CHY FONTENETTE TALKS ALONE AT NIGHT

Interviewed by Culture Coast Talks editor Daniel John. Interview transcripts might have been edited for length and clarity.

From what I hear thing got moving pretty quickly with your role in this movie?

So, this movie was basically finished filming by the time my role and additional concept for the movie came into play. It was super last minute for me and everyone else who had a similar role to mine. The way I became involved is from my best friend Lindsey Pelas who is also starring in ‘Alone At Night’. The director was looking for one more person with a big personality and my best friend being the amazing person she is didn't hesitate to mention my name. It was so thoughtful and I'm still extremely appreciative of that gesture because now here we are and I'm in a horror movie! (Laughs) The preparation was minimal because we did have a script but a lot was impromptu.

Is this, horror, a genre you see yourself coming back to?

Definitely! I've always been a fan of horror and to incorporate comedy. It's the best of both worlds!

The idea for this film came about during Covid, with the director, and actress Ashley Benson, wanting to “make something happen”. Were you in a quarantine bubble during filming?

We were not in quarantine during filming, but we did have to have a negative Covid-test result while filming.

Before saying your very first line in 'Straight Outta Compton' you were more so known for your modeling. Did that experience provide you with the acting bug?

'Straight Outta Compton' did spark my acting interest because I was with a friend just doing feature work, and while we were breaking for lunch one of the directors pulled me aside and told me he wanted to use me for a speaking role the next day. I was so excited! I loved my little one line so much. (Laughs) That made me want to have an entire page to read off, for my next movie.

Are you as passionate about modeling still, or are you more so focused on acting?

I will always have a passion for modeling but my focus has shifted since Covid. I no longer want to put myself in a box. I want to do all of it while I'm here, and while the opportunity presents itself!

What were your early modeling days really like?

A grind! You do not know the value of a dollar until you are on your last one, waiting for a modeling job-check to come in or booking for a client. I really look at everything as a blessing now. I am just happy I get to experience living in another state, doing the things I love.

Would you say modeling primed you for acting?

To me modeling and acting are two completely different spectrums, acting really requires more mental energy, sometimes with modeling all you really have to do is just be present.

'Alone at Night' was loosely inspired by a Bella Thorne OnlyFans story, where she took a break from social media while staying in a friend's remote cabin in the woods. How do you maneuver social media?

Social media is tricky. Its a blessing and a curse. I don't like how some people only see value in bigger followings, hate how things have to be trendy to be cool. It's too much for me right now.

While you might not head out to a cabin in the woods, what do you do to occasionally just get away?

Not answer my phone. I have a big family, and a lot of friends, so my phone is constantly ringing, but I will have some me time. No phones no socia media and read a good thriller book. That's my get away.