HALEY JOHNSON TALKS DEATHWOODS

Behind the Coastline

You are reading an independently published interview-series published and carefully curated by Swedish pop-culture journalist Daniel John. Ever since its start in 2015, the core curiosity remains the same, surfing the creative currents of music, film, fashion and everything else on the pop-radar, catching the waves of culture as creative

Culture Coast TalksDaniel John

Before entering film, you had already spent years modeling. Do you find those experiences in front of the camera helpful now as an actress or is it a different discipline?

My previous years with modeling have absolutely lent a hand in my confidence in front of the camera. At first, there was a shift between focusing on the camera with modeling of course and then living and acting as if it’s not there at all as you do with film and TV. Entering the film industry may have been more challenging for me as someone who has dealt with anxiety and shyness, if it weren't for the confidence I had already built from my previous experience with modeling.

Originally from Georgia, though is it right you are of some European descent. Have you had a chance to visit?

I haven’t had a chance to visit yet but I’d love to one day. My family background is Cherokee on my father’s side and Irish on my mother’s and that has shaped a lot of how I view culture. I grew up in Savannah, but my dad’s family is originally from Arkansas and I’ve been able to visit tribal lands and reservations in the U.S. I’ve always been fascinated by how much history is carried through the land and community.

Speaking of locations, one of your early sets was in ‘The Outer Banks’, was this before or after the show had already reached such massive popularity?

I worked as Madelyn Cline’s stand-in and photo double on the second season of 'The Outer Banks'. When I was casted for the job, I was already a fan of the first season so it was a very surreal experience walking into it. I spent almost eight months living in Charleston, where I also met my boyfriend of five years now, who was working as Chase Stoke’s stand-in and photo double at the time. I could not have asked for a better introduction into the film and TV-industry at such a professional level. Watching the actors work on set everyday is what sparked my interest into acting. It was a special and unique experience that genuinely changed my life, there I fell in love with my partner, with the art, and it really pushed me to pursue those dreams.

You’ve already started to build a diverse body of work, yet also seem quite drawn toward horror. What aspects of this genre is it you find intriguing to explore?

I love the drama and thriller aspect of horror. As an actor I really enjoy stepping into roles that mix emotional truth with heightened imagination. I love playing with fear as both a psychological experience and a physical one, figuring out how it changes all of these aspects of an individual down to their voice, breath, decision-making. I’m also fascinated with the VFX of this genre as it adds another level of being immersed into the story as an actor playing the role in real time and as an audience gets to watch it on the screen.

‘Deathwoods’ is a film that fully embraces the classic genre-tropes, teens in the woods, urban legends, huge feelings, cue the slashing, what about this premise made you want to go camping as Julie?

When I heard about 'Deathwoods' I immediately wanted to be a part of the project. Not only was the story exciting but I knew some of the people behind the project who I believe are some of the best in the business and fortunately have become my close friends. My dream as an actor is to make films with people that I love, telling stories that we love and getting to have fun doing it. That is exactly what 'Deathwoods' was for me. Julie was also such a fun character who is quite bold and I was excited to have a hand in creating her as far as wardrobe, hair and makeup, and mannerisms.

These teens head into the woods to help a friend heal from emotional pain that lies beyond its trees. As an actress, you will put yourself in front of a lot of feelings on and off set that can hit on a personal level, how do you walk that line to make sure you’re maintaining a healthy mindset?

As an actor, I try to approach every role from a place of curiosity rather than personal crisis. A lot of roles that I have gotten a chance to either play or write myself have been very cathartic. It often allows me to revisit and heal certain parts of myself. When I get to work through a character's pain in a creative space it feels like I'm giving my own experiences a safe place to land. I’ve also had to step into lives completely different from my own and this is the kind of storytelling that widens my perspective and strengthens my sense of empathy. When stories feel challenging to step into, I focus on gratitude for having the opportunity to stretch my perspective and step into other circumstances. I believe it has lent an incredible hand in the work I do in the mental health field as well. It is all about balance. I let myself connect deeply, but also I remember that the character’s life isn’t mine to carry forever and I come back to my own center.

Is there anything you like to do when you just don't want to think about any of it?

Sometimes when I feel like I need a break from thinking about any of it, I just try to be fully present in something simple that I enjoy whether that be just taking a walk, a workout class, or a nice long nap.

I see you’re working on creating a feature film of your own, that looks very ambitious and promising as well?

Yes! I met one of my closest friends, Cate Whitlatch, on set back in 2022 and we connected almost instantly. Very quickly our conversations became about who we are and the experiences that have shaped us and we decided to write our own story together. What started out as truthful scenes to tape for our reel, turned into a short film with a large crew and amazing production and is now being adapted into a feature length film, 'How to Kill a Butterfly'. We want this film to reflect how complicated healing is and how messy and uncinematic real life can be. This story has allowed us to transform our own experiences into something meaningful and we hope it resonates with an audience in that same way, the process of creating this story and moving with it through the various stages of production has been one of the most healing creative experiences I’ve had. It has also taught me a lot about the business of this industry and the immense amount about the work that goes on behind the camera and before a project even makes it to set. I really have enjoyed having a creative hand in the entire process. This project is our baby and we are taking our time to ensure this story is honest and will have an impact on those who watch it.