SCREAMER - Exclusive Interview with Canuck Horror Writer/Actress AUGUST KYSS

GC: YOU have appeared in a slew of horror movies such as in Wolf Hollow opposite legendary horror stars Felissa Rose (Sleepaway Camp), Lynn Lowry (George A. Romero's The Crazies), the hit horror comedy Murdercise opposite cult star Ginger Lynn (Rob Zombie's The Devil's Rejects), Full Moon Feature's Sci-Fi film Murderbot from legendary filmmaker Jim Wynorski (Chopping Mall), and the indie thriller Isleen Pines opposite iconic star Glenn Plummer (The Day After Tomorrow)...

We have several friends in common who we have worked with such Lynn Lowry, who you worked with on (who was in our Girls and Corpses Film CYNTHIA) and Ginger Lynn (who was in our film Pig Killer and I have known for many years) and Glen Plummer who was in our film Bikers VS Werewolves.

The horror world is indeed a small community. How did you wind up in the horror genre? And what was your first horror role?

AK: AK: During the pandemic, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (where I live) was locked down for the longest amount of time in the entire world. This created havoc on small business owners like myself. I had a medical aesthetic business and couldn't stay open. I decided to relocate to St. Johns, Newfoundland, Canada temporarily since it was still open for business. I met David Bond, Canadian horror producer, through a friend out there and he inspired me to get back into the genre I loved. Even though the film is not qualified as such, I would say my first horror role was the "Lifetime" made for television movie, "Secret Cuttings." The film stars Sean Young (Blade Runner) and Rhea Perlman (Cheers). The plot follows a sixteen-year-old girl who carries a dangerous secret and is unable to express her true feelings. She cuts herself in private. I played the girl's body double, and I got to have all these neat prosthetics molded onto me with blood squirting out of my arm from a plastic tube during a scene in a classroom. I even got to mimic burning myself in a car with a car lighter.

GC: How did you get the name August Kyss?

AK: When I picked up acting again, I was also getting into astrology. I started learning all the meanings of the astral houses and their placements and such. I also learned all about the North and South Nodes, which is what inspired my name. In Astrology, the South Node reveals your past lives and your comfort zone. The North Node shows the new direction you're going into in this lifetime for growth. My North Node is in Leo. North Node in Leo people need to focus on developing their individuality with full acceptance. They usually become charismatic later in life and belong in the spotlight. They love drama, acting, entertaining others and have a good sense of humor. I wanted a name to always remind myself that a life full of creativity was literally written in the stars for me. Leo season runs from July 23-August 22. The name Leo or July didn't ring true to me, so I chose August to commemorate my North Node placement. The last name Kyss is literally after KISS, the band, lol. They have that larger-than-life 80's vibe that I love, with all the glitz and sequence that screams glam rock.

GC: What are some of your most memorable scenes you worked on and why? Your best and worst on set experience?

AK: Although I can not reveal the title at this time, my experience this past June on a Hanger 18 set in Calgary, Alberta was memorable. We were in a makeshift town with lots of open landscape; a female deer appeared about thirty feet away from the cast and crew, and she stood and watched for a good twenty minutes. It felt surreal. I played a character who is morally unlike me whatsoever. It was a challenge, and I learned a lot during the experience. A touching moment happened on set when I made a director cry. It was during a very emotional scene. A tear dropped from my eyes at just the right time. It had him crying too! The worst experience on set was last year. It was a union project, and they had failed to get the proper permits for a non-union member (me) to be in the film. I had to leave the set because they were in breach of their contract. It was awful. I had spent over $300 to get to the location and never got reimbursed or paid for the day as well. The funny thing is that strangers wouldn’t stop bothering me while I was crying at McDonalds. Like, can't a lady cry in peace?

GC: Which horror actors have you worked with and what did you learn from them?

AK: This past winter I got to work with horror icon Debbie Rochon. Being on set with Debbie is just a reminder of what perfect set etiquette is.

GC: Who are you hoping to work with in Hollywood? Who would be your dream cast mates?

AK: I would love to be in a scene with Linnea Quigley, of course. Anyone from "Return of the Living Dead", really.

GC: Tell us a bit about your background. Where you are from and if any of your family was in the entertainment field. What first sparked your interest in acting? Did you study acting either in school or groups?

