CASEY DONNELLY TALKS ALICE AND THE VAMPIRE QUEEN
"Being an actor was a tough dream to have"
Daniel John
What was it about this story, film, and also working with its director Dan Lantz once again, that got you to say bon appetit?
To be honest, it was more about working with Dan again, and this close knit cast. I’ve gotten to connect with some of the cast and Dan a couple times now, so when Dan gives me a call, I tend to answer. The fun story was just an added bonus.
From the perspective of the other side of the world, every American film might be Hollywood but you are, of course, an actor based more so around the Philly- and New York-side. How would you describe the scene for an actor on the east-coast?
It’s a mixed bag for sure, while it’s not the bright lights of Hollywood it has its own charm. I grew up in the city of Philadelphia where being an actor was definitely a really tough dream to have. I’m lucky though because I had supportive parents who would give anything for me to see my dreams become a reality. I’ve chased the dream of becoming an actor all of my life and I feel like my story is just beginning. The east coast creative scene is like its west coast-counterpart in a lot of ways but in my opinion but you have to have a stronger chin to compete out here. New York and Philly have always had a tough reputation. We walk hard and talk hard but we also act, sing, and create hard.
Acting, anywhere in the world, will come with its highs and lows. I think anyone is fascinated by the likes of Brad Pitt or George Clooney starring in early barely credited roles before they broke through. It must be really easy for an actor to "lose his fangs" waiting for that?
You receive one yes for every one hundred no's and that's if you’re lucky. Choosing the path of an artist or a creative comes with its inherent risks and taking the random one off characters comes with the territory, but when you see now famous actors in small one off roles from their younger years, look at who they were working with. They usually have a great cast and crew around them. They chose to take the smaller roles because it gave them a chance to work with great industry talent. I will never say a role is too small if it helps me learn and develop my craft. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still waiting for my shot to show everyone what I can do but until then, I will do everything I can to grow as an actor and artist, so when that phone call comes, I’ll be more than ready.
How do you see this Dan character?
Characters like Dan bring a sense of reality back into a film where all of its characters are fantastical. Dan was an everyman, that just happened to be caught in a particularly bad situation. Dan, while a small character, grounds us and keeps the story within reach. Some characters are easier than others. Dan was an easy character to portray, but a character nonetheless. I still sat down with a sketch pad and a notebook to figure out who this man is and why he was in this situation in the first place. If your character does not feel believable, then why would an audience care.
What was your path to acting like?
I began acting around nine years old. I started out at a little acting studio in a small Philadelphia neighborhood called "Bravo Studios". I was there for a few years before they closed their doors. I studied my craft my whole life whether it was watching and studying some of my favorite actors like James Dean, Marlon Brando, Robert DeNiro, Johnny Depp, Tom Hardy, and Paul Dano or studying different acting techniques at local Philadelphia theaters like The Lantern Theater and The Walnut Street theater. I love film and I love the work that goes into it. My older brother and I would stay up until four am on school nights just to watch any movie we could get our hands on. Acting is in my blood and I will continue to pursue it for as long as I am able.
As far as horror goes you certainly have starred alongside some notable icons?
To be honest, I am a fan of all genres but I have definitely found myself involved within the horror-genre more than others. I’ve always been big into horror movies growing up. 'Alien' by Ridley Scott is my favourite horror film of all time and is definitely the number one franchise that I would love to be involved in. That film redefined the horror industry as a whole. I’ve always been a halloween, fall season type of guy, so I guess I was always drawn to those type of films and characters. I worked on a horror film titled 'Dirty Jersey' back in 2021 and 2022 that premiered in 2023, it was a labor of love film that I had the pleasure of being cast in as a lead role along with my co-leads Amanda Fraass and Sean Barnes. It was an homage to the gritty horror films of the 80s but it intertwined with industry leading equipment that made for some beautiful camera work. We released it for free on Youtube, last halloween. I have been lucky to work alongside famous horror icons and it is definitely something that I take pride in. I’m excited to show everyone what is next. Soon, you’ll be seeing my name all over.
