A talented actress and make-up artist specializing in the extreme end of the scene, Cory Cowley has turned her talents into a solid career utilizing her skills in several standout titles. Now, in honor of Women in Horror Month, I talk with her about her early interest in the industry, working on various aspects of the industry, and some of her past projects.
Me: Hello and thank you for taking the time to do this. First off, when did you get into horror in general? What films specifically got you into watching horror movies?
Cory Cowley: Thank you all for having me!
I started off in horror as a writer. Back in 2020, I published my first novel Bending Reality, and in 2021, I published Dissention. Growing up, I had such a huge fascination with the macabre and everything grotesque. Writing for me was very cathartic. I spent the entirety of my adolescence writing dark poetry and creating characters. Horror movies were also such an influence on my life. I had heavy roots in theater and really wanted to delve into acting. I’d say four years ago, when I was cast in my first music video for Absolver, was when I decided to take it full-time. I attribute extreme metal to a lot of the connections I have now. I’m guessing you could say they coincide, and I am perfectly okay with that!
My mom is a HUGE horror buff. I remember watching Hellraiser for the first time and thinking, “Holy shit…this is insane!” It opened the doors of imagination furthermore, and sort of got me into the creation process of all these characters. I’d definitely say that the 70’s Giallos and J-horror were also influential in my style and cinematography.
Me: When did you initially discover a passion for acting? What aspect of this industry appeals to you?
CC: When I started doing work for Metal musicians, it made me hungry for acting all over again. In addition to writing, I do horror art on the side. My art was gaining traction with the metal bands, I was cast in the music videos, and then from there, I met Scott Hansen and it sort of exploded. I definitely owe Digital Thunderdome a lot and have gratitude for them pushing my career. I think the most appealing part, is that you can essentially cross the lines in any production. More often than not, I’m my own SFX/actress/producer/director—and it’s so damn rewarding. Film is just not acting behind a camera—it’s a cog full of moving parts, and knowing that can essentially jump into any crew role while acting, that’s the best feeling. It’s almost like a drug, for me, anyway.
Me: Is there any specific type of character you prefer playing? What do you look for in a character to be excited and interested in playing it?
CC: I love playing diverse and obscured characters. I think that covering up the layers of a character really makes the viewer want to take a bite out of the story. Strength is also something that I look for in choosing roles. Granted, I’m up for any challenge, but I’d definitely say I’m more partial to portraying a character that’s been kicked in the nuts and survives. There’s such a survivalist in me that I think I’m reflecting a bit haha. I grew up in rough circumstances, and it sort of gives me the opportunity to pour my soul into past transgressions and transform them into something beautiful.
Me: What do you do to stay in character while on-set? When you're not filming, how do you pass the time between takes?
CC: It’s funny you ask this, because I will pace back and forth while making growls, screeches, and jaw exercises haha. For the most part, I’ve played creatures, so I like to pretend I’m possessed and distance myself from the crew. As I mentioned previously, I really like to immerse myself in the mechanics of production. I’ll stand on the side watching my co-stars in a scene, and in between takes (when I can give advice), I’ll say, “Try this” or “What if we did this”. Maybe that makes me a producer, haha, but, I like bouncing ideas off my co-stars and enriching the storyline.
Me: Your first time on a movie set was for the upcoming film “The Forest Hills.” What do you recall about your time on set?
CC: You know, in the traditional sense, you’re probably right. Although “Mother of Lost Things” was my first on-set production, “Hills” was filmed at Digital Thunderdome at their MASSIVE film studio. It was crazy. Scott and Desiree have so many different sets built within one area and it’s so mind-blowing. We shot part of it at an abandoned building and part of it at DT. I had a ball. There were definitely some stressful situations about it, but overall, I loved working with Chiko Mendez, the Hansens, Wes Lee, and D.A. Sims. Unfortunately, I couldn’t meet Dee Wallace or Shelley Duvall, but it’s so cool that my name and image are like the poster for the film. Humbling is an understatement. Haha!
Me: As well, you’re also involved in the upcoming feature “The Virginia Bitches.” What can you tell us about the film and your character Queenie?
CC: Oh, my god…Virginia Bitches. Haha, WHERE do I start? I think this film I’m looking most forward to completing BECAUSE it’s so wild. I mean, you’ve got Heidi Butcher, Chelsea LeSage, Gus Langley, John Wells…the cast is absolutely stacked. I can honestly say being on that set was a blast. My character, Queenie, is…well, you won’t miss her. Let’s just say she will stand out…in a gross way…but I’m so excited about that. Scott pitched the character to me while doing the Vale of Pnath video in Ocala. He wanted me on board then, and ever since, we’ve been friends. I can’t say much, but let’s just say Queenie is Queen. Shh!
Me: With a stacked cast of talented indie actors and actresses involved, what tips and tricks have you learned as an actress from working on the film?
CC: Pay attention. Obviously, I know I’m a low man on the totem pole. Learning from your veterans makes a world of difference, and makes you focus on your roles even more. Some of the best advice I got from Chiko Mendez, and he’s always told me to let go, breathe, and be yourself. Acting is acting, but as strange as it sounds, let go and be you. And, I think this is a given, don’t show up to set unprepared. Knowing your lines and being professional when you need to make a HUGE impression on the director.
