Deadly Beauty: Horror’s Scream Queens and Rising Talent: Mandy Lou

Deadly Beauty: Horror’s Scream Queens and Rising Talent: Mandy Lou

“Originally from a small village in southern Ohio I always dreamed of bigger and better things. I was always intrigued by vampires, werewolves, and the paranormal when it came to movies. Nosferatu, Dracula (Bela Legosi), Poltergeist, etc all just captivated me and I wanted to be a part of that! No other genre can spark such sudden and intense emotion in an audience like horror. However, I started off as a model for the Midwest Bikini Team based in Cincinnati for 8 years. I then went on to model for the Ghostbusters Buster Babe calendar and had an opportunity to work my first Horrorhound in 2010. Then in 2011, with no former training, I auditioned with Concept Media and got my first role in a full length horror film. Since that time I have worked on 8 projects and many more in the works! I hope to continue to grow as an actress and broaden my horizons in all different aspects of the horror genre.”

Location: Cleveland, OH

1. How did you get into the industry?

I broke into the Indy horror scene in 2011, after being a bikini model for years. Still pictures were fun but I always felt I wanted to do something more, be a part of a story, challenge myself in something more than just still frames. I would always watch movies and just think how amazing it would be to be a part of that world.

I found a casting call online for Midsummer Nightmares and decided to audition. Since that time I have worked on about 7 film projects, voice over work for a horror radio drama, and have more in the works this year. I’ve been lucky enough to have worked with so many talented actors and directors and have made some great friendships along the way. Being on set feels like home to me and I’m so honored for every opportunity that comes my way. I continue to grow and learn with every project and always listen and absorb as much as I can from every director and actor. It’s been an amazing ride so far and I won’t be stopping anytime soon!

2. What Scream Queen inspired you the most?

For me I’m taking the lesser acknowledged definition of a Scream Queen; where the female is not the victim but instead the protagonist in a horror film. Empowered ass-kicking females, like Kate Beckinsale and Milla Jovovich inspire me the most! To me they really show that a strong female can still be sexy even when she’s kicking your ass. I’m so drawn to these types of roles!

3. What are the next couple projects you are working on?

I’m very humbled and excited to have a few projects in the works! First, I would like to mention that a film I had the honor to be a part of last year will be released March 5th of this year! The Brave Souls Who Fought Against The Slave Vampire Women, a Conrad Films production is an incredibly fun and sexy story that will have you on the edge of your seat begging for more! Look for me playing the role of the vampire Rebecca!

Halloween; The Babysitter Murders, a fan film from the incredibly talented Jack Norman. Jack is such a passionate actor/writer/director, his enthusiasm is contagious and I’m so excited to have accepted the role of Annie Brackett! We begin filming this project in late March or early April.

I will also be reprising my role of Frankie, in the Ladies Night feature. This amazing story is from writer/director Ryan Stacy and is set to begin filming later this year. Ryan and I have worked together on many projects, he’s a gifted writer/director who pours everything he has into his scripts and characters. I always love working with Ryan and cannot wait for the world to see what these lovely ladies are up to next!

Later this year I will also be working on a film, from the brilliant writer/Director, Devin Hylton. I’ve worked with Devin previously and his scripts just captivate me and I always find myself reading them like an addictive novel. I have also accepted a starring role in another Devin Hylton film that is not set to film for another year or so.