A prominent actress in the UK indie scene, Andrea Sandell has made a strong impression with her roles in various genre efforts over the years which has been parlayed into a successful career in the movement. Now, in honor of Women in Horror Month, I talk with her about her early interest in acting, some of her previous roles, 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?
Andrea Sandell: I started in 2010 as a Zombie in Welcome to Essex which is when I realized how much I loved Acting and Horror.
From an early age, I'd always loved Supernatural programs such as X-Files, The Twilight Zone, and others so by that alone I knew I wanted to be involved in either the Supernatural or Horror somehow.
Me: When did you initially discover a passion for acting? What aspect of this industry appeals to you?
AS: When I saw my Niece in a local stage play I felt I wanted to be the person up there so knew then I wanted to be in the Creative Industry in some form.
During my School years I was interested in Dancing and did quite a bit of Dancing just not in a professional capacity at the time, I was a bit too shy and quiet.
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?
AS: In-between takes I am still channeling the Character however if it's a solemn role people may think I'm not happy when that isn't the case it's just the character I'm portraying.
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?
AS: I'd love to play the character which Ruth Connell plays in Supernatural called Rowena, being a Scare Actor I love the sinister element she gives off.
Me: Having worked on plenty of scare attractions and haunts early in your career, what tools and skills do you acquire working on those that transferred to future film projects?
AS: Definitely getting into character, especially with Horror and testing out your own voice by way of making certain Noises almost Demonic. One day I scared a lady so much at an event she shouted 'Don't make them noises at me,' that night I knew I'd done my job right!
Me: Having performed in many shorts and features for indie filmmaker Alexander Churchyard and TIS Films, what about his style and approaches keep bringing you around to work with him?
AS: Alex Churchyard is a very hardworking Filmmaker and I am so glad he has done as well as he has to date. The first film I did available on Amazon Prime is called I Scream on the Beach and I play Sinister Sister Abigail which I applied for years earlier but for whatever reason the Film didn't go ahead until years later so when I saw them casting again I applied straight away and they confirmed me.
Alex, Hannah, and the Team are friendly and approachable and we have a laugh on set.
Me: Working on these films as Sinister Sister Abigail, what about the character keeps her coming back for new films and installments?
AS: Sister Abigail is a bit crazy which is very funny to watch, she thinks she is a Nun but all that meet her can tell she couldn't be more opposite. As much as I like Scaring people I also like making them laugh which this character does.
Me: Do you recall having any odd or funny on-set stories about yourself or any of the other cast/crew members?
AS: I used to be in a local Filmmaking Group called Brentwood Movie Makers and we used to make Shorts, anyway, one day I swung around with a Robot Money-Tin pretending to hit the other Actor but lost my balance falling into him who in turn fell into the light then onto the floor, as much as I felt bad for him I was creasing up on the floor. Sorry, Keith Pain!
Me: Outside of his films, you've also landed roles in several other indie genre films such as “Dead Destination” and “Remember Me 2” among others. What have these experiences added to your repertoire as an actress?
AS: Remember Me 2 I play a Nurse and I have to say is one of my better roles and is the type of character I like to play, she came across as initially caring but she couldn't be more sinister. I like this character as I can bring my Archetypes into play from Caregiver to Rebel!
Me: Among your upcoming roles is playing in Kieran Johnston’s “Viral 2.” 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?
AS: I will be filming Monday 17th in Milton Keynes in a follow-up film called Virus 2 for Kieran Johnston.
The lead is someone I know so I'm looking forward to seeing her in action.
Me: How do you do to keep your creative energy flowing?
AS: In quiet times I perform Monologues to keep my creative juices flowing and attend Workshops/Network Meetings.
Me: What else are you working on that you’d like to share with our readers?
AS: I personally have a Vampire Script called Night Hunters which has been taken on by Emmanuel Francique from the Ashanti Network and is being shot partly in America and London. I have a prominent part and looking forward to getting started.
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!
AS: Anyone who is interested in Horror and see a casting take a leap forward and apply you never know if you may have the look they are looking for. Also, I recommend Scare Acting Classes and Acting Workshops if affordable. Remember "You can do it" never let anyone tell you otherwise.
Thanks, Andrea x
As a final message, I attend The Romford Horror Festival regularly and just recently the Cinema where it was held managed by Spencer Hawken closed down. Spencer is re-opening it under a different name and will be an entertainment venue not just films. I am looking forward to this as may mean I can get involved in more creative stuff.
To do this Spencer has had to set up a Fundraiser which I support, this can be viewed here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/lumiere-romford---former-premiere-cinema
I will also be helping them set up for their first night of entertainment under the new name of Lumiere.
The good thing is we get to attend the Romford Horror Festival again in the same place which starts on 27th February.
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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