A previous guest on several past highlights, I'm pleased to once again talk to Crystal Loverro to talk about her latest projects and acting jobs, including 'Blindsided' and 'Anatomy of a Housewife.'
Me: Hello, and thank you for returning to this! Since last we spoke, you’ve continued your career with a multitude of shorts and feature films in a variety of genres. What have these experiences added to your repertoire as an actress?
Crystal Loverro: I have been fortunate to gain valuable experience on professional sets in Los Angeles! I have also created multiple opportunities including producing and starring in a TV pilot that allowed me to join SAG-AFTRA. One of the coolest horror films I have worked on recently is the film, Blindsided, which I starred in!
Me: With your work ranging from comedy to drama and fantasy, among various other styles and formats, how have you noticed your skills improving over the years since you first started?
CL: I have noticed my ability to be more specific in my character choices has improved drastically in the last year. I am also able to bring more energy to my performances and make the scene about my scene partner rather than myself.
Me: Aa you said, among those is the upcoming short “Blindsided” from Patrick Hogan. What can you tell us about the film?
CL: I can tell you that we just had a private cast and crew screening, and the film was well received. We also got into an Academy Award-qualifying festival, but I am not allowed to say which one yet. The film is scary and will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Me: With the role of Maria playing into your real-world disabilities as a visually-impaired actor playing a blind character, was that a huge advantage to prep-work for the shoot?
CL: During the shoot, the set was very dark and I had no visual aids (glasses, contacts), so I was living the world of the character with almost no vision on set. Fortunately, the crew took such great care of me and made sure I had everything I needed and would not trip or bump into things. I would say being visually impaired helped me understand Maria better.
Me: Did that allow you to do anything else in the film’s pre-production stage to make for a more realistic concept?
CL: I was able to practice blocking around my house with the lights off and no visual aids, navigating my environment with my other senses, which helped me prepare for this character. I also got the opportunity to practice blocking on the set, too.
Me: What was the set like while shooting the film? How did the cast and crew react to the type of film being made?
CL: The set was incredible. The crew took great care of me. I felt very safe and comfortable on set. Our director, Patrick Hogan, created a safe space and picked the best possible crew to make this film happen. I couldn’t have asked for a better time. Everyone was sensitive to my needs and limitations.
Me: Do you recall having any odd or funny on-set stories about yourself or any of the other cast/crew members?
CL: I had a delightful time with my makeup artist, Martha, who had a banana plushie that we named
Banana Jo.
Me: What are you most looking forward to with its upcoming release?
CL: I am looking forward to showing people a unique horror film concept that has never been accomplished before, featuring an all-low-vision cast. I am excited for people to see my performance as Maria. I believe it is important to highlight actors with disabilities, and Blindsided does that perfectly.
Me: As well, you’re also involved in another upcoming short, “Anatomy of a Housewife.” What initially attracted you to the project?
CL: My dear friend, Jennifer Moriarty, stars in this project and asked me to be a part of it. She is an extraordinary person and actress, so I am happy to be involved in any project with her. I got the opportunity to be directed by her daughter, Hennessey Moriarty, who is also talented and a pleasure to work with. I love this story because it has historical and cultural significance and is based on women getting lobotomized in the 1940s-1950s. I think women fighting back during this era is a noteworthy story to tell.
Me: With a stacked cast of talented indie actors and actresses involved, what do you recall from your experiences working on the film?
CL: I loved acting beside Jennifer, Erik Russo, and Lisa London! My friend PK Glazier was on set too, and we had a very fun scene together. I do not want to spoil it, but if you like a good revenge horror film, you will love Anatomy of a Housewife. I also shot a scene from this film during the Palisades and Eaton fires, and the Eaton fire was approaching. The wind was insane, and the lights began to flicker. We were dealing with our own horrors in LA while making this film.
Me: What else are you working on that you’d like to share with our readers?
CL: I am developing a multi-million dollar Viking fantasy trilogy with one of my creative partners, Grace Bosley. This story is told from a woman's lens, whereas these types of stories are frequently told from a man's perspective. I am also working on a sci-fi thriller short film with my friend and fellow actor, Rico Anderson. I am currently seeking investors for several projects. I have other projects as well, but I wanted to highlight these two!
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 the industry in any capacity, as you are one yourself? Thank you again for your time!
CL: Let’s lift each other up and come together as a community to make meaningful art. It’s never too late to chase your dreams. We need all types of people, so just bring yourself and you are enough.
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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