A guest on several previous spotlights, I'm pleased to welcome back Melissa Sapienza to discuss her current projects, including "Cracula" and "Halloween Hell Night," among others.
Me: Hello, and thank you for returning to this! Since last we’ve spoke, you’ve been involved in numerous projects for Brad Twigg, including the upcoming vampire film “Cracula.” What can you tell us about the film?
Melissa Sapienza: Thank YOU for having me be a part of this again! You know the deal- Brad can’t get rid of my ass. Ha! In all seriousness, filming Cracula was so much fun and really has become a favorite of mine.
Cracula is a wild ride from start to finish. It’s the right amount of blood, laughs, and self-awareness we look for in an indie horror comedy. This is on the road to becoming a classic for sure.
Me: Playing dual lead roles as Kori and Peaches, what about the characters appealed to you to play them?
MS: The funny part is, I was originally cast to be Peaches! Brad envisioned me dressing in drag to play the Pimp you can’t help but love. Kori was a last-minute change due to an emergency with another actress. I got the call from the Assistant director of the emergency situation and already knew what he was about to ask me- “Brad wants me to play two characters, doesn’t he?” was my question. I was right. This was a moment in the world of indie film where you pivot and make things work.
Me: How did you initially separate the characters and their presentation? Was there anything unique or special that helped to get into their mindset?
MS: I had more time to work with Brad on bringing Peaches to life. There were many discussions about wardrobe, facial hair pieces, wigs, and makeup tests. With Kori, she was fairly simple to visually create- an edgy-looking vampire slayer. I was able to incorporate my real hair for this look, luckily.
We arranged my set schedule to start off as Kori for the day, then Peaches. The mindset transition occurred while in the makeup process, which took me about forty-five minutes. The cast and crew had a good time watching Peaches come to life. I even sported a James Bell 3-piece prop if you catch my drift (wink wink).
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Me: With the comedic nature of the character and film as a whole, was there any difficulty staying in character during a shoot? How did the cast and crew react to the type of film being made?
MS: I think I allow myself to be goofy and get all my sillies out before the camera rolls to be able to stay in character 99% of the time. The 1% is the time between takes, then I just hop right back in. Don’t get me wrong, I’m no one-take girl. Ha! My words don’t like to come out of my mouth sometimes, or I get tongue-tied.
During Cracula, I think everyone had the same energy- get the sillies out, then get down to business. Have good laughs in between takes because HOW CAN YOU NOT?!
Me: Do you recall having any odd or funny on-set stories about yourself or any of the other cast/crew members?
MS: If you get a chance to talk to Aleen Isley (I: SCREAM - A Minty Musical). She would probably mention the time when I recited the whole story of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle as Peaches while we were prepping for a scene...or a battery died. I can’t remember exactly. Not to mention some of the props I got to play with as Peaches (another wink-wink moment).
Me: What are you most looking forward to with its upcoming release?
MS: I am looking forward to the Physical Media being available! I can’t wait for folks to have a copy of this goofy-ass movie. So far, it has received great reviews from screenings. Speaking of screenings- Cracula will be screening at Screamiverse Expo in Roanoke, VA! The show is April 18-19, 2026.
Me: As well, you’re also working with Brad on “Halloween Hell Night.” What can you tell us about the film?
MS: Yes! I wasn’t as involved, but I got to play a small role with the lovely Aleen Isley. I believe it is still in post-production, but it still has momentum to get it ready for screenings and so on. Distribution covers are being designed!
Me: With a stacked cast of talented indie actors and actresses involved in the film, what are you most looking forward to getting to work with familiar names and those you haven’t worked with before?
MS: Unfortunately, because my time needed on set was very brief, I really only got to work with familiar faces. The time on set was unfortunate! Not the humans! The humans are great! I love being able to work with people again in different environments. For this time on set, I did SPFx makeup and acted. It was short, but it was sweet.
Me: Outside of Brad’s work, you’re also a part of two big, upcoming projects, first in “Bigboobenstein” as The Babe. What are you most looking forward to bringing the character to life?
Me: YAS! When I saw this role was up on a casting call, I was like, “I HAVE TO TRY FOR THIS.” I had so much fun with the audition tape, I ended up sending the director my “serious” take and my goofy take. I am so ready to play a ditsy bimbo beauty. I never got to play a role like this. Really work on my comedy chops. Plus, I get to work with Mel Hifflin! I am so fortunate to consider her part of my “tribe” or “coven”. That’s a kickass woman, there.
Me: As well, you’re also in the upcoming Batman fan-film “Batman: Nine Lives.” How did you come to be involved in this one, and what are you most looking forward to getting to be involved in such a famous franchise?
MS: I have a riddle for you: Who is crazy and ambitious enough to cast this human as The Riddler in their upcoming project? Shellshock Multimedia
Ryan Dowden, the Writer and Director of Batman: Nine Lives, pulled me into the project very early in the project. I guess I was sort of an unofficial creative consultant, giving feedback on the script, character needs, and ways to promote. Or I was just being a friend. We’ll go with a friend. When he asked me about being the Riddler, I had to say yes. I am already an animated person to a fault. Adding the crazed personality of someone like the Riddler... what could go wrong? We will be filming this in late February, and I am so excited to be a menace to society.
Me: What else are you working on that you'd like to share with our readers?
MS: I have been cast in Shadowframe Production’s short “Pantomime” created by Matthew Diulus. Filming begins in April.
There are two more features I will be working on in the summer/fall, which will be announced very soon! EEEEEEEK
I’m also going to more conventions! I started off the con season with a bang, being a guest at Akronomicon. I have 3 (maybe 4) more booked for the year, either as a guest or a vendor.
Screamiverse Expo: Roanoke, VA April 18-19, 2026 -Vending
O’Kill Con: Beckly, WV June 6, 2026 -Guest
Grossfest: Pittsburgh, Pa July 31-August 1st -Guest
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!
MS: I say this every year I get interviewed. This is because it is still true. You want to learn how to apply makeup? Take the leap. Want to get on set? Take the leap. Network. Join social media groups. Talk to people about what you are passionate about and what you want to do. You want the thing? Take action. Take the damn leap.
Something else to add to Melissa’s Words of Wisdom- support each other. I have had a couple of conversations recently that were about how most indie film folks support each other, whether it be engaging in content, sharing accompaniments, or just cheering each other on. We are all here in this small community wanting to all do the same thing- make art. Create. Entertain. Help one another.
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