A writer, actress and director, England Simpson is making a name for herself on the heels of several strong projects both in and out of the genre involving her in numerous roles for those films. Now, in honor of Women in Horror Month, I talk with her about getting her start in the business, her early short works and upcoming projects including Fat Henry.
Me: Hello and thank you for taking the time to do this. First off, how did you get into the genre?
England Simpson: Thank YOU!
Horror has been my passion since I was a preteen. Much of my free time was spent sneaking in a horror film or two whenever I wasn’t in school or at church. This was when I was first introduced to Troma’s DIY-style filmmaking, and one of my favorite actors, Debbie Rochon.
Me: Were you always into genre films growing up? What films specifically got you into watching horror movies?
ES: Growing up, I always found myself gravitating toward a lot of southern gothic horror films like The Skeleton Key, Beloved or drama/thriller Eve’s Bayou. Nevertheless, I loved seeing people that looked like me in “scary movies.” Films like: Candyman, Sugar Hill, Demon Knight, Tales from the Hood, and Ganja & Hess shaped my taste in the horror genre.
Me: How did you initial get started working on films in general?
ES: Many years ago I started acting in independent films… From there I was cast in a reality show, which I starred in for a few years. Nonetheless, I learned quickly that there were NOT many opportunities for WoC in the film industry, so I started to create my own opportunities.
Me: Having worked on plenty of short films early in your career, what tools and skills did you acquire working on those that transferred to future film-projects?
ES: Primarily, you get what you pay for! Pay your actors, pay your crew. Secondly, create to live. If I want to act, I have to create my own stories.
Me: Your first writing credit in the genre is the short Prelude: A Love Story which you also directed and acted in. Where did the inspiration to move into those roles come from?
ES: After shooting the final season of my reality show, I noticed that no one in the genre was interested in hiring a fat, black woman in a lead role… Or any real roles, for that matter. I would go to auditions and get callbacks, but not for an acting role. I would always be asked to coach the other actors or help with production. I was tired of not working. So I did something about it.
Me: Was it easy to perform multiple roles at once for the project?
ES: Hell no, but it was necessary. If I want to work, I have to have wear many hats within production. I call it the “Tyler Perry” approach.
Me: Your newest short is called Fat Henry. How did that come about?
ES: The story behind Fat Henry is definitely a bizarre tale. Echoes of my real experience as a plus-sized actor and reflections of my disturbed mind created the story of Fat Henry.
Me: What was the set like while shooting the film? How did the cast and crew react to the type of film being made?
ES: I noticed that some of the cast/crew were uneasy about shooting the film, but once they read the script they knew that the film would be well made… The set was pretty chill, there was a sickly sweet stench that covered our costumes. Everyone avoided eating cakes and pies for at least a month after we shot “the feast” scene. LOL!
Me: Do you recall having any odd or funny on-set stories about yourself or any of the other cast/crew members?
ES: Something strange always happens when I’m on a set, LOL! I’ve been trapped in a bathroom before, my pants fell down on national television and I’ve had most of my crew lock themselves out of their cars…
After I shot Prelude: A Love Story, I was pulled over and four cops surrounded my car. I forgot that I was covered in blood and bile. I should totally write a book about all of this.
Me: Is there any release schedule for the short for people to be able to see it?
ES: FAT HENRY will be screening at a few festivals before being distributed. Stay tuned.
Me: Are there any other upcoming projects you'd like to share with readers?
ES: I am in the pre-production of a feature-length horror film, which I will be announcing after FAT HENRY is distributed. I am so excited to share the news with everyone.
Me: Lastly, being that this is Women in Horror Month, what special message do you have for any women out there looking to join in the industry in any capacity as you are one yourself? Thank you again for your time!
ES: Thank you for having me.
The one thing I’d encourage is to keep writing, keep creating. Please do not wait for anyone to give you opportunities. Also, tearing other women down will not build you up.
This interview ran as part of our month-long Women in Horror Month celebrations. Click the banner below to check out all of our interviews and reviews we've conducted for the event:
Comments
Post a Comment