A previous guest on several past Women in Horror Month spotlights, I'm pleased to welcome back Lisa Neeld once again to talk about her recent acting work and directing her own short films.
Me: Hello and thank you for returning to this! Since last we spoke, you’ve appeared in the film “Blood and Breakfast” as Velouria Brumford. What can you tell us about it and your role in the film?
Lisa Neeld: Thanks for having me! Since we last spoke, I had the pleasure of appearing in Absurd Productions Pictures film "Blood And Breakfast" I had so much fun in the role of Velouria Brumford, the popular influencer. The film is a murder mystery; horror who done it and packed with amazing talent! It's the first time I have worked with Mark and Donna Byrne, who are absolutely AMAZING! I can't wait to be back on their set in the future. The film is currently available on DVD, and being showcased at film festivals and conventions.
Me: Working in a murder-mystery slasher film with a stacked cast of talented indie actors and actresses involved, what do you recall from your experiences?
LN: Working on "Blood And Breakfast" was beyond a great experience! The set vibe was so professional, and comfortable! Everyone was completely on point with their character, and the location was absolutely beautiful! Enjoyed every minute on the set of BNB with an extremely stacked cast of talent.
Me: What are you most looking forward to with its impending release to the general audience?
LN: Blood And Breakfast debuted at Waynesboro Theater in October 2024. Since then, it has been a featured film selection at many festivals and conventions. I'm excited for people to see the film and appreciate all the hard work and talent that brought a vision to life. It's truly an awesome film!
Me: As well, you’ve turned to directing with your first short films "Let's Get Young" and "One Too Many." What was the inspiration to start in that aspect of the industry?
LN: Last year I entered a film festival competition where the objective was to make a 5-minute short film using weapons randomly selected for each team. I put together my team of my husband James Infante, and talented actor/sfx artist Matt Jefferson. Being in the industry since 2009, I've learned quite a bit from being in front of the camera, and also seeing what happens behind the scenes, production etc. I tried out my first directorial debut with "Let's Get Young" which was my 5-minute short. I was very happy with the way it turned out and decided at that point to start directing my own films. Since May of 2024, I have directed 2 short films to date. My shorts "Let's Get Young" and "One Too Many" were film selections shown at Sinister Horror Fest and Akronomicon! I have both films on DVD and are available at the conventions/festivals I appear at.
Me: Where did the inspiration for the films come from? Were there any unique stories about their conception?
LN: The inspiration for "Let's Get Young" was I wanted to do an over-the-top, campy horror film. We had the best time with it! I absolutely love being a campy character! "One Too Many" came about as I have always wanted to do a ghost story. My third film "Evil Flows Within" was written by my dear friend Luc Burnier. The film is currently in post-production.
Me: Being an actress as long as you have, did that help you connect to the cast and crew better while filming? Was there anything unexpected that developed over filming that surprised you?
LN: I definitely think having been an actress for so long really helped me connect with the cast and crew. I have gained valuable knowledge that has spanned over the past 16 years that definitely comes into play when I'm directing my films. I've learned from some of the very best directors along the way, and I use this knowledge and experience to further my development in filmmaking.
Me: What was the set like while shooting the film? How did the cast and crew react to the type of film being made?
LN: I do my very best to stay organized and have the scenes flowing smoothly while filming. I plan for weeks in advance and pay attention to small details. The cast and crew know in advance how long the shoot will take, and the specific scenes that will be filming. I think a fun time on set is had by all involved, as we definitely emphasize positive energy 🙂 I'm thankful to everyone who has worked in our films! Very talented and passionate people, that we are fortunate to get to work with.
Me: Do you recall having any odd or funny on-set stories about yourself or any of the other cast/crew members?
LN: Some funny on-set moments definitely happened while filming "Let's Get Young". This short film is filled with 5 solid minutes of campy humor, which I love 😉 Matt Jefferson, my husband James Infante, and I laughed nonstop with the improv actions of our characters! It was the best time!
Me: You’ve also started production on a feature-length film called “The Bocce Slasher” which is set to start filming soon. What are you looking forward to getting this started?
LN: Our newest film will be a full-length feature. "The Bocce Butcher" is currently in pre-production and slated to start filming in April. I'm beyond excited to start on this! Bocce is something my husband and I play together, so I was inspired by it and added a slasher aspect to it, and The Bocce Butcher came into form. This will be our biggest production to date. I've been working very hard on it and can't wait to get the camera rolling on it!
Me: With your upcoming roles including "Evil Flows Within," "Welcome to Rehearsals," "Curly," and "Easter Holocaust 2" among others, does the rush of constantly working on new material overcome any potential downfalls like physical fatigue, hectic work schedules, etc?
LN: I'm always honored and grateful to be on set and bringing other's visions to life. I'm currently looking forward to filming new projects such as: "Welcome To Rehearsals" by William Long and directed by John Catheline and William Long. "Curly" by Travis Bowen, and "Easter Holocaust 2" by Michael Leo Centi. I love and prefer, to stay busy with films. Film schedules can be long, but I don't mind at all. I am grateful and thankful to be on set, so I think that trumps busy schedules and fatigue, at least for me it does. 🙂
Me: What else are you working on that you'd like to share with our readers?
LN: I'm currently working on some other ideas to film in the fall of 2025. Working with writer/actor Luc Bernier again will be wonderful! I have some other things in the works that are shaping up nicely. But for now, I'm focusing on The Bocce Butcher and my upcoming roles. Super excited to be appearing at upcoming conventions for this year.
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!
LN: Being this is Women In Horror Movement month, females out there wanting to get involved in acting, directing, etc, GO FOR IT!!!! Make your mark, and more importantly, believe in yourself, you got this 😉
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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