AK: I grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and there was nothing more satisfying than renting scary movies on a chilly winter night in the 80's! I often say that my fondest and happiest times on earth were right up until 1989, bonding with my father over our mutual love of horror films. I guess you can say horror movies influenced me...a lot! Especially my favourite horror film of all time, "Return of The Living Dead". I wanted to be just like Linnea Quigley. My grandfather and father were railroad workers, and my mother was the owner of a travel business. I took drama in high school and have also taken private lessons with Canadian actor and producer Greg Bryk (Saw V).

GC: You are also a published writer. Tell us about the challenges you faced as a writer and how you finally got published. And what is your novel about?

AK:I think the secret to becoming a good author, and making a living at it, is to keep on doing it. This can be challenging when things like life, rent and relationships are in the mix. I suffered from writer's block for years, but the creative juices are flowing again. I think if you can get into a well-known publishing house or build a good fan base and self-publish, and you keep writing and pumping out content, you CAN make money at it. Just like acting, it's a business and you need the right people beside you, especially when you are first starting out. The book was published in 2008 and is titled "InnerCity Girl Like Me" It's about a group of inner city youth who find solace in each other after having none at home. Growing up in Winnipeg can be tough and it also harbours a lot of tough individuals. The novel is not about my experiences directly but more about things and stories I heard growing up, mixed with inspiration from movies like "Menace to Society" and rappers like Tupac Shakur and Warren G.

My novel got optioned with Original Pictures (Falcon Beach) and is currently in development.

GC: You were a judge at the 2023 edition of Minute Madness Toronto - a Festival for 60-Second Films. What was that experience like and would you do it again? Have you gone to festivals playing films you were in? Which ones?

AK:That was a fun experience for sure. I love being a judge for film festivals. I am currently a judge in the "Chatham International Film Festival". There have been 125 submissions, and I have approximately eight more movies to go! "Flesh of the Unforgiven" and "Massacre at Femur Creek" will be playing Friday, Sept. 13th - Thursday, Sept. 19th at Dipson Theatres in Buffalo. I am unsure if I will be able to make it there at this time.

GC: We hope to work with you on a Girls and Corpses Films. What did you think of our film Pig Killer? I mean, since it was about a notorious Canadian serial killer, Willie Pickton. Had you heard about his heinous story?

AK: Oh my goodness, I would love to work with you and your team! Especially after watching the amazing job you did with "Pig Killer". Yes, I had heard of the story. It was in the headlines for a very long time in Canada and recently once again after Robert "Willie" Pickton got murdered in jail. I really liked the film. The production value was fantastic and the acting superb. Bai Ling (The Crow) brought a hint of humour and a uniqueness to her character, and Ginger Lynn Allen's (Murdercise) performance literally gave me nightmares in the best way possible. By watching the film I learned how he was found out, which is revealed in the end (no spoilers, go watch it!).

GC: Your upcoming films include the supernatural thriller "Flesh of the Unforgiven" opposite horror icon Debbie Rochon (Tromeo and Juliet), the indie horror film Massage Parlour Massacre opposite genre icons Felissa Rose (Sleepaway Camp), Robert Allen Mukes (Rob Zombie's House of 1000 Corpses), and the Horror film Demented Chapter Two also starring frequent collaborator horror star Felissa Rose (Sleepaway Camp), & WWE Legend and two-time Hall of Famer Bret'The Hitman' Hart. When are these films being released and where so our horror hounds can see them?

AK: "Flesh of the Unforgiven" is currently seeking distribution. "Massage Parlour Massacre" and "Demented Two" will be released next year. Really excited for the world to see them!

GC: Thanks August! It would be killer to work with you in Hollywod!

Girls and Corpses Magazine/Films Interviews writer/director CHAD FERRIN about his latest film DOROTHEA The Death House Landlady

GC: Chad, you have had a successful run with writing and directing true crime stories, such as: Pig Killer and Kemper (which we worked on together) and now you will be doing the true story of serial killer Dorothea Puente. Why are you drawn to these crime stories. Why do they need to be told?