Me: What was the set like while shooting the film? How did the cast and crew react to the type of film being made?
CC: It was outrageous. Chelsea LeSage and I had been internet friends for a hot minute, so getting to cut up with her and make jokes made the set so much fun. We got down to business when needed, but for lunch and some downtime, we enjoyed doing really shitty impressions haha. Gus Langley is also a really fun person to be around. There is something about Gus that brings you such a warm feeling. He’s naturally funny, and I genuinely couldn’t get enough of his humor. Amazing haha. A lot of VB was improv. Doing reads with the cast ended up being us basically changing things up and making them sound more funny or creepy. Scott and Desiree are such awesome directors, that they thoroughly encourage the randomness. I think that’s part of why people enjoy working with the Hansens so much.
Me: Do you recall having any odd or funny on-set stories about yourself or any of the other cast/crew members?
CC: To this day, I still the funniest thing was when Gus Langley was saying his lines during a scene, and he improved the line, “SHE’S GONNA BLOW!” This was about my character, and I swear to god I had to hold my pee in haha! There was also a time during “Mother of Lost Things”, that during my screaming takes, I ended up peeing all over myself. It was pretty cold that day, and all I could remember thinking was that I was Lloyd and Harry in the Dumb and Dumber sequence when he says, “It’s kinda warm.” Hahaha!
Me: With your involvement in several upcoming extreme features and shorts including “XXX Darknet: Red Lips,” “Trypophobic Possession” and “Mother of Lost Things,” what difference have you noticed in terms of production style or set attitude compared to other indie efforts makes these kinds of projects accessible to work on?
CC: It’s definitely a different ball game. With “Trypophobic” and “Red Lips”, I had 100% free-reign to be extremely vile and repulsive. I don’t have any problems with extreme horror; in fact, that’s more or less what I’m known for, but I guess the biggest difference is, that with these films, you are director, cinematographer, actress, producer, and SFX. You essentially have to do it all. To date, these are the most challenging because you have a lot of responsibility riding on your shoulders. It’s a daunting task trying to get your shot, avoid your makeup from coming off, acting, checking the shot, washing off, reapplying…it’s hard. I think one of the biggest things directors take for granted is that these crews and actors really make the film what it is. Bigger productions mean bigger crews, which in turn, makes for a smoother process. With “Red Lips” and “Trypophobic” I was completely alone. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining. If anything, it makes me realize I can do it all, IF need be. I think Domiziano Christopharo sort of allows it that way to teach you to be a better filmmaker and actor. I’m definitely grateful for both experiences.
Me: In addition to working as an actress, you’ve also done special effects for these and several other projects. What initially attracted you to engaging in this area of production?
CC: Yeah, I think now I can say I’ve done SFX and acting in equal parts. SFX is something I taught myself. Along with my art, I incorporate a ton of SFX into it. With that knowledge, I’d say it’s easier to get a job. I know that worst-case scenario, I can do the makeup and act at the same time. SFX is endless. You can do and create so much with no limits. Honestly, I’m learning new things every day, and I’ve been grateful for the people who have come into my life and given me pointers and tips. It’s like a never-ending cyclical event of inspiration!
Me: What do you go through in a typical day to make sure everything runs smoothly on a set?
CC: Coffee haha. No, but, I like to make sure I’ve gone through my lines and know what voice or mannerisms I’m going to do on camera. I like to have my husband, Jim, on set for most of the films. He’s sort of like my calming therapy and helps me prepare.
Me: How do you do to keep your creative energy flowing?
CC: Question of the century, haha. This is something that I struggle with CONSTANTLY. I try my hardest not to repeat the same thing over and over, but with an already saturated market-it’s kinda hard, innit? My rule of thumb for any ideas is to say screw it and let your mind go blank. In terms of my directing, I usually use life experiences, or see something in everyday life, create a story around it, and say, “How can I make this deranged?” Creativity is at your disposal; you just have to look at what most people ignore.
Me: What else are you working on that you'd like to share with our readers?
CC: I just finished up another segment for “6 Songs”, which is an anthology created by Domiziano Christopharo. I directed, acted, and did SFX in this as well, and I can genuinely say that I crushed it. Even I impressed myself with how good it turned out. I’ll also be working on “All Wounds Scream at Once” towards the end of the year. I’ll be working again with David R. Williams, and it’ll be a very explicit, extreme horror film that centers around some pretty controversial topics.
Me: Lastly, being that this is our Women in Horror Movement, 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!
CC: Be you, in all that you do. I think being a woman is such a beautiful thing, and I love seeing women growing leaps and bounds in this industry. With that being said, appreciate your femininity, but don’t make it everything. Sometimes men and women fall into these traps that because of their gender, they have to prove a point. Your gender doesn’t denote your ability as an actor or creative. I love being a woman but remember: you’re an actor FIRST, and actors are any and everything in front of that camera. Essentially, just go be yourself, walk with honesty, modesty, and truth…and you’ll be alright.
Thank you for having me, Don! Godspeed!
This interview ran as part of our 2024 Women in Horror Movement celebrations! Click the banner below to check out our complete coverage:
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