A celebrated actress, model, and presenter in a variety of genres, August Kyss has become a strong name in the indie scene with a slew of top-tier credits to her name showing off her skillset in different mediums. Now, in honor of Women in Horror Month, I talk with her about her early interest in acting, some of her past projects, and her work on the upcoming series 'Dark Rewind.'
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?
August Kyss: Thank you kindly for this interview opportunity. I have a fierce nostalgia for the 80s’ and the video store era. That was the time I discovered horror movies. The happiest and most innocent times of my life were going to the video store with my dad or cousins and picking out the most B-looking horror movies we could find. Films that got me specifically into watching horror movies would be Return of the Living Dead, Children of the Corn, Fright Night, Evil Dead, and more.
Me: When did you initially discover a passion for acting? What aspect of this industry appeals to you?
AK: I initially discovered my passion for acting in 2000 when I was a body double on the set of a Lifetime Movie called Secret Cuttings. I unfortunately had a bad experience and decided to give it up. It wasn’t until Covid hit that my interest in acting sparked back. I’ve been acting ever since. I love the process of filmmaking. The networking and community feel with filmmakers is what I enjoy the absolute most. I cherish the way acting allows me to become a different person and escape. It gives me the chance to be vulnerable without being sorry for it. I adore it.
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?
AK: I wouldn’t say there is a specific character I enjoy playing over others, because I feel lucky to play any character. Although, I do enjoy playing characters who are in peril or at risk in some way. I also like to play a character who can provide me the chance to experience something that I have not been able to experience in my own life, like being a mother or a police officer!
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?
AK: Although I interact amicably with my fellow actors and crew members on set, I generally keep to myself to avoid distractions and to stay in character. I am always mentally prepared that it will be a lot of hurry up and wait on set, and I don’t mind it in the least.
Me: With one of your first appearances as Dr. Merriweather in the film “Murderbots,” what initially attracted you to the role?
AK: It was an honour that a director (Jim Wynorski, Chopping Mall) of that calibre wanted me for such an intricate role with such intense jargon. He believed in me, and I wouldn't disappoint him. Of course, being in a Full Moon Feature film was a huge bonus. A dream role.
Me: Following this, you appeared as Tatiana in “Murdercize” and a hitchhiker in “Massacre at Femur Creek.” Considering some of the scenes you were filming, what were the sets like at these times? How did you and the rest of the crew handle the types of scenes being filmed?
AK: Everyone involved in these sets was extremely professional. I have nothing but good things to say about all these experiences. Massacre at Femur Creek was particularly interesting because my scene was shot on a crisp Canadian fall evening. It was the type of evening where you can see your breath in the air. Everyone was cold, especially me in a thin-sleeved 80s-style shirt. They let me warm up in the car between takes and it was much appreciated.
Me: With other roles in films like “Death Bitch,” and “Flesh of the Unforgiven” seeing you are gaining more experience in the indie scene, what have these experiences added to your repertoire as an actress?
AK: These experiences and others have given me the chance to hone my skills and expand my repertoire as an actress, for sure. I am lucky that all of my roles have been very different, and they have given me the chance to play an array of characters with a range of emotions attached. I am particularly proud of my performance in Flesh of the Unforgiven. I played Vivienne, a character experiencing profound heartbreak as a consequence of her past misjudgment. I have been blessed to have won three awards for Best Supporting Actress for this film from the Sittannavasl International Film Festival, Eastern Europe Film Festival, and Horror-Nation's 2024 Best Performance by a Supporting Female Actor in an Independent Horror Film. I am also proud to mention that Death Bitch won "Best Indie Made Under $100k of 2024" at Film Threat's Award This! Film Festival.
Me: Among your numerous upcoming appearances is as the host of the series ‘Dark Rewind.’ What can you tell us about the concept of the series and your involvement in it?
AK: I am really excited for this project to air on Feb 25th on NYX UK and Scream TV in North America. Dark Rewind is a nostalgic TV series hosted, written, and co-produced by myself. Each episode revisits 1980s horror classics, beginning with Sleepaway Camp (1983). Some episodes feature special guests, and I am super thrilled to introduce this baby to the world! You won’t want to miss these titles, so tune into NYX UK in one of the following ways: Freeview 271 / Channelbox App / TCL TVs / Distro TV, or visit www.nyxtv.co.uk.
Scream TV in the US and Canada is a new, free-to-air, and free-to-stream TV channel dedicated to horror. To get Scream TV, download the DistroTV app on any Roku or Amazon Fire TV as well as iOS and Android devices. Or visit www.scream-tv.com.
Me: Do you recall having any odd or funny on-set stories about yourself or any of the other cast/crew members?
AK: I do have a funny story about Dark Rewind. There were usually about five of us on set and one day we decided to eat guacamole as a snack…. Let’s just say we all kept on using the bathroom that day and opening the windows…it was very painful but comical!
Me: What do you do to keep your creative energy flowing?
AK: On set, this may sound odd, but I do different facial expressions and take long deep breaths. I also have adopted a snapping technique where I snap a finger near my ear. It helps to keep me present. Off-screen, I like to discover coworkers’ films, as well as actors and directors from years gone by. You can always learn so much from watching other people’s work and meeting them.
Me: What else are you working on that you’d like to share with our readers?
AK: Currently I am writing a feature screenplay as well as a short. The screenplay is a horror comedy, and the short is a psychological horror. I will be doing pick-up shots for Female Gaze a flamining in the next few days with director Kyle Wilkinson. It will be nice to work with him again.
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!
AK: The biggest piece of advice I can give to any actor, male or female, is to NETWORK. Never put all your eggs in one basket. Don’t just wait on your agent, or that one person you know that is going to write a part for you in their next film. Put yourself out there. Go to events, add people on social media, and keep in touch with other actors and producers whom you have met on set. This is a tremendous amount of work, and it is not for the faint of heart. You must push every day - but do take breaks and learn to say no. This is very important. Your physical and mental health must always come first.
Thanks again for this opportunity!
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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