A talented actress, writer, and producer, Steph Infection has built her brand in multiple fields beyond the genre which has helped her create a strong impact with her work. Now, in honor of Women in Horror Month, I talk with her about her early interest in the genre, working with Deadsville Productions, and her upcoming films.
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?
Steph Infection: I was born in the 80s, so my earliest memories of horror exposure were with kids' shows like the Beetlejuice animated series, Nickelodeon's Are You Afraid of the Dark, Goosebumps, Ghostbusters, etc.
Me: When did you initially discover a passion for acting? What aspect of this industry appeals to you?
SI: I suppose I always had an interest in acting. As a child, it always appeared like a dream job. I took acting classes as a young kid but got out of it for years and had a different career path in medicine. My passion came back as an adult and starting Deadsville Productions with my partner, which allowed me to work and learn film from every angle. I write, produce, act, do stunt work, wardrobe, help with props and lighting, and everything down to supplying crafty on shooting days. I really enjoy knowing every part of filmmaking, and the biggest appeal to me is seeing a creative thought turn into something visible for others to enjoy after putting in all the hard work.
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?
SI: I typically play the "goth girl" role, but I am open to trying anything. I had a small role in a music video for Dickie Devil and the Deviants where I played an old lady with a walker and that was a ton of fun!
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?
SI: I just set my mind to whatever the attitude and personality is of my character. I wish I had some inside secret, but I don't! As for in-between filming, one of the downsides of owning a production company is that I have to always keep moving. If I am not in a scene, I am busy wearing one of my many other hats and doing another job. Now, on other sets than my own, it would depend on how much downtime I'd have. I've done everything from scrolling social media and answering emails to running lines, chatting with other actors and crew, etc.
Me: Having worked on various aspects of film production, do you have any particular preference for working on any?
SI: I have been saying recently that I want to focus on being behind the scenes rather than in front of the camera, but my secret is I actually enjoy being the talent, so I don't have to run around as much. Shhhh!
Me: As one of the co-owners of the studio Deadsville Productions, how did the creation of the studio come about? What type of work do you provide through the studio?
SI: Deadsville Productions started out as a music production company called Horror Punks USA. We booked and promoted live music events and festivals in the surrounding area. We also have a building where we provide multiple monthly rental spaces for bands plus a bigger space across from our office that has been previously used for live music events and has now been turned into a full film studio. My business partner has been a stuntman for many years and went to school for film, so working in the industry, it was always part of our plan to incorporate film into our business. COVID-19 shutting down live events caused us to accelerate our plan and rebrand to Deadsville Productions LLC. We currently still provide many monthly rental spaces and have sets to film podcasts, content, shorts, etc.
Me: Having worked on plenty of short films and music videos, what tools and skills did you acquire working on those that transferred to future film projects?
SI: I think each time you work on a project, you learn a little more about the industry and ways to make your lines and delivery easier. Just like anything, the more you practice and perform a skill, the better you get.
Me: You’re also involved in the upcoming film “Amityville Barbi” through the studio. What can you tell us about the film? Where did the inspiration for the film come from?
SI: Amityville Barbi: The Movie is our SHAMELESS HORROR PARODY of the beloved Barbie franchise! What if Barbi was secretly a Buffy-style "slayer of evil" who moved into Amityville and had to battle Sam Raimi-style dead-os??? That's the premise. The plot: Barbi has a secret: She leads a double life. To the public and her friends, she is a famous Hollywood actress and fashion model. But secretly, her family comes from a long line of demon slayers, and Barbi is the latest member of her bloodline to inherit the power and responsibility. Not even her longtime boyfriend Kent knows the truth. So, when a housewarming party goes wrong, and evil is unleashed on Barbi and Kent's friends and family, Barbi's worlds will collide!
The truth is that it started as somewhat of a joke when my partner and I were scrolling through all of the low-budget Amityville titles on streaming sites. He came up with the idea of doing a Barbie version as it was both popular and a personal passion of his. My partner has been a stuntman and coordinator in the film/TV industry for over 20 years, so we decided to make this movie high quality using high-level stunts and fight choreo teamed with practical special FX and lots of blood.
We are currently still crowdfunding on Indiegogo, so if you want to be a part of the movie, go on and search Amityville Barbi and grab a perk!
Me: With a stacked cast of talented indie actors and actresses involved, how'd you settle on the cast getting involved in the film? What characteristics did you look for with each performer that they brought to the table that helped bring the production to light?
SI: With each character, we write a description of the personality, background, skills, and physical features before putting out a casting call. Once we get a bunch of submissions, we go through them and narrow them down. There are a lot of decisions that go into casting. Sometimes, you may have to sacrifice one area if you believe it can be taught easily enough on set if they are strong in another area you find more important. One thing that is certain is that our main Barbi, Jessa Flux, was made for this role and had the best submission we've ever seen!
Me: What was the set like while shooting the film? How did the cast and crew react to the type of film being made?
SI: Well, we are still currently in production. The first opening scene was filmed that you can check out the teaser on YouTube under Deadsville Productions (@Deadsville13)
Me: What else are you working on that you’d like to share with our readers?
SI: Currently, I am only working on Amityville Barbi until we get this movie finished! We will be filming throughout this year, so it has my entire focus. We are always pumping out content at Deadsville Studios, and our main following is on Facebook, so you can see what's happening between filming, casting opportunities, music events, content, and more! Steph Infection and Deadsville Productions on Facebook!
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!
SI: My advice is to jump right in and don't be intimidated no matter what age or experience you have! I have worked in the medical field for 20 years and have a blast learning all the different sides of filmmaking. Remember to listen to those who are more experienced, be aware of the many pieces to the puzzle that need to work together to make a whole picture work, have fun, and stay spooky!
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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