A talented actress, producer, and effects artist in her career, the multi-talented Meri Gyetvay has lent her talents to a multitude of projects in the indie scene as she explores and hones her craft over the years. Now, in honor of Women in Horror Month, I talk with her about her early interest in the industry, her work on various past projects, and more.
Me: Hello and thank you for taking the time to do this. First off, when did you get into horror in general?
Meri Gyetvay: I have loved horror as long as I can remember. Even as a small child, I would watch Elvira with my mom.
Me: What films specifically got you into watching horror movies
MG: House on Haunted Hill, Night of the Living Dead, Sssssss, Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
Me: When did you initially discover a passion for acting?
MG: I’ve always been a big ham. I was born to act!
Me: What aspect of this industry appeals to you?
MG: With indie horror, it’s sort of like running around and playing pretend with your friends, but you and your friends are demented, and they brought a camera
Me: Is there any specific type of character you prefer playing?
MG: I like to play all different types of characters, but like roles that are as different from my real self as possible.
Me: What do you look for in a character to be excited and interested in playing it?
MG: I like characters with strong personalities. The more over the top, the better!
Me: Having worked on various aspects of film production, do you have any particular preference for working on any of them?
MG: I love working with my business partner, Ken Ace Brewer, to develop the story. I also love doing SFX
Me: Having performed in many shorts and features for indie filmmaker Ken Brewer, what about his style and approaches keeps bringing you around to work with him?
MG: He and I co-own Livid Media. We have been friends for decades.
Me: Your first short together, “Death Park,” saw you play a victim as well as doing the effects. What do you remember about your time filming?
MG: It was really fun. We didn’t have a permit, so we were totally going commando. It's fun to see how far we have come since then.
Me: What do you do to stay in character while on set?
MG: I don’t really do anything special. I'm lucky that I can turn it on and off pretty easily. After the first take, I’m usually all good.
Me: When you're not filming, how do you pass the time between takes?
MG: Usually I’m prepping SFX, managing the cast, checking what Ken needs for the next scene…. There is always something to do.
Me: Being the producer, effects artist, and actress on set, does it still challenge you to be involved in various capacities at once on a project like this?
MG: It can be challenging, but I do well with controlled chaos. I guess I’m just used to it, but we have a great team.
Me: How do you balance those priorities during a shoot?
MG: We have a good plan before being on set. Obviously, unforeseen things come up, and we do the best we can. Ken and I discuss everything and mutually decide how to prioritize and delegate if needed
Me: Returning to work with him on multiple films since, does that familiarity help to make you more comfortable not just with him but with the rest of his stock group of actors and actresses?
MG: Ken and I co-own Livid Media, and we have worked hard to assemble our core group of cast and crew. We have been lucky to find awesome, talented, and dependable crew and actors who have become like family to us
Me: What has been the most memorable experience that you've had based on your collaboration together?
MG: When Death Bitch won the Film Threat 2024 Indie Film of the Year Made for Less than the Cost of an Oscar Gift Bag
Me: What would you consider your favorite part of the process involved in effects work?
MG: I love visualizing the effects and figuring out how to make it happen.
Me: What part do you dread having to do?
MG: Cleaning up the mess after using pressurized blood
Me: What did you go through in a typical day on set? What type of priorities and tasks do you go through to ensure a successful day of filming?
MG: First thing is to confirm time and location with everyone involved. I need to make sure to have pay ready for paid talent, get snacks and water, make sure I have all the SFX stuff, print extra copies of the script, meet with cast/crew/director (Ken) to outline the order of scenes being filmed, and make sure everyone is prepped… I don't think I can really list it all! Lol.
Me: What do you do to keep your creative energy flowing?
MG: Stay positive, have fun, and enjoy teamwork.
Me: What else are you working on that you'd like to share with our readers?
MG: We are currently in production for Death Bitch 2. After that wraps, we plan to start on Zombie Rage 2.
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?
MG: You are capable of accomplishing anything you want…. You just need to figure out how.
Thank you again for your time!
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