KEEP CHAMBERS TALKS PIRANHA WOMEN

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

‘Piranha Women’ is a revival of the exploitation-genre which rose to notoriety in the seventies. It's violent, outrageous, silly and sexy. What was it about this that intrigued you and made you want to become a part of the film?

The nostalgia of 'Piranha Women' was unreal! I, really, enjoyed the idea of my first real role being something polar opposite of myself, a challenge if you will, everyone I talked to about the film was surprised that I would be playing a villain. I was also intrigued by the film's way of using seduction to lure victims. Giving a sort of 'Jennifer's Body' feel. It was interesting to get into that mindset of becoming the villainess or temptress.

How did you embrace your inner Piranha-fish-lady?

To embrace my inner Piranha-fish-lady I tried to put myself in the head-space of a seductive woman with a hidden agenda, my own personality in the real world is very bubbly, I have no poker face and am an open book. That being said, it took a little practice to bring out the evil temptress energy.

Are you a fan of horror?

Horror is one of my favorite genres. I've always wanted to try being on both sides of the spectrum, the one running from the horror and the one administering it.

What was your favorite scene of doing the latter in ‘Piranha Women’?

My favorite scene in 'Piranha Women' was the first scene of the movie where I meet my first victim. I spent a long time rehearsing that scene with friends and family, trying out different tones and vibes to bring. I'm happy with the way it turned out. However the fight scene with Richard was also a highlight, felt like an absolute bad ass.

Was the vibe silly on set?

Being on set was fun, but there was a lot of professionalism, no funny business when cameras were rolling. Everyone working on the film was wonderful so behind cameras it would get silly for sure. Cody Cameron is one of my best friends, it was so fun to be working alongside her. Between scenes that involved the Piranha-teeth we would take silly photos and do funny bits with the teeth in. Cody took this video with my large fangs where I said, "Do you want head? Promise I won't use teeth".

Your experience prior to this is more so as that of a model. Was acting something you had been wanting to do for a long time?

I'm very early in my acting career. It has always been something I loved and wanted to be a part of, however I didn't quite know how to get started. I used to do plays, however live theater didn't speak to me. Being behind-the-camera on the other hand, was something I have done since I was twelve.

Was it an easy transition to make?

It felt natural to act on set, and when Cody told me they had a open role in this new movie I jumped at the idea. However my extensive experience modeling did help a lot. I would have to embody new characters constantly based on the concept of the photoshoot or videoshoot.

I adored being on set. It made me feel so alive. And ignited my love for acting. I hope this is the beginning of something new. I hope to find an agent to help book more roles in all different types of genres. I just want to keep getting back on set!

How did you first get into modeling?

I first started modeling when I was twelve for a boutique in my hometown called Blue Sky. I modeled for their website and catalog for years, and even came back once during my college years. When I went to college, I didn't think modeling was really a possible job and was focused on studying to be a doctor taking extensive Biomed classes and programs, but I began modeling for photographers in the area in-between classes and work, then I took a semester off to travel the world modeling as well as teaching modeling, when I realized I was so much happier and free doing that, when I discovered I could make a living doing something I truly felt my happiest doing, I decided that was where I would put my attention.

Do you have any words of wisdom or personal philosophies you live by as a creative person, or just for everyday life?

I try to live every day being kinder than I feel, entering people's day bringing a smile to their face or making them feel seen. Empathy and compassion for every other person is a guiding factor on how I tend to enter other's lives and go about my day to day life. Creatively I strive to make art I am proud of and continue to challenge myself. Things that inspire you to put your heart into and things that push you out of your comfort zone are so important to take on.