FERRIN: The Zodiac Killer had murdered a woman named, Darlene Ferrin, and seeing my last name associated with such a horrific crime as a kid really sparked my interest. I dove into trying to find out if we were related, reading anything and everything on Zodiac and serial killers. I was hooked! True crime is all the more terrifying knowing that the events actually happened, and as a horror filmmaker, when I come across an intriguing story, I want to tell it.

GC: Of all the potential serial killers, why were you drawn to the Dorothy Puente story? What makes her story stand out in the annals of serial killer crime?

FERRIN: After a successful collaboration with Susan Priver, I began looking for other projects for us to team up on. I read up on Dorothea and her life really struck a chord. Well, she's that little old lady next door that wouldn't hurt a fly.

GC: Besides showing Dorothea's evil, often gruesome murders, what would you like to say in this film about this type of person and her crimes. Who was Dorothea Puente in your eyes?

FERRIN: She was someone who had a specific vision of what her life should have been, and it wasn't, so she took a path that no one would expect, not even her. And I can relate that to my own life's dream/goal, so it helped connect the dots.

GC: You cast an ensemble of veteran actors who you like to work with, going back to your early films, such as Easter Bunny Kill Kill. Why do you bring back certain actors to work with again and again, like other directors: The Cohen Brothers, Quentin Tarantino, Tim Burton and others. Tell us about why you have made that choice?

FERRIN: It's simple, you find talented people and ya stick with 'em.

GC: Who are you bringing back from your crew to help tell this story? And why? What camera equipment will they be using?

FERRIN: EVERYONE!!! Like I said, you find talented people and ya stick with 'em. Red Komodo, we used it on the last few productions with fantastic results. DP Jeff Billings really makes it sing!

GC: What will be unique about the visuals in Dorothea?

FERRIN: Like on Pig Killer and Kemper, I strive to get the period correct and we'll go for a look that fits it. The script spans from the 1950's to her death in 2011, so the look will evolve with the numerous timeframes. Which is probably the most exciting aspect of the project to me.

GC: Each movie makes you a better creator, as both a writer and director. How will Dorothea make you better?

FERRIN: The numerous periods and material are even more ambitious than ED KEMPER, so I see it as a challenge to amp up my game.

GC: You seem to have an affinity for 80's horror. What are some of the movies, and directors, who most inspire you? And why?

FERRIN: Everything put out from Roger Corman, Cannon Films, Orion Pictures does for me. It was a time for great music, practical effects, weird storylines and naked women...I miss the 80's!

GC: It's getting harder and harder to make movies that make a profit. Budgets have come way down after studios have made risky movies, even with 'A' actors, resulting in lower box office returns. You have chosen the low budget route. Do you miss not being in the studio system and having higher budgets? Or, do you feel you can be more free and creative at making low budget films?

FERRIN: I think low budgets have chosen me is more like it. No, I've embraced my lot in life.

GC: Your last films Pig Killer and Kemper highlight the most brutal of killers. Have you received blow back from the public for making these movies, even though streamers like Netflix’s most successful series was The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,

FERRIN: I get death threats from time to time, but that comes with the territory.

GC: What the best worst thing someone has said about you in a review?

FERRIN: Variety said of THE GHOULS, "The ever-diminishing line between legitimate news and exploitation is explored with B-movie gruesomeness in Chad Ferrin's "The Ghouls," a no-budget horror opus shot surreptitiously on the streets of Los Angeles. Using its oft-maligned genre as an avenue for social commentary (much as George Romero did in "Dead" films), exceedingly dark pic is deliberately rough around the edges, offering viewers none of the casual thrills or suspended reality that most contempo horror hits do."

GC: If you could be remember for one of your films, which would it be and why?

FERRIN: As I'm editing ED KEMPER now, it's firing on all cylinders and will be the one to fly the highest.

GC: Where can we watch your films? And what's after Dorothea? Will you be making another serial killer movie?

FERRIN: Good 'ol Tubi has most of 'em! Love to finally get my western made, but we shall where the day takes us.

Girls and Corpses Magazine/Films Interviews writer/director CHAD FERRIN about his latest film DOROTHEA The Death House Landlady

GC: Chad, you have had a successful run with writing and directing true crime stories, such as: Pig Killer and Kemper (which we worked on together) and now you will be doing the true story of serial killer Dorothea Puente. Why are you drawn to these crime stories. Why do they need to be told?

