A guest on several previous spotlights, I'm pleased to welcome back actress Mel Heflin to talk about some of her upcoming projects, including "Big Boobenstein" and "Rhonda Sheer's Up All Night," among others.
Me: Hello, and thank you for returning to this! Since last we’ve spoke, you’ve been involved in numerous projects, including the recently-released “Return of the Corn Zombies.” What initially attracted you to the project and working with Acrostar Films?
Mel Heflin: Hi! Love the promotion and spotlight on my projects as a tribute to WiHM. Thank you so much for interviewing me! S.J. Hermann reached out to me about being a part of it. I really love their films, even just as a fan, so of course, this was a big honor. I really loved the original Attack of the Corn Zombies, so it was a really easy ‘yes’ for me to want to be a part of such a cool franchise. It was just a huge added bonus, how excited my fans were, so excited for this to happen.
Me: Playing the character of Betty, what was it like playing a tough and hard-edged attitude? Was
Is there anything that helped you get into that particular type of mindset for filming?
MH: When I read over the role of Betty, I immediately saw who she was. For me, the character development is in the wardrobe styling, but we had a wardrobe person on this. I like to let everyone do the job they are on set to do, so I collaborated with Michele Hefner to add my own personal touch to Betty, so I could have a hand in the piece of development that meant the most to me, which came through in the knee socks and the bullet earrings. The idea for the earrings is that if I go down guns blazing and fire off all my rounds, I’ll have a bullet left for my favorite sister and myself. It’s the apocalypse; you’ve got to think dark. Otherwise, I had amazing directors, and I fell into the groove of ‘Betty turns off her brain and lets Dad do the thinking.’ Mostly, she’s just a weapon, now and then her own sinister thoughts leak through, though. I loved her, even if she’s an insane cultist.
Me: With the frequent work often bringing plenty of opportunities to work with friends and colleagues on multiple projects, does that help to make grueling shoots more enjoyable? What tips and tricks have you learned as an actress from working on these films with your friends?
MH: I don’t think what we do is grueling at all, well, maybe the hours. I always love seeing my friends, though. I have learned quite a bit from everyone I work with, but most of all from Lynn Lowry specifically. I have learned to take my downtime very seriously; I bring my heat pad. I take airborne every day to stay healthy with the mix of immune systems. I work to stay hydrated, that’s a toughie when on location with limited access to a potty! I bring a Vicks inhaler (especially on days I get to scream.) Oh, this one is important, ladies: if you want to be a scream queen, buy yourself a nice nude colored bra and proclaim it the blood bra. Wear it for every bloody moment on screen; otherwise, you’ll spend a fortune on new bras every time it gets stained!
Me: As well, you’ve also been working with several other costars in segments with Rhonda Sheer for her Up All Night revival on Kings of Horror. How did that opportunity come about?
MH: It’s funny you should ask! The universe was working really hard for me on this one. I horror-host as Poppy Butterington on Kings of Horror, and Patrick from KOH had been hinting to me about a fabulous horror host coming back who was in driving distance of me, whose show I may be able to get onto. At the same time, my lovely friend, Jessa Jupiter Flux, was getting ready to work on Up All Night, and she was recommending that I come with her! I have been having so much fun, I love working with Rhonda Shear and her cast and crew oh so much. Everyone is such a true delight, and I just can’t wait for you to see all the fun we have on the next episode; we have very cool stuff on the way!
Me: With the coordinated chaos of what goes on in the series of skits being performed and asked of you, what has been the most rewarding part of your time involved with the program?
MH: I really love that it’s never the same show twice. That’s a big reason I gravitate towards film, always getting to do something new. This show is exactly that. I really love how sweet and kind everyone is, too. I also really love basking in the bright, shiny star that is Rhonda Shear. She’s incredible to watch do her thing; it’s a work of art!
Me: What is the set like while shooting a segment? How do the cast and crew react to the type of skits being made?
MH: We go back and forth between resting while watching in the audience and being on the stage. Sometimes, the crew is involved in the cast! I love that!
Me: Do you recall having any odd or funny on-set stories about yourself or any of the other cast/crew members?
MH: Oh, my goodness, yes! One moment sticks out hard in my mind. I was goofing off with Hilary, Devin, and Vince, doing some promos after lunch. Vince the wonder dog and I were on the twister mat, and I jokingly told him, “Okay, Vince, left paw green.” And he stretched out his little left paw and plopped it right onto green! Seriously! There’s a video. It’s one of my favorite things that has ever happened to me.
Me: Among your numerous upcoming projects, you’re involved in the film “Big Boobenstein.” What can you tell us about it and the character Adelaide De Carlo?
MH: This is going to be one of the most important films in my whole career. Adelaide DeCarlo holds a special place in my heart. I truly fell in love with Jeff O’Brien’s book BIGBOOBENSTEIN. He is the best of all of us imo, and I want to do right by him. He and I were very lucky to get director Tyler Cheman on board; he was familiar with the book and loved it like I do. Big Boobenstein: The Movie is a movie for all of us. Adelaide, for me, represents everyone who has ever felt like they weren’t good enough and felt they needed to change something about themselves to be accepted. I want to hold her and tell her she’s enough as she is, but she’s got to go through it herself, you know?
Me: With a stacked cast of talented indie actors and actresses involved, what are you most looking forward to getting to work with familiar names and those you haven’t worked with before?
MH: I know once I step foot on the plane to go film this, it’s going to be one blink, a giant whirlwind, and I’ll be back home in my bed, wondering where the time went. I am going to try really hard to breathe in each moment with each lovely soul that will be there. I hope everyone comes and gets a goofy selfie with me while I’m green and my head is spinning about the moment before and what I’ll be doing next. To commemorate each moment and all that. I’m looking forward to all the cool plans as well as all the unexpected ‘happy accidents’ that seem to follow me on sets. Out of everything, though, I’m most looking forward to finally meeting and giving Jeff O’Brien a hug. Without him, none of this would be possible.
Me: With how the character is portrayed in the original novel, what are you hoping to tap into to bring her to life?
MH: In the novel, Adelaide can’t catch a break. She’s hopelessly in love with a man who cheats on her constantly and would barely notice if she went missing. She gives him everything, thinking that one day he’ll wake up and see what’s in front of him, how far she’s gone for him, and how much she cares. She goes as far as to think she needs to augment her body for him to see her as worthy. We’ve all been there, right? No? Well, I’ve got lots of inspiration to pull from.
Me: What else are you working on that you'd like to share with our readers?
MH: I always have my hands in a dozen pots. Next up, I’m working on The Exotic Zoo of Terror; I’m flying out this week! I’ll be working on The Stutterer, playing Lloyd Kaufman’s wife. The Legend of Tinker Hell films this May, can’t wait to see my Acrostar friends again! Shiver: Slaying All Night and The Origins of Hog Hollow film in March. I filmed My Blade is Your Salvation already this year. I will have several releases this year, too. Ouija Slumber Party will be here very, very soon, and I don’t want anyone to miss that! Also coming soon: Amityville Pool Toy Massacre, The Lady of Castle De La Mort, and a few others!
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!
MH: Do your own thing. If you can become self-reliant, you can show the world what you have without having to wait. Set up your own photo studio, learn how to edit, and make your own props. Elevate yourself, the production, and the people around you. When we’re on a project together, the better you look, the better I look. We are all in this community together and need to do our best to help each other when we can. In short, do the best you can.
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