from the Dead, Dead Ink. Killer Biker Chicks was a popular classic with a
great cast I was honored to be part of. And of course, I had a blast with
local Chad Clinton Freeman doing Project M. Any future projects you'd like to
share? Absolutely! Len Kabasinski's Angel of
Reckoning is
filming this summer back east [Len
Kabasinski interview - click here]. I'm really looking forward to filming with
Len and his cast and crew. Going to be nice seeing all the people involved
again! There will be another film, titled Bad Illusions, directed by Amira
Lyn, a psychological horror film. Also I'm in talks to do Valeria, with
Jeff Schneider, whom I have been wanting to film with for some time now.
Hopefully I will have the opportunity to do so. And we shall see if I have
time in between for other opportunities that arise.
How would you describe yourself as an actress,
and some of your techniques to bring your characters to life? I
have been describe as an ''old world with exotic flair'' as an actress. I
find that extremely pleasing. As far as techniques, I have been trained in
many different forms : theatre, improv, film, etc.
Fortunately, most of the scripts I have received have been so well written
you evolve the character while reading it. It's fun to put a touch of
flair in your character and flattering when the director allows you to do
so. You always crave for more challenge in this field. I would love to do
more comedy someday but whether comedy, action, sci-fi and horror, it's
all fun to do as an actor. You always want to do more and be better at it.
No matter what you have accomplished, you still learn from each
experience, which I find so gratifying. Actresses
and indeed actors who inspire you?
Undeniably, Marlon
Brando. He was such a natural to watch and very pleasing to the eye in his
day. I am inspired by Jimmy Stewart, Sir Anthony Hopkins among many
extremely talented actors and actresses in this day and age. I do tend to
lean toward the older generation of actors. You can learn so much of your craft
by watching them. I love older movies, even enjoy watching silent movies! Your favourite
movies? My favorite movie of all time is A Streetcar Named
Desire. Next I would have to say The Birdcage. And last, but not least,
old Godzilla movies! And of course all the movies I have worked on. I love
it all! I really enjoy all the new horror movies made to this day. Can't
get enough of them! ... and of course, films you really deplore? There
really aren't any movies I dislike. Some may be slow to me but I don't
dislike them. Your
website, Facebook, whatever else?
www.donnahamblin.weebly.com
www.facebook.com/donna.hamblin.54
www.imdb.com/name/nm0357405/
|
Feeling lucky? Want to search any of my partnershops yourself for more, better results? (commissions earned) |
The links below will take you just there!!!
|
|
|
Anything else you are
dying to mention and I have merely forgotten to ask?
Yes, to all of you independent filmakers and actors out there, keep up the
awesome work! Don't let anyone ever beat you down! Love what you do and
drive forward with it! You all rock! There are so many I aspire to work
with someday and would feel blessed to have that opportunity. It's a great
business and even a better art. Thanks to all who have written me with
compliments! From all over the world! I take each letter and hold it close
to my heart. Makes me hungry for more! Thank you Search My Trash
for this wonderful opportunity! You are awesome! Ever so
welcome, and thanks
for the interview!
|