Here’s a video that I did at a Gettysburg horror convention back in September.
Most guys who watched that video had two questions for me: “Tom, what are your thoughts on the horror genre? To what extent do you regard it as a perspicuous gauge by which a culture obliquely examines its social ills?”
Nah, not really. The questions most guys had were: “Tom, what’s the deal with that ‘Cheerleaders vs. Zombies’ actress? Do you think she might be interested in me?” (She shows up at the 2:08 mark, by the way.)
In response to the latter question: No.
In response to the former: She’s Nancy McDonald. She’s originally from Baltimore, but she recently moved to Los Angeles, where she’s writing for “Famous Monsters of Filmland” and pursuing a career as an actress and model. Here’s a link to her Website.
Ms. McDonald graciously agreed to answer a few interview questions for Chamber of the Bizarre.
Would you tell us a little about your background?
I started attending a theatre school and performing in dinner theatre at the age of 9. I took correspondence courses with Trinity College of London for about 6-7 years. It was pretty much the scariest moment of my young life- every year an examiner would fly over from London to sit with me in a big empty theatre and I had to impress them with my interpretation of various monologues and prose!
What are some projects you’ve been involved with?
I did a few short films while I was on the East Coast and a few smaller parts in features. One project I am waiting to see is “Shark Exorcist” by Donald Farmer. I improvised an entire scene of being possessed in a graveyard and I want to see how much of it he used…
Do you have anything in the works right now?
I had a part in a short film last year called OLLO DE NOLLO and I am waiting to hear back about a couple of auditions. At this point, just making ends meet while living in LA has taken some precedence. CHEERLEADERS VS ZOMBIES is still in the fundraising phase.
So what’s the deal with Cheerleaders vs. Zombies? Am I correct in assuming that it involves cheerleaders and/or zombies in some capacity?
You would be quite correct 🙂
We are on our way to a cheerleading competition when we get stranded in the desert and end up fighting off zombies. You know, like ya’ do….
Why do you think nobody’s done a movie featuring cheerleaders fighting zombies before now? It seems so obvious in retrospect.
I agree! Altogether, I’m pretty grateful it hasn’t been done to death already, like so many other zombie themes.
What makes a good horror actress?
It depends on whether you mean Horror Actress or “Scream Queen”. Scream Queens generally have to have a great set of lungs, and- let’s face it- a great set of tits.
However, in my opinion, the elements of a great Horror Actress are similar to those of an actress in any genre- the ability to realistically and sympathetically portray a character in circumstances one may not have encountered in one’s own life. A Horror Actress just has to do it while probably covered in fake blood and generally fighting for her life 😛
As a horror actress, can you give us some recommendations on good horror films?
My all-time favorite Horror movie is LADY IN WHITE. Despite my propensity for being *in* gory movies, my personal preferences are suspense thrillers, ghost stories, and anything with a Fantasy edge. PAN’S LABYRINTH makes me cry like a baby and I adore it. INSIDIOUS was one of the best things I’ve seen in ages, simply because it brought the creepy-factor back in a big way! Also, it’s not a movie, but “American Horror Story” is an amazingly well made show.
What advice would you give us on surviving a zombie apocalypse?
Stock up on canned goods and ammo. Trust no one.
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