A guest on several past spotlights, I'm pleased to welcome back Ana Xaden to talk about her work with Donald Farmer, including "Darbie's Scream House" and "Scream Queen Weenie Roast," among other upcoming projects.
Me: Hello, and thank you for returning to this! Since last we’ve spoke, you’ve been involved in numerous projects for Donald Farmer, including the upcoming film “Darbie’s Scream House.” What can you tell us about the film and your character, Tripper?
Ana Xaden: The film is super fun. I actually was watching and laughed heartily throughout it all. Super entertaining. Tripper starts the chaos, since she is a super troublemaker without knowing she was trouble. She thought she was protecting Darbie, but nope. It's a whole misunderstanding, and such an exciting one.
Me: With the comedic nature of the character and film as a whole, was there any difficulty staying in character during a shoot?
AX: Strangely, I was extremely nervous at first. I hadn't been on an actual set with other actors or crew since 2017, but everyone was so awesome and patient, I totally got into it all. Once in character, it was fairly easy to stay in. The hardest part was wearing a wig, lol. I had barely worn wigs at all in my whole life, so I kept worrying it was going to fly off.
Me: How did the cast and crew react to the type of film being made?
AX: Most of us had a blast; it was super fun. There were a few hiccups offset, but oh well. We did it from start to finish, regardless.
Me: Do you recall having any odd or funny on-set stories about yourself or any of the other cast/crew members?
AX: One thing that happened a good bit was with my nervousness... I kept mixing up and jumbling the names, Ditsy, Rodeo, and Danger Darbie. I did get a bit frustrated with myself, but everyone was super helpful. Thankfully. When filming my scene with Danger Darbie (Angel Bradford), multiple planes kept flying over, which made filming super tricky, but we got it. On set, also, was the scene where Darbie (Jessa Jupiter Flux) was chasing me, I was running on concrete barefoot, and at one point, I stopped, turned toward her, and threw my wig at her. LOL, no idea why I did that, but it was so funny. After filming that, though, my feet were wrecked, but we were still not finished with my running parts. The remaining running, I was wearing flip flops. I totally forgot to pack sneakers for the filming. Now I make sure those go in my bag first.
Me: What are you most looking forward to with its release?
AX: Well, it released on January 20, 2026, and so far, there have been mostly positive reviews. I love that. I want people to see we worked hard and put our love of making Barbie evil as Darbie. Most girls growing up wanted to be Barbie characters, and I'm glad we made a fun horror version of the Darbie world to show our love for it. Everyone in it, I feel, did such an amazing job on their part. And I am super grateful to have had the opportunity to meet such wonderful people and get the chance to work alongside them.
Me: As well, you’re also working with Donald on “Scream Queen Weenie Roast.” What can you tell us about the film?
AX: Well, Scream Queens Weenie Roast is not your ordinary weenie roast, so to speak. This weenie roast is a bit sinister, and the scream queens must collect as many "weenies" as they can to become the ultimate Scream Queen. My part is as the secretary for the filmmaker running the competition.
Me: With a stacked cast of talented indie actors and actresses involved in each film, what do you recall from your experiences working on these films?
AX: Well, the film Scream Queens Weenie Roast, I was not on set with anyone. I would have loved to have been on set, but I'm not sure why I was filmed off set. I guess it happens. But I really enjoyed working with everyone on Darbie's Scream House. I tend to get into character better when I can act alongside cast members. Hopefully, I will be on set with others again soon.
Me: Outside of his work, you’re also a part of the upcoming “Killable Nightmares Vol. 3” as one of the main victims. What did you go through to bring the character to life?
AX: Well, in Killable Nightmares Vol. 3, I was actually a dual character that took you into a mental disorder of one normal character seeing herself as a demented clown. That was a lot of fun. I put on clown makeup and tapped into an inner insanity I have strangely been in in the far back past. The normal character was more of me being me as I am now.
Me: As well, there’s also the film “Final Rest Area” that was recently released. Playing dual lead roles as Mother and El Gato, what about the characters appealed to you to play them?
AX: The character Mother was a blast. She's like a Mommy Dearest-style character. I got to play mean, and I loved it. I am naturally a nice and sweet person, but playing a really mean and evil character is a blast for me. El Gato was fun because I did not speak, and I was able to wear a super creepy mask.
Me: How did you initially separate the characters and their presentation?
AX: Actually, the separation of characters was quite easy for me. I have had bipolar disorder most of my life and seem to be able to get from one mindset to another quickly. So, that worked in my favor.
Me: Was there anything unique or special that helped to get into their mindset?
AX: The mindset of Mother was heavily inspired by characters I had seen growing up in many different movies. I would tap into those types of emotions I felt while watching those and just do what would cause those emotions in someone else.
Me: Outside of acting, what else do you do to keep your creative energy flowing?
AX: I love watching horror and comedy films, sometimes a bit of action. I also love watching and reading true crime. I constantly listen to many different types of music to stay inspired for making future music. I am into doing makeup as well as making custom jewelry.
Me: What else are you working on that you'd like to share with our readers?
AX: Right now, I am working on a scene for Oakfield Incident, by Michael Atkinson. This will be my first on-screen super emotional part. I am so excited for that. I start off normal and end up in tears. Also, I am working on music for a few scenes for Nightmares Unleashed 2, by Matthew Mark Hunter, and will be voicing a doll in that film. I am doing a short cameo part for a mockumentary for Final Rest Area, and a continuation of my character for Rotten To The Core, which is in the series for Creep Footage. I am openly looking for more roles to audition for and hope to travel to work this year.
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?
AX: If you want to reach your dreams, climb as far as possible to reach the top, and when you get to the top of your dreams, climb some more. Ultimate dreams you never knew you had will open up in time. Be patient, and connect with people along the way. I'm very grateful for the awesome friends I have made over the years, and I feel it helps push me further. Go for it all!!
Me: Thank you again for your time
AX: And thank you as well for having me as part of this again. Always a pleasure.
Click the banner below to check out and read the rest of this year's celebrations!
Comments
Post a Comment