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Your upcoming movie Demon Huntress - in a few words,
what's it about, and what can you tell us about your character in it?
Demon Huntresss is about a woman who is facing a lot of adversity in her
life. Her marriage is falling apart, and then her best friend dies by
suicide under mysterious circumstances. Determined to avenge her friend’s
death and uncover what really happened, she begins to realize that there
is much more going on than she ever could have imagined.
She discovers that demons are walking among us, destroying people’s lives
and ultimately taking lives. Now, she has to step into a role she never
expected — becoming almost a superhero of sorts — and fight these demons
before they can hurt anyone else.
It’s a story about loss, betrayal, strength, and discovering that
sometimes the person you least expect can become the one who has to save
everyone else. My
character is a very strong and determined woman. When she sets her mind to
something, she will see it through, no matter what the cost. She’s also
incredibly loyal, especially when it comes to the people she loves.
Even though her marriage is ending, she understands that leaving is
ultimately what’s best for her. She’s a woman who knows what she wants,
stands by her convictions, and isn’t afraid to make difficult decisions.
Her strength and determination are really put to the test as she faces
everything that comes her way.
What did you draw upon to bring your character to life, and how
much Stacey Brooke can we find in her?
I think what really drew me to this character was the whole idea of loss.
Whether it’s losing a relationship or losing someone you love, I could
really tap into those emotions of sadness, shock, and even that feeling of
hopelessness.
And honestly, I identify with her a lot. She’s loyal, she’s fun, but she’s
also someone who knows what she wants and knows when something just isn’t
right for her. Even when it’s hard, she’s willing to face it and take that
first step. And when she finds out what happened to her friend, she
becomes so determined to get answers and avenge her death. I really
connected with that strength in her.
How did you get involved with the project in the first place, what
drew you to it?
Director Jim Haggerty >[Jim Haggerty interview - click here]
came to me and told me he wrote a new movie and had me in mind for the
lead. He asked if I’d be interested in auditioning, and of course I was! So
I read the script, and I really loved it. I immediately connected with the
character. She’s very likable and empathetic, but she’s also a badass,
which I loved. I remember thinking, “Okay, this is right up my alley!” I
was so excited to audition, and when I found out I got the part, I was
absolutely thrilled. I couldn’t wait to bring her to life!
To what extent could you identify with Demon Huntress's
approach to horror?
She doesn’t simply run from fear; she confronts it head-on, using courage,
empathy, and determination to understand and overcome the darkness around
her. I could identify with that mindset because, while horror can be
frightening, I’m drawn to the idea of facing difficult or unsettling
experiences rather than allowing them to control me.
Do talk about Demon Huntress's director Jim Haggerty ,
and what was working with him like?
Working with Jim has been such a great experience. He’s very passionate
about what he does, and you can really feel that when he’s directing. He
has a very clear vision for the story and the characters, but he also
gives you the freedom to bring your own ideas to the role.
As an actor, I really appreciate that. He trusts you, but he’s also there to
guide you when you need it. We’ve had a lot of fun on set, too, which I
think comes through in the movie. It’s been really exciting getting to
work with him and bring Demon Huntress to life.
You've worked with Jim Haggerty before quite a few times over the
years - so do talk about your previous collaborations, and how did the two
of you first meet even? I’ve worked with Jim quite a few times over the years, and every
collaboration has been different, which has been a lot of fun. I’ve gotten
to play some very different characters — everything from a very dark side
of a character to a sweet and innocent character who ultimately goes bad, and then my character in
Unnatural Causes, who was just an awful human
being. So I’ve really enjoyed getting to explore those different sides as
an actor. And I think that’s what makes working with Jim so much fun. Every project
has been a different kind of horror story, with its own characters and
challenges, but we always have a great time. Working with Jim and the crew
is honestly like coming home. There’s that comfort level, the natural
joking around and having fun, but at the same time, everyone knows we’re
there to work and get the job done.
Jim and I actually first met around 2004, when I auditioned for
From the Inside and ended up getting the lead role of Ivy. So
it’s pretty amazing to look back and realize how many years
we’ve been working together. I can’t believe how much time has passed and
I’m still 23. Lol! Back to Demon Huntress - what can you tell us about the
shoot as such, and the on-set atmosphere?
Oh, the shoot was so much fun! We all got along really well and just
clicked from the beginning. There was so much laughing, which always makes
a shoot that much more enjoyable. Some people I already knew, so it was really nice getting to work with
them again, and there were others I was meeting for the first time. But
everyone just meshed so well, and it felt very comfortable.
