An upcoming actress in the indie scene, Olive Hampton has started her career with a slew of solid titles to her name as she makes her way through the industry, featuring her work in multiple formats. Now, in honor of Women in Horror Month, I talk with her about her early interest in the industry, some of her early films, and some upcoming projects.
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?
Olive Hampton: I’ve always loved horror! I was a pretty anxious kid, but somehow horror was always comforting to me, maybe the control of scaring yourself before someone else can, haha. The Shining was definitely my first ever favorite horror movie. I watched it in something like 20 different parts on YouTube when I was in 8th grade. The first really “scary” movie I remember watching was The Exorcist at someone’s birthday party when I was maybe 11 or 12. I recall going into it super terrified and thought it was going to change my life forever or something. In a way, it did. I had such an unexpectedly great time. Even the parts that scared my friends were so fun and awesome to me that I couldn’t wait to watch more.
Me: When did you initially discover a passion for acting? What aspect of this industry appeals to you?
OH: As an only child, you have to get pretty good at improv to keep yourself occupied. I was always a bit wild, so being on stage was a great outlet for me. I started acting in my chorus program when I was in elementary school and continued theater all the way into high school, where I majored in a fine arts magnet program at McCallum High School in my hometown of Austin, TX. After graduating, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. I was super into writing and inspired by all of my favorite films and directors, and was, of course, very dedicated to my artsy Tumblr film blog (listen, it was 2015). I considered directing for a while, but since moving out on my own by the age of 19, I was never afforded too many opportunities to pursue anything more than working to support myself, and eventually the interest just faded into more of a hobby. When I met my now close friend Séyla Hossaini in 2023, things changed for me. She had already established herself as a successful director of multiple music videos and short films, and encouraged me to get back into acting again. I was cast in one passion project short/music video “Vampire Dance Party,” and things just took off from there.
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?
OH: I love playing unexpected and non-traditional characters. Maybe an anti-hero, someone who is totally unlike me, or someone whom I can pull from the darkest parts of myself to portray. I’d hate to ever do anything boring; I have so much fun tapping into my wild side or getting into a deeply emotional role. I always love to get covered in fake blood!
Me: Your first short, “Wigglers,” saw you play the role of PJ. Also, being your first acting job, what do you remember about your time filming?
OH: One of the most fun experiences of my life, full stop. PJ was an extremely personal role for me; it was very cathartic getting to finally take hold of something that had held control over me for such a long time. It was also hilarious and so gross. I have the most fun behind-the-scenes pictures and videos from this shoot; they fill my heart with so much joy. Also, lots of worms, both fake and real, just so many worms.
Me: What initially attracted you to the role of wanting to play her? How did working with director Séyla Hossaini help get you in the proper mindset during filming?
OH: Séyla actually wrote the role of PJ with me in mind! At first, I was like, “No way, I’m not good enough to do this,” but her confidence in me pushed me to do it, and I’m eternally grateful for that. I don’t want to say it was like playing myself, PJ is not like me at all, but let's just say I was definitely able to pull from those deep, dark parts of my psyche for her. Séyla’s whole crew was so great to work with; I just felt really cared for and supported through the tough moments.
Me: Returning to work with her on “We’ll Still Be Here,” did that help to make you more comfortable not just with her style and creative mindset? Playing the role of Daisy in that film, what did you do to prepare for the role?
OH: I was thrilled to work with her again on “We’ll Still Be Here.” This was actually a proof of concept for a feature that I cannot wait to get funded; it’s going to be so badass. Daisy was absolutely the character farthest from myself that I’ve ever played. I had a fantastic time loosening up and morphing into my Myrtle Beach meets Jersey Shore party girl persona. Learning a South Carolina accent and practicing with my fellow cast member and actor friend, Noah Peterson, was genuinely hilarious and kind of disturbing. We were so completely not ourselves in those roles, and I loved it.
Me: With other roles in upcoming films like “Shotgun Hooker” and “Bigfoot with a Meathook,” what tips and tricks have you learned as an actress from working on these films?
