An upcoming actress working heavily in the indie scene, Aleen Isley has parlayed a burgeoning career on a handful of impressive titles showcasing her skills in fine form. Now, in honor of Women in Horror Month, I talk with her about her early interest in acting, her working relationship with Steve Rudzinski, and upcoming 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?
Aleen Isley: I was never really allowed to watch horror movies as a kid. As I got older (and visited other friends’ houses) I started with the slasher genre. The earliest horror films I can remember watching were “Scream”, “I Know What You Did Last Summer”, and my favorite, “Urban Legend.” So 90’s slashers were sort of my window into the world of all things scary. I used to close my eyes on all the gory parts of movies, something that I cannot believe I did now that I have an appreciation for how films are made and how all those amazing practical effects were done.
Me: When did you initially discover a passion for acting? What aspect of this industry appeals to you?
AI: I knew I loved acting from childhood. My first ‘big part’ was playing Cinderella in my 2nd grade class play. I’ve been brought up in a musical theater world, so for most of my life I performed in musicals. A hobby that continued through high school, college, and now in community theaters all over Pittsburgh. I still balance stage and film acting each year. In theater, it’s the thrill of the live audience, and getting that immediate laugh/clap/cheer/cry response, whereas in film it’s the chance to have another take to perfect a performance and the ability to show so much more emotion in the smaller movements of the face rather than the over-exaggerated movements of the stage. I find both thrilling, and have no plans to give up either style of acting.
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?
AI: I have two favorite types of roles: the comedy/character bit and the villain. I love to do accents, eccentricities, and emotions that you just don’t see in the ingenue or the matriarch. I love a good saloon girl, live for a monster in disguise, and beg for roles with interesting physicality or vocal choices. My current film dream is to be a monster suit actor a la Doug Jones.
Me: With your performances based on the work of filmmaker Steve Rudzinski, what do you account for the chemistry you have together?
AI: Steve and I are madly in love with one another, and I think it’s very apparent in the way we interact on screen. We have played couples easily, but it’s even more fun to play the a-symmetric couple; The unrequited crush, like Holly and Jay in Curtains for Christmas. We both share the same brain. In fact, we often arrive at similar choices/decisions when scriptwriting without even consulting one another first. It’s like riding a wave with your best friend on the surfboard behind you and just inherently trusting your board will stay balanced. Plus, he always keeps me laughing, he’s so funny.
Me: Out of the dozens of characters you’ve played in his films, who has been the easiest to get into the mindset of for filming?
AI: This is a hard choice because I have adored all of my characters in the Silver Spotlight universe, but I think I fell most easily into Ilsa from “CarousHELL 2.” Partly because CarousHELL is my brainchild, and my favorite franchise we’ve started. It began as a shower thought and a snappy title and has since evolved into my passion project in film. Even though we are a couple and write these films together, I STILL audition for every role. I had to audition for Ilsa, so I spent a month compiling some of my favorite villains who have interacted with children in movies into one character idea. (I heavily referenced Winifred Sanderson in “Hocus Pocus” and Angelica Huston’s Grand High Witch from “The Witches (1990)” in this character since she’d be interacting a lot with the kidnapped unicorn child, Robbie.) While I don’t follow or gel with any nazi ideologies, I did spend time watching video footage of Hitler’s more famous rallies to try and encapsulate his wildly uncomfortable but passionate way of speaking for the recruitment scene in the film. It gave the others on set goosebumps, and I needed a deep shower after that one.
Me: With the characters usually balancing quirky comedy and goofy slapstick together with either family-friendly or horror content, does the style or genre ever affect the way you approach how to play certain scenes?
AI: The style of what we are going to be shooting influences how I put a character together one hundred percent. We have made everything from straightforward R-rated slasher films to PG-13 family-friendly spookfests. The more we lean into comedy, the more of that over-the-top stage acting style bleeds into my performance and I dip my toes into the world of the weird and uncanny. For more serious roles, like the one I played in “Head Case”, I take some quiet time to push the character out from somewhere dark in my mind. I would never call myself a method actor, but there is definitely an entirely different energy I ride on set depending on the mood of the piece.
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?
AI: When it comes to comedy roles, I tend to be comfortable dropping characters on set between scenes. Part of this is from the need in micro-budget cinema for me to wear many different hats. When I’m not on screen, I’m probably doing something just off-camera to support the process. For the CarousHELL series, for example, I also puppeteer, dress the set, run slate, hold lights, sometimes run audio, or assist Cody Ruch with fx shots. Hell, I’ve even baked lasagna in the on-set kitchen as the cast/crew meal for the day. Coincidentally, that’s also how I pass the time between takes. I’m always running around the set helping with 4200 tasks, and have very little downtime.
Me: What is the set like while shooting these kinds of films? How do the rest of the cast and crew react to the type of film being made?