FERRIN: The Zodiac Killer had murdered a woman named, Darlene Ferrin, and seeing my last name associated with such a horrific crime as a kid really sparked my interest. I dove into trying to find out if we were related, reading anything and everything on Zodiac and serial killers. I was hooked! True crime is all the more terrifying knowing that the events actually happened, and as a horror filmmaker, when I come across an intriguing story, I want to tell it.

GC: Of all the potential serial killers, why were you drawn to the Dorothy Puente story? What makes her story stand out in the annals of serial killer crime?

FERRIN: After a successful collaboration with Susan Priver, I began looking for other projects for us to team up on. I read up on Dorothea and her life really struck a chord. Well, she's that little old lady next door that wouldn't hurt a fly.

GC: Besides showing Dorothea's evil, often gruesome murders, what would you like to say in this film about this type of person and her crimes. Who was Dorothea Puente in your eyes?

FERRIN: She was someone who had a specific vision of what her life should have been, and it wasn't, so she took a path that no one would expect, not even her. And I can relate that to my own life's dream/goal, so it helped connect the dots.

GC: You cast an ensemble of veteran actors who you like to work with, going back to your early films, such as Easter Bunny Kill Kill. Why do you bring back certain actors to work with again and again, like other directors: The Cohen Brothers, Quentin Tarantino, Tim Burton and others. Tell us about why you have made that choice?

FERRIN: It's simple, you find talented people and ya stick with 'em.

GC: Who are you bringing back from your crew to help tell this story? And why? What camera equipment will they be using?

FERRIN: EVERYONE!!! Like I said, you find talented people and ya stick with 'em. Red Komodo, we used it on the last few productions with fantastic results. DP Jeff Billings really makes it sing!

GC: What will be unique about the visuals in Dorothea?

FERRIN: Like on Pig Killer and Kemper, I strive to get the period correct and we'll go for a look that fits it. The script spans from the 1950's to her death in 2011, so the look will evolve with the numerous timeframes. Which is probably the most exciting aspect of the project to me.

GC: Each movie makes you a better creator, as both a writer and director. How will Dorothea make you better?

FERRIN: The numerous periods and material are even more ambitious than ED KEMPER, so I see it as a challenge to amp up my game.

GC: You seem to have an affinity for 80's horror. What are some of the movies, and directors, who most inspire you? And why?

FERRIN: Everything put out from Roger Corman, Cannon Films, Orion Pictures does for me. It was a time for great music, practical effects, weird storylines and naked women...I miss the 80's!

GC: It's getting harder and harder to make movies that make a profit. Budgets have come way down after studios have made risky movies, even with 'A' actors, resulting in lower box office returns. You have chosen the low budget route. Do you miss not being in the studio system and having higher budgets? Or, do you feel you can be more free and creative at making low budget films?

FERRIN: I think low budgets have chosen me is more like it. No, I've embraced my lot in life.

GC: Your last films Pig Killer and Kemper highlight the most brutal of killers. Have you received blow back from the public for making these movies, even though streamers like Netflix’s most successful series was The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,

FERRIN: I get death threats from time to time, but that comes with the territory.

GC: What the best worst thing someone has said about you in a review?

FERRIN: Variety said of THE GHOULS, "The ever-diminishing line between legitimate news and exploitation is explored with B-movie gruesomeness in Chad Ferrin's "The Ghouls," a no-budget horror opus shot surreptitiously on the streets of Los Angeles. Using its oft-maligned genre as an avenue for social commentary (much as George Romero did in "Dead" films), exceedingly dark pic is deliberately rough around the edges, offering viewers none of the casual thrills or suspended reality that most contempo horror hits do."

GC: If you could be remember for one of your films, which would it be and why?

FERRIN: As I'm editing ED KEMPER now, it's firing on all cylinders and will be the one to fly the highest.

GC: Where can we watch your films? And what's after Dorothea? Will you be making another serial killer movie?

FERRIN: Good 'ol Tubi has most of 'em! Love to finally get my western made, but we shall where the day takes us.