OH: Flexibility for sure. Every director is going to have a different style and, while it may not be what you’re used to, it’s fascinating seeing the different techniques they have for evoking certain emotions from the viewer.
Me: Performing in these features for indie filmmaker Josh Graves, 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?
OH: Josh has always been so much fun to work with. I appreciate the instances where he encourages us to adlib, as it helps so much to get into character and get to know your castmates. He just creates a really relaxed environment that allows you to get fully immersed in your role and go crazy with it. It’s tough to pinpoint a specific experience, I think. Overall, being able to travel to some beautiful locations and spend time doing what not only I but the whole cast and crew are clearly so passionate about has been incredibly rewarding and created some unforgettable moments.
Me: With a stacked cast of talented indie actors and actresses involved in these films, what tips and tricks have you learned as an actress from working on these films? What are you most looking forward to getting to work with familiar names and those you haven’t worked with before?
OH: Put yourself out there! The first film I did with a cast, crew, and director that I didn’t know was a Josh Graves film. I had spoken to him plenty of times and my scene partner a few times over the phone, but I was still nervous to meet a whole new set of people that I didn’t know personally. The entire cast and crew that day, besides Josh, were all women, and as soon as I arrived on set, I could tell I was in good company. It can be daunting acting alongside (and for) new people, but Chanda and everyone helped me loosen up so much. Once you realize that the right set will have you surrounded by people who love this craft just as much as you, it becomes so much easier to act alongside those big names and talents that you might’ve been nervous about going into it.
Me: What was the set like while shooting the film? How did the cast and crew react to the type of film being made?
OH: A couple of the sets have been large cabin rentals that we filmed and stayed in for the weeks during production. Everyone was super respectful of each other and our space; it sort of feels like summer camp but with a lot more gore. We were all just a bunch of weirdos and horror nerds who were having fun being in the type of film we’ve always loved to watch.
Me: Do you remember any odd or funny on-set stories about yourself or any of the other cast/crew members?
OH: SO MANY. I am so honored to have shared those sets with some of the goofiest people I’ve ever met. We definitely scared the hell out of each other a few times, on accident and on purpose. Whenever you’re filming a scary movie in a big house in the middle of nowhere, you tend to get a little jumpy. Go figure. Josh swears he saw a skinwalker one night at our farmhouse location outside of Galax, VA. I’m not sure if I believe him, but I will forever remember the hilarious quotes from his story that night.
Me: What do you do to keep your creative energy flowing?
OH: Does it sound shallow to say that that’s just who I am? I hope not lol. Creativity has always been such a crucial outlet, especially now. The world can be a really dark place, and I’ve always found solace in creating art, in a life that feels like it’s constantly trying to put you down. Creativity can be such a beautiful thing.
Me: What else are you working on that you'd like to share with our readers?
OH: I currently have a couple of films traveling through the festival circuit. “We’ll Still Be Here” and soon “The Big Scream” by D.K. Lawhorn. You can catch WSBH at Awesome Con in DC on Saturday, March 14th, and at Screamiverse in Roanoke in April! I always keep my linktree up to date in my Instagram and Facebook bios with tickets for upcoming screenings, and hopefully “The Big Scream” will be featured there soon, too! Other than that, I have some modeling jobs coming up, will be filming one more feature with Josh Graves, and am always looking for work! Am I allowed to plug my Instagram? It’s spooky_oliv, inspired by Spooky Mulder in the X-Files, but it seems Spooky Olive is just who I am.
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!
OH: DO IT!!! It’s so worth it. You don’t have to do it for the money or fame or whatever other superficial motives there may be. Like that insufferable quote goes: “If you do what you love, you won’t work a day in your life.” It makes me cringe, but it’s true, at least in this context. I bartend, but first and foremost, I’ll always be an actress. The fulfillment I get from film is second to none. This industry not only needs but deserves more badass women, get out there and get bloody <3
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