A previous guest on past Women in Horror Month spotlights, I welcome back Ana Xaden to talk about her latest acting and scoring projects.
Me: Hello and thank you for returning to this. Since last we spoke, you’ve started work on a music career scoring several films. How did this come about?
Ana Xaden: I have always loved music and have written lyrics since I was around 9 years old. One night I was unable to sleep so I downloaded a music mixer app and started making music on it to help me feel tired. Instead of tiring me out, I was up til 7am making music lol it’s therapy to me in a way. So I started posting my songs and some music videos I made on YouTube and other sites. The way I started doing music for movies was by asking director friends if I could send music/songs in for consideration to be in the films. I love it so much!
Me: What do you go through when starting a new composition? How do you stay focused on writing and performing new music?
AX: Well I start with my mood and mix it with the subject of the song I plan to write/perform. I sometimes do a full song in one night but the ones I sing in take a little longer sometimes. My focus is held by my determination to make a work of art in musical form.
Me: Having composed full soundtracks as well as original compositions for films, is there a preference for one style or the other?
AX: I enjoy both but it depends on the movie I am creating for. For slashers, I tend to love doing soundtracks where I get to sing and scream or whatever fits the film. If it’s a more toned-down style, I like doing scores.
Me: Having been a performer earlier in your life, did that help allow you to get into the right mindset for these kinds of productions?
AX: Actually, it did a little bit most of my mindset comes from watching films and shows for most of my life, listening to the music in each scene, show choir, and having an imagination that helps me write. Oh and life experiences, living on my own around the country, people I have met, interactions I’ve had with people, etc.. all help expand my mind to create anything I need to.
Me: What has been your most memorable experience since getting into music composition and writing?
AX: Getting nominated for an award. I’ve never received a nomination in my whole life and it is very exciting.
Me: In addition to writing, you’ve also continued acting with roles in multiple Donald Farmer films including “Darbie’s Scream House” as Tripper. What attracted you to the role and what can we expect from the film?
AX: Well I loveeeeee Barbie and when Donald told me he wanted to make a horror Barbie-themed film. Originally I had a smaller role but I got offered the role of Tripper and asked him if he knew anyone that I could hitch a ride with and his cameraman lives in my state. So he set up the ride. Curtis Everitt, the cameraman, has become a good friend from that trip to shoot and til now.
Me: What was the set like while shooting the film? How did the cast and crew react to the type of film being made?
AX: It was so much fun! I loved meeting everyone and working on set with them all. We all loved the script and it was a silly film but should totally be cult film status.
Me: Do you recall having any odd or funny on-set stories about yourself or any of the other cast/crew members?
AX: Funny stuff was the place we were filming was right by an airline training path so I had to repeat lines over and over to get it all done before planes flew over. The place flew over about every minute or less.
Me: As well, you’re also involved in the upcoming films “Wereshark” and “Nuns vs. Shark.” What are you most looking forward to with these particular films?
AX: Well, Wereshark was very fun and terrifying and tiring lol but soooo worth it. Curtis directed and filmed my scene in it and I must say, I let out the most distressed terrifying real scream I have ever executed in my life. After that, I screamed while filming some scenes for Nuns vs Sharks and the scream was as fun as it was in Wereshark. I’m looking forward to the end of March to film my last scenes for Nuns vs Sharks. I hope Wereshark is released soon too. And trust me, they’re both going to be wickedly killer!
Me: With a stacked cast of talented indie actors and actresses involved, what are you most looking forward to getting to work with familiar names and those you haven’t worked with before?
AX: I love getting to see past cast members on set that I have worked with. I also enjoy meeting actors I had not shot with before. Though I am sometimes a little shy at first. I love giving everyone hugs and hello too
Me: What else are you working on that you’d like to share with our readers?
AX: I just filmed another part for Mocos, Beaver with a Cleaver, Dr. S, Creep Footage 3: ‘Night Nurse' and a grindhouse-style film called No Remorse.
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!
AX: I say to women wanting in the industry: go for your dreams. Make them happen for you. If you want to do large roles I say audition and network as much as possible. Even for smaller parts. Go for it!! Have confidence in yourself and learn to cope with rejection as well as acceptance.
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:
Comments
Post a Comment