AI: I like to think our sets are organized casual professional. We aren’t going to have 14 crew members on headsets roaming around, we aren’t going to have a PA to hand you a latte, but we get the work DONE. If we tell you we are shooting for an 8-hour day, then we will wrap before or at 8 hours. We have been so fortunate to cast so many amazingly talented (and hilarious) actors over the years that our sets are generally full of laughter and good memories, even if that means we need a few extra takes because we keep cracking up. When we shoot intimate scenes like the ones you may remember from the CarousHELL series, we have a closed set and check with the actors on their comfort throughout the process. We never want anyone to feel uncomfortable or pressured to do anything that the script dictates. We also allow some room for improv, so our actors get a chance to try something new. Often that means they must try the scene the way it’s written once or twice, then if they want to try a different idea, they are free to experiment. I hope that people leave our sets feeling like they had a thrilling and fair experience and that they felt cared for while working with us.
Me: Do you recall having any odd or funny on-set stories about yourself or any of the other cast/crew members?
AI: One of my favorite stories to recount is my chainsaw stunt adventure from “Captain Z and the Terror of Leviathan.” It’s my own version of the classic “I do my own stunts” brag. We were filming the final fight scene of Captain Z, which is very heavily Evil Dead-inspired as far as the comedy fighting action goes. We had this real chainsaw that we couldn’t remove the chain from, so the decision was made to just use it but not power it on. Steve was supposed to put the chainsaw next to my side, and blood tubing would spray him, then I headbutted him and he fell onto a crash pad. We only had one set of wardrobe so we had one take to get it right and then he’d be all bloodied, so we did three dry runs of the action with zero issues. The camera rolls, and we start the fight scene, but this time, when Steve falls, the chainsaw comes down at a weird angle it hasn’t before, and takes a chunk out of my leg as he falls onto the mat. I CANNOT ruin this only take, so I hold it in. Steve yells ‘CUT’ I look down at my now-bleeding leg, and all I can muster is a singular, slow-motion “Fuuuuuuuck”- we actually still have that part on the outtakes for the movie. A little rubbing alcohol and superglue later, we were back in action, and I have a cool little scar to feel like a real action movie bigshot.
Me: What has been the most memorable experience that you've had based on your collaborations together?
AI: Honestly, just all the friends we’ve made along the way. It’s corny, but it’s true. We’ve had the pleasure of working with so many amazing people, cast and crew alike. We truly treasure the memories we’ve made on set with everyone and have hosted many of our previous connections at Christmas parties, game nights, and premieres. Some of these fine people are no longer with us, and it’s so comforting in a time of loss to be able to pop into one of our movies and see that person again on screen, even if it is for a fleeting scene.
Me: Outside of his films, you've also landed roles in several other films like “Head Case,” “Crackula,” and “Dead Guy on the Davenport.” What have these experiences added to your repertoire as an actress?
AI: I have been interested in working with different directors outside of our company, and so am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to branch out and work with people like BPO Films, Brad Twigg, and Michael Atrata. I like to observe others’ directorial styles and try to use my experiences on set to grow as both an on-screen artist but also as a production manager. I’m still looking for more chances to spread my wings and get involved with other production companies, but no matter where I roam, I’m always happy to return to the world of Silver Spotlight Films in the end. I will say the transition from being a jill-of-all-trades on our sets to an actress only on others’ is something that I struggled with at first because it is in my nature to always be offering help in every department. Sometimes it’s nice to take a step back and just act.
Me: How do you do to keep your creative energy flowing?
AI: I take in a lot of content. I love watching movies. In all genres, I don’t just limit myself to horror. I love watching them now that I’ve made many. I feel I have a deeper appreciation for how the directors brought their ideas to life. My favorite directors are Guillermo Del Toro and Wes Anderson. I love their attention to visuals like color palettes and themes that go along with each one of their stories and set them apart as unique from one another. I play video games. I paint, craft, and play board games. I recently got back into Dungeons and Dragons, which lets me flex my acting choices on a much smaller and lower-stakes level. I listen to music, I dance. Whatever makes my heart soar.
Me: What else are you working on that you’d like to share with our readers?
AI: I’m currently working on the script for my directorial debut. It’s a killer ice cream horror/comedy that I cannot wait to complete pre-production on! I’ve directed a few stage plays and musicals before, but this will be the first time I direct my own film project. It will still be housed within our Silver Spotlight cinematic universe, but I think we need to see more work from women in the genre, and I’m glad to be part of that. I also currently serve as the president of Women in Film and Media Pittsburgh, a non-profit chapter that looks to help women boost their experience in the industry through educational opportunities and networking events.
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!
AI: If this is your passion, don’t let anyone tell you that it’s impossible. Let your voice be heard, don’t be a ‘yes-man’ for lack of a better phrase. Stand up for yourself, set boundaries for yourself and how you will be treated on set, and stick to those boundaries. Surround yourself with other women who back you up and support you, and cut out those who try to knock you around. This industry can be cut-throat, but with the right people in your corner, you’ll stand tall through whatever adversity may come your way. And MAKE that project you’ve been dreaming of. This is our time.
This interview ran as part of our 2025 Women in Horror Movement series. Click the banner below to check out all the featured interviews in this series:
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