Girls and Corpses Magazine/Films Interviews writer/director CHAD FERRIN about his latest film DOROTHEA The Death House Landlady

GC: Chad, you have had a successful run with writing and directing true crime stories, such as: Pig Killer and Kemper (which we worked on together) and now you will be doing the true story of serial killer Dorothea Puente. Why are you drawn to these crime stories. Why do they need to be told?

FERRIN: The Zodiac Killer had murdered a woman named, Darlene Ferrin, and seeing my last name associated with such a horrific crime as a kid really sparked my interest. I dove into trying to find out if we were related, reading anything and everything on Zodiac and serial killers. I was hooked! True crime is all the more terrifying knowing that the events actually happened, and as a horror filmmaker, when I come across an intriguing story, I want to tell it.

GC: Of all the potential serial killers, why were you drawn to the Dorothy Puente story? What makes her story stand out in the annals of serial killer crime?

FERRIN: After a successful collaboration with Susan Priver, I began looking for other projects for us to team up on. I read up on Dorothea and her life really struck a chord. Well, she's that little old lady next door that wouldn't hurt a fly.

GC: Besides showing Dorothea's evil, often gruesome murders, what would you like to say in this film about this type of person and her crimes. Who was Dorothea Puente in your eyes?

FERRIN: She was someone who had a specific vision of what her life should have been, and it wasn't, so she took a path that no one would expect, not even her. And I can relate that to my own life's dream/goal, so it helped connect the dots.

GC: You cast an ensemble of veteran actors who you like to work with, going back to your early films, such as Easter Bunny Kill Kill. Why do you bring back certain actors to work with again and again, like other directors: The Cohen Brothers, Quentin Tarantino, Tim Burton and others. Tell us about why you have made that choice?

FERRIN: It's simple, you find talented people and ya stick with 'em.

GC: Who are you bringing back from your crew to help tell this story? And why? What camera equipment will they be using?

FERRIN: EVERYONE!!! Like I said, you find talented people and ya stick with 'em. Red Komodo, we used it on the last few productions with fantastic results. DP Jeff Billings really makes it sing!

GC: What will be unique about the visuals in Dorothea?

FERRIN: Like on Pig Killer and Kemper, I strive to get the period correct and we'll go for a look that fits it. The script spans from the 1950's to her death in 2011, so the look will evolve with the numerous timeframes. Which is probably the most exciting aspect of the project to me.

GC: Each movie makes you a better creator, as both a writer and director. How will Dorothea make you better?

FERRIN: The numerous periods and material are even more ambitious than ED KEMPER, so I see it as a challenge to amp up my game.

GC: You seem to have an affinity for 80's horror. What are some of the movies, and directors, who most inspire you? And why?

FERRIN: Everything put out from Roger Corman, Cannon Films, Orion Pictures does for me. It was a time for great music, practical effects, weird storylines and naked women...I miss the 80's!

GC: It's getting harder and harder to make movies that make a profit. Budgets have come way down after studios have made risky movies, even with 'A' actors, resulting in lower box office returns. You have chosen the low budget route. Do you miss not being in the studio system and having higher budgets? Or, do you feel you can be more free and creative at making low budget films?

FERRIN: I think low budgets have chosen me is more like it. No, I've embraced my lot in life.

GC: Your last films Pig Killer and Kemper highlight the most brutal of killers. Have you received blow back from the public for making these movies, even though streamers like Netflix’s most successful series was The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,

FERRIN: I get death threats from time to time, but that comes with the territory.

GC: What the best worst thing someone has said about you in a review?

FERRIN: Variety said of THE GHOULS, "The ever-diminishing line between legitimate news and exploitation is explored with B-movie gruesomeness in Chad Ferrin's "The Ghouls," a no-budget horror opus shot surreptitiously on the streets of Los Angeles. Using its oft-maligned genre as an avenue for social commentary (much as George Romero did in "Dead" films), exceedingly dark pic is deliberately rough around the edges, offering viewers none of the casual thrills or suspended reality that most contempo horror hits do."

GC: If you could be remember for one of your films, which would it be and why?

FERRIN: As I'm editing ED KEMPER now, it's firing on all cylinders and will be the one to fly the highest.

GC: Where can we watch your films? And what's after Dorothea? Will you be making another serial killer movie?

FERRIN: Good 'ol Tubi has most of 'em! Love to finally get my western made, but we shall where the day takes us.