One of the newest faces on the scene, actress Tamara Jones is slowly becoming a name on the heels of several indie projects starting to get released in the current months. Now, in honor of Women in Horror Month, I talk with her about getting interested in the genre, her role on the film Backwoods Bubba and other upcoming projects.
Me: Hello and thank you for taking the time to do this. First off, when did you get into horror in general?
Tamara Jones: Hey and Thanks so much for including me in this as I have always been a huge fan of horror! I have only been actively involved since November 2019, so you can say I am a “Newbie”.
Me: Were you into genre films growing up? What films specifically got you into watching horror movies?
TJ: Yes, I have always loved horror, slashers, the gore. All of it!
OK, so where to start… Stephen King and Wes Craven of course are in my dreams nightly! So, for movies, I would have to say Carrie, Cujo, Christine, Maximum Overdrive, Pet Sematary, Last House on the Left, The Hills Have Eyes, and Nightmare on Elm Street. Although not as old “2005” Jeffrey Riddick’s Tamara is an all-time favorite as well.
Me: How did you come to be involved in the industry as an actress? Was there any specific aspect that appealed to you from an early age?
TJ: So, for many years I have always dreamed of writing horror movies. I have started my first one and look forward to sharing it with everyone soon. As for actress, I have always dreamed of becoming a Scream Queen but did not know where to start. In November 2019 three days before my birthday, I was informed I had Cancer along with a few other complications. You could say I jumped on my bucket list and got serious. I reached out to an old-school classmate who was getting his first movie prepped for filming and auditioned. That was my first break as an actress. I will never look back and will keep going!
Me: You’re involved in several upcoming genre efforts, starting with Backwoods Bubba. What drew you to your character Michelle?
TJ: Backwoods Bubba by James Thomasson, my old schoolmate, given my situation had me audition for the role of Michele, the Wolf. We are both fighters, being the Big Bad Wolf. I totally loved my character, Michelle, as she was a true fighter until the very end.
Me: Being involved in a film with as many prominent indie actors and actresses as this one does, what have you learned being around them that you’ve really taken to your next project?
TJ: The main thing I have learned is there is no better family to be part of! Everyone helps and supports one another no matter how long they have been in the industry. They all showed me so much support, I will forever be grateful. I have and will support everyone who I ever get to work with, besides, we are all human and humans make mistakes.
Me: What was the set like while shooting the film? How did the cast and crew react to the type of film being made?
TJ: I honestly believe all the cast had an awesome time filming Backwoods Bubba. We all loved the idea of Bubba and could not wait to bring our characters to life. I can honestly say it was an exceptionally good first experience.
Me: Do you recall having any odd or funny on-set stories about yourself or any of the other cast/crew members?
TJ: Two stick out strongly. The first was me, as for the biggest part of Backwoods Bubba was filmed in an old cabin on the floor made of dirt and boards, in winter nonetheless which made it slightly cold. However, as it may seem like an everyday thing for most to get up and down off the floor was not the easiest for myself. Most do not know but as my first film ever I am not sure what to say, brave or stupid but I was most certainly entertaining for the rest of the cast. I was not cleared of the cancer scare until after filming, I did, however, film with a twisted pelvic bone which caused a leg difference making it hard to walk and both hips are busted through the socket which complicated walking even more. So, I can honestly say I thought walking would have been my worst problem, but I was wrong it was literally getting up and down off the floor which trust me did provide some good laughs. The second was two cast members who totally outdid themselves. They took their characters over the top! We all had several times of regaining composer from laughing too hard. Both memories will last a lifetime for sure.
Me: You’ve also been announced for the upcoming project “Martian Massacre.” What you tell us about the film?
TJ: Yes!! In Martian Massacre, I play the Queen. She is a character really. We just filmed all my parts slightly earlier than the rest of the cast as I am waiting on surgery. I can tell you this is going to be a movie you do not want to miss! From the cast to the effects, you will love it!!
Me: With these being just some of your announced projects in development, does this come as a shock to be as involved in the independent film scene as quickly as you’ve become?
TJ: Yes and No. I am seriously thankful for the roles I have been given the chance to play. I Have passed on so many auditions that I would have loved to have gotten. I know I have restrictions right now and even though I am strong-minded my energy level is not! I know this is just temporary and will be over soon enough then I can go full speed!
Me: What else are you working on that you’d like to share with our readers?
TJ: I do have a few others coming up two of which are zombies. I have always loved a good zombie movie as well. Day of the Undead and Z Dead End. Which both look to be very outstanding movies. The Howling Hick, Can You Smell the Flowers and Carnivore Cannibals and the Lust for Human Flesh are a few others I am so looking forward to being a part of.
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!
TJ: I want everyone woman out there to know that no matter what is holding you back to just forget it and reach for them stars!! You can do and achieve anything you put your mind too. And always have fun doing it!!
This interview ran as part of our Women in Horror Month celebrations. Click the banner below to check out all of our reviews and interviews about the occasion:
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