An upcoming actress with her work appearing in several celebrated releases in the indie scene, Carly Sonafelt has started her career on a high note, with her career taking shape on the basis of her appearances. Now, in honor of Women in Horror Month, I talk with her about her early interest in acting, some of her past projects, and upcoming appearances.
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?
Carly Sonafelt: Thank you for including me in this! I was about 3 years old when I saw my first horror movie, which was the original Halloween. I became fascinated by horror from then on. As a kid, I specifically enjoyed slashers. When I was 18, I decided to start collecting horror films on physical media and have been growing that collection ever since.
Me: When did you initially discover a passion for acting? What aspect of this industry appeals to you?
CS: I developed an interest in acting at age 13 when I got my first role in my middle school's musical. I was a painfully shy kid, but I loved acting because it was all scripted. Following a script was easier for me than actual socializing. I sort of gave up on my acting dreams in high school, as the competition was stiff for roles in the plays/musicals. I was in the ensemble for 1 musical and had super small roles in 2 plays, so I stopped auditioning. Fast forward to adulthood, and I saw a high school acquaintance post about needing an actress for an independent movie she was acting in. That re-ignited my interest, I took a small role in that film, and here we are.
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?
CS: I think I do my best with roles that are really far off from who I am as a person. I love acting like something I'm not because it lets me show off versatility.
Me: Having worked on several short films early in your career, what tools and skills did you acquire working on those that transferred to future film projects?
CS: I believe I have done 3 short films. They were all nice to work on as I had bigger roles in them and was able to really work on my acting abilities. In particular, I learned to take fake punches in one short and cry on cue in another.
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?
CS: I don't have the best advice for staying in character, as I typically just wait until the cameras are about to roll on me to embody the character. Some people will stay in character the entire time on set, but I just can't do that. In between filming, I'm typically reviewing my next scene to ensure I have all the lines memorized, or talking with fellow cast members who are also waiting (as long as it's not disrupting the scene).
Me: Your first short, “Trash Removal,” saw you play the role of Sophie. Also being your first acting job, what do you remember about your time filming?
CS: Trash Removal was a lot of fun and made me want to continue on with acting. I remember it being extremely hot out, but we only had to shoot for 2 days, and everything went very smoothly. We shot in a random patch of woods near Madeline Deering's apartment. I recall we only had a small amount of garbage to throw around the woods to make it seem littered, so we had to keep dumping the same garbage in different spots to sell it. I had a great time with that crew and knew I wanted to work with them more.
Me: What initially attracted you to the role of wanting to play her? How did working with director Madeline Deering help get you in the proper mindset during filming?
CS: I liked the sound of the script for Trash Removal in general. The plot was fun and funny, so I knew I'd likely have a good time with the role. I owe finding the casting call to my fellow podcast chicks, Lacy Lou and Rebecca Rinehart. They were already familiar with Maddie and steered me in her direction. Maddie was very friendly and laid back. We had a cast Zoom meeting before all meeting up to film, and that put me at ease as I got to know everyone a bit before actually jumping into things. Maddie also sent me a clip of what she was looking for during the final fight scene in Trash Removal, so I got a feel for the overall tone.
Me: Returning to work with her on “Bathtub Shark Attack,” did that help to make you more comfortable not just with her style and creative mindset? Playing a leading role in that film as Jessica, what did you do to prepare for the role?
CS: I was happy to come back for Bathtub Shark Attack. I got to work with not only Maddie, but several others who were involved with Trash Removal again. By that point, I had known how Maddie operated along with her filmmaking partner Joe Russio, so I was comfortable on set. The role of Jessica had bigger chunks of dialog so I definitely rehearsed that script a lot. Luckily, Maddie didn't mind if you went slightly off script or didn't say things word for word.
Me: What was the set like while shooting the film? How did the cast and crew react to the type of film being made?
CS: The set for Bathtub Shark Attack was perfect. It was an abandoned bar that had 2 apartment complexes upstairs. Someone had reached out to Maddie asking if she'd be interested in renting it for the film, and it just happened to be the perfect location as the movie was to take place in an apartment complex and included a few bar scenes. Maddie had wanted to make this film for a while, so a lot of people involved already knew what they were getting into. Everyone really took the silly concept and ran with it. There were a lot of funny ad-libs and ruined takes because we'd all crack ourselves up.
Me: Do you remember any odd or funny on-set stories about yourself or any of the other cast/crew members?
CS: A funny memory for me was the end scene where Tim Gross is supposed to come in and fight off the shark. Maddie kept yelling at him because he was nonchalantly walking over to the shark and hitting it with his plunger hand. Maddie had to explain that he is supposed to be the big hero of the movie and has to come over with more of a sense of urgency.
Me: With other roles in films like “The Emasculator” and “Air Fryer Slaughter,” what tips and tricks have you learned as an actress from working on these films?
CS: The Emasculator was one of my favorites to work on. I got to have Maddie come out and help with the filming of that one as well. Air Fryer Slaughter was a quick role I got to film in the hotel at Cinema Wasteland. Both of those roles had me come out of my shell quite a bit more as they involved me being more revealing than I'd ever been before. It ultimately helped with my self-confidence. The Emasculator really allowed me to show more range, as it was a serious/emotional role.
Me: You’ve also performed in several features for indie filmmaker Brad Twigg. What about his style and approach kept bringing you around to work with them? What has been the most memorable experience that you've had based on your collaboration together?
CS: Brad Twigg is a great guy to work with. I respect his nonstop drive to make films and the crazy stories he comes up with. I find myself constantly laughing and having a good time on his sets. Cracula was definitely my favorite film of his. I had a lot of fun, wild scenes that were a blast to film. I went through a lot on that set when it comes to FX makeup, but it was worth it for the final product.
Me: As well, you’re also involved in the upcoming films “Lunas Falls” and “Shadows of Thewlis,” among others. With a stacked cast of talented indie actors and actresses involved in these films, what are you most looking forward to getting to work with familiar names and those you haven’t worked with before?
CS: My upcoming films have already been shot; some are just in post-production still. I have had the privilege of working with some amazing people in the community, and I am extremely grateful.
Me: What do you do to keep your creative energy flowing?
CS: To keep my creative energy flowing, I like to watch other people's work for inspiration. I enjoy being able to both support people in the community and learn from what I see.
Me: What else are you working on that you'd like to share with our readers?
CS: I just wrapped for Mark Polonia's latest shark flick, Emotional Support Shark. That will likely be out soon. Additionally, I am going to be doing my first guest appearances this year at Grossfest and Brownsville Screams. Would love to see people there!
Me: Lastly, being that this is Women in Horror Month, 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!
CS: My advice would be to just keep on going. Even in indie filmmaking, there is a lot of rejection of projects. You just have to keep putting yourself out there, auditioning for things, making connections with people in the field, etc. Having a good attitude and personality goes a long way as well. Thank you again for your thoughtful questions!
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