And they were all such great actors, which made it even more enjoyable.
When you’re working with people who are that talented, they really bring
out the best in you as an actor. I loved that about this cast. Of course,
when it’s time to be serious and get the job done, we’re serious. But when
we’re running lines, waiting for the set to be ready, or hanging out
between takes, there’s a lot of joking and laughing. We really had a great
time together, and it was such a wonderful group to be part of.
Any future projects you'd like to share?
I have a small part in a film
called Beatrice, which should be coming out later this year, so I’m really
looking forward to that. I’m also continuing to audition and pursue new
projects. I’m excited to keep challenging myself, taking on different
roles, and seeing what the next opportunity brings.
What got you into acting in the first place, and did you receive
any formal training on the subject?
Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always dreamed of becoming an
actress/model. I studied the Meisner technique when I was younger, and
later, while living in LA, I studied with acting coach Joe Palese of
Actor’s Space. When I got back into acting in 2014, I had the opportunity
to work with Joan Stephens, who was so much fun to work with and helped
make getting back into acting such an exciting experience.
For the past ten years, I’ve had the privilege of working with my mentor
and dear friend, Bob Luke of Bob Luke Studios, who has played such an
important role in my growth as an actor. Bob has an incredible way of
teaching that makes you feel comfortable and at ease. He has a gift for
explaining things so naturally and making everything look effortless. He
is simply amazing at what he does, and I’m incredibly grateful for
everything he has taught me over the years.
I’m grateful for everything I’ve learned from each of these experiences
and the people who have helped shape me along the way. I’m excited to
continue growing, challenging myself, and taking on new roles.
What can you tell us about your filmwork prior to Demon
Huntress? Before Demon Huntress, I had already built a diverse background in film
and on-camera work. I’ve worked on several independent films, as well as
commercials, training videos and commercial print. Each experience has
given me the opportunity to work with different directors, casts and
crews while continuing to grow and develop as an actor. I’ve really
enjoyed taking on different types of projects and roles, and each one has
taught me something new and helped me become more comfortable and
confident in front of the camera.
How would you describe yourself as an actress, and some of your
techniques to bring your characters to life?<
I’d describe myself as an instinctive and emotionally driven actress. I
love getting to know my characters—understanding what motivates them, what
they’re feeling, and what makes them who they are. My Meisner training has
taught me to stay present, really listen, and trust my instincts in the
moment. I also like to bring a little bit of myself into each character while still
making them feel like their own person. For me, it’s about keeping my
performances honest, natural, and authentic, and allowing the character to
come to life in a way that feels real.
Actresses (and indeed actors) who inspire you?>
Some of the actors who inspire me are Audrey Hepburn, Natalie Portman,
Paul Giamatti, Kate Winslet, Adam Driver and Timothée Chalamet, just to
name a few. Lol. I really admire actors who can completely disappear into
a character and make their performances feel honest, natural and real.
I’m inspired by the way they bring so much depth, individuality and
authenticity to the roles they play. That’s something I always strive for
in my own work as an actress. Your favourite movies?
I have so many favorite movies. Lol. But to name a few of my all-time
favorites: Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The Godfather Part I &
II, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,
Lost in Translation,
Willy Wonka & the
Chocolate Factory and White Chicks. Definitely a random mix, but I love
all of them for very different reasons
And of course, films you really deplore?
I’m really not a fan of movies that
are too gory, lol, but other than that I pretty much love all kinds of
movies. I’m definitely open to different genres and can usually find
something I enjoy in almost anything. Ironically, I actually love making
horror and gory movies—I just don’t love watching them because they scare
me! I still get afraid of the dark, lol. So I guess I’m much braver on set
than I am sitting on my couch watching the movie!
Your website, social media, whatever else?
You can find me on Facebook under Stacey Brooke, and on
Instagram at @Brooke.stacey
J
Anything else you're dying to mention and I have merely forgotten
to ask?
Honestly, I think I’ve covered most of it! Lol. I’m just so grateful to
Jim Haggerty for giving me the opportunity to be part of Demon Huntress.
It was such a special experience, and I’m really excited for everyone to
see the movie. I hope everyone will follow the Demon Huntress page on
Facebook and follow along with the journey!
And thank you so much, Michael, for this awesome interview. I’m truly
grateful for the opportunity to share a little bit about the movie, myself
and my experience J
Thanks for the interview!
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