Victoria DeMare: Bio Slime’s Grand Dame of the Horror Manor By Brian Kirst
Victoria DeMare is currently one of the most exciting presences on the independent horror scene. After handling a series of smaller, memorable roles in such Roger Corman productions as Slaughter Studios and Dinocroc – DeMare has eased her way into full fledged, grue strewn leading lady status. Her performance of Sarah in the delightfully hairy (and deliciously enjoyable) Werewolf in a Women’s Prison has justifiably earned her critical raves and devoted fans. But more than limb chomping lycanthropy awaits DeMare in her future. This constantly working performer has dozens of productions (with bloodily enticing names like Bio Slime) in the can and planned for imminent release. But, for all of you who need more DeMare right now – and who doesn’t? – read on below and be sure to check out DeMare’s website www.screamqueendemare.com for frequent and valuable updates. Now, rabid DeMare-addicts, prepare to howl on!
Brian: Who were your first performing influences – Barbara Stanwyck bewitching Fred MacMurray on the afternoon movies – Lynda Carter winging it out as Wonder Woman – A maiden aunt who studied mime?
Victoria: The first performing influence I can remember is Judy Garland’s performance in THE WIZARD OF OZ. Secondly, Vivien Leigh’s performance in GONE WITH THE WIND. My mom’s work in the Ballet and my uncle’s work on daytime television Soap Operas was an inspiration as well as an influence.
Brian: Is there a type of character that you love to play – the villain, the strong executive, a gung-ho radical?
Victoria: I like to play the character in the story that mostly intrigues me. I don’t play only one kind/type of person and/or the same person in each different story. I like to explore different people that are sometimes outrageous and always challenging. And, actually, I am against “type casting”. That is just simply boring in my opinion.
Brian: You give a brilliant, layered performance as Sarah in Werewolf in a Women’s Prison. Do you have a most memorable moment from the making of that film?
Victoria: Thank you very much. I really do appreciate that. I think my most memorable moment making that film was thinking during the making of the “licking/toaster” scene of what my mom was going to think of this one!
Brian: What was the most challenging aspect about making WIAWP? Was it the cold, the late nights:?
Victoria: The most challenging aspect of making this film for me was working with dozens of large, live rats. The rats weren’t originally in the screenplay, but Jeff had purchased them for another project that was put on hold, so he added them into the prison scenes. It was an excellent addition, I am just phobically petrified of rats, so it was difficult for me to handle.
Brian: Do you have any stories about your brief, memorable appearance in the beyond fun Dinocroc?
Victoria: Yes! I remember this film fondly because it was the first time I showed up and couldn’t find where I was supposed to report and convene because it was my own trailer and this was a first! It was also the first time that when I was shuttled to set and was standing around prepping for the scene and running my lines that I noticed a director’s chair with my name written in marker on a strip of tape on the inside that another cast member was sitting in and got up as I noticed and said, “holy shit, that’s my name…that chair is for me?” I’m sure this sounds ridiculous, but I remember feeling a sense of excitement and accomplishment in a way. It’s wonderful to feel appreciated for being a part of a project not to mention a Corman film. :)
Brian: You recently appeared in Diary of a Serial Killer. What historical (or entertainment) figure’s diary would you most like a peek at?
Victoria: Yes. I play down and out, disastrous and desperate “Selena”, one of the killer’s
victims. This film will be released on DVD this fall. The only historical entertainment
figure’s diary I have had an interest in reading was a book published by Milton Greene of a portion of the diary of Marilyn Monroe called ‘My Story’.
Brian: Can you tell us about your character Cienaga in Azira? It’s a fascinating name.
Victoria: Cienega was an awesome character to play because of the severe changes she went through in the story. She was a virginal, angsty young musician desperately in love with her girlfriend and lead singer of her band, but perplexed by her own identity and the idea of coming out about who she really was and what she wanted, who then was possessed by a demon witch and ends up killing almost everyone in the band. I had the wonderful opportunity to play innocence and restlessness that turns demonic and evil opposite B-screen legend Julie Strain no less. What fun!
Brian: Do you have any entertaining stories about the making of Psychon Invaders?
Victoria: There is never a dull moment on a Jeff Leroy film that’s for sure. The entire process of making this film was entertaining. Working with so many pyro effects it was a wonder that no one was burned badly or lost a limb, and that we didn’t burn down Randall Malone’s home where a majority of the film was shot.
Brian: Can you give us the scoop about your involvement in the yummy sounding Bio Slime?
Victoria: Ah, yes, the greatly anticipated John Lechago masterpiece! I star in this film alongside Vincent Bilancio as “Mary” a popular porn star Bilancio’s character has a crush on who works in a studio in the same building. She unfortunately is in the wrong place at the wrong time and gets trapped in Bilancio’s character’s studio with six other people when the slime monster attacks consuming her and turning her into the monster herself. The gooey, slime scenes were worth every 2 hour shower it took to get all Tom Devlin’s makeup and slime off and out of my hair. :)
Victoria: Well, thank you it has been my pleasure. :)
Yes, please keep an eye out for upcoming releases DIARY OF A SERIAL KILLER, RALPHIE, STOLEN MOMENTS OF SEPTEMBER, DEADLY BELOVED, THE VIDEO DIARY OF NICKY VALETTI & ADAM GREELEY, and BIO SLIME just to name a few. I also am very much looking forward to beginning production on H.G. Lewis’ BLOOD DE MADAM: THE FALLEN ONES written by Keith Stoddard starring alongside Debbie Rochon and Tiffany Shepis. And, camping in the woods with a rabid beast on the loose is definitely the best time to go! :)
