A guest on a previous spotlight, I'm pleased to welcome back Chanda Rawlings to talk about her work in the upcoming films "The Sabilla Six" and "The Slasher Nurse," among others.
Me: Hello, and thank you for returning to this! Since last we’ve spoke, you’ve been involved in the upcoming film “Sabilla Six” from Shannon Atkins. What can you tell us about the film?
Chanda Rawlings: Thank you so much for having me back!
“The Sabilla Six” mixes horror with true crime. It highlights the very real risks and dangers of online dating.
Me: How did the cast and crew react to the type of film being made?
CR: Everyone found the film to be very realistic, and while worst-case scenarios are depicted, the core theme of the dangers resonated with a lot of us. We shared personal experiences with each other that sometimes mirrored what was happening in the script. It certainly added to the layers of terror when it comes from our lived experiences.
Me: Do you recall having any odd or funny on-set stories about yourself or any of the other cast/crew members?
CR: Despite the seriousness of the film, we had a genuinely great time every time we were on set.
Me: What are you most looking forward to with its upcoming release?
CR: I’m always excited to see everyone’s hard work on the big screen, but I’m most excited for Shannon Atkins. She is immensely talented, and this was a deep passion project for her. I’m so proud to see her dreams come to life.
Me: As well, you’ve seen your collaboration with indie director Dave Kerr continue with the upcoming film “The Slasher Nurse.” What can you tell us about it and your character, Macey? What was the set like while shooting the film?
CR: The film opens with a prank gone wrong, resulting in a death and another being institutionalized. Years later, a group of friends gathers on a weekend away at a cabin, unaware that the deranged patient has escaped and is seeking revenge! Macey is part of the friends group away for the weekend. She has complexities to her personality. She’s strong-willed and assertive, often steering situations in the direction she’d like. Ironically, though, her vulnerability, rooted in her traumatic past and what begins to unfold, also lives there at the surface.
If you can’t tell, I really connected with and loved playing Macey. I always love giving a character life that has so much depth!
The set was always interesting in the best way. The locations are visually stunning in this film, so there was always much to explore when not filming. As with all of Dave Kerr’s films, there was a strong sense of belonging on set; everything is always thoughtfully planned yet still creatively driven, where everyone can thrive. I love working with the Slasher 15 team.
Me: What initially attracted you to the role of wanting to play her? Was there a role of yours in the past that helped get you in the proper mindset during filming?
CR: So, funny story, Dave actually approached me about playing Macey. This project was initially intended as a quick summer project with a few of the Slasher friends. It garnered way more interest than expected, and it turned into a much larger production. I hadn’t played a role like Macey’s at this point yet, so I pulled from a lot of my own experiences to figure out where her mindset would be throughout. Macey, though, has been a major stepping stone for me, helping shape many roles since. I’m so grateful for her.
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? What tips and tricks have you learned as an artist from working on these films?
CR: The best part of working on these films was the talented people involved. Everyone comes in with different levels of experience, different skill sets, different life experiences, and different backgrounds. When you blend all of that, magic happens. I find that I learn something on every set that I carry with me to both help me become a more skilled actor and improve who I am as a person, too. These films are special.
The most helpful tips/tricks I have are to show up, be prepared, be respectful, be consistent, and appreciate every moment.
Me: Outside of these films, you’re also a part of the upcoming “Black Sheep” as Lucy Van James. What do you recall from your experiences working on the film?
CR: Black Sheep was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had working on a film. Some projects feel like magic, and this was one of them. The extremely talented cast and crew meshed so well together that it honestly felt like a bunch of old friends getting to create together for two weeks, even though some of us were meeting for the first time.
Bringing Lucy to life will always be a character that sticks with me. Her story is so necessary to be told. I believe the majority of actresses will be able to relate to some aspects of her story.
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?
CR: Oh, most definitely. It’s always great to work with people you know; it adds comfort and more ease with collaborating, especially on the tough days.
Me: With these projects and others yet to come out or film still, does the rush of constantly working on new material overcome any potential downfalls like physical fatigue, hectic work-schedules, etc?
CR: Yes and no. I’ve come to realize how important it is to find balance in all of this. There have been times I was stretched extremely thin between productions, and I’m left with the guilt of knowing I could've given more had I not been so tired and worn down.
Do I love the rush of new material? Absolutely! That will always bring me extreme joy and excitement. However, I want to show up the best way that I can, and I now know that involves more rest and balance.
Me: What else are you working on that you'd like to share with our readers?
CR: I’m a guest at Long Island Convention of Horror (Long Island, NY), Screamiverse Expo (Roanoke, VA), and will be a vendor at Grossfest (Pittsburgh, PA) so far this year. Come say hi!
I’d love to meet you all. I have a few upcoming projects set for filming this year: Shiver: Slaying All Night, Survive the End, The Itinerant, Sharkoween, The Malakai, Are You Dead Yet 2, Shriekshow 2, and the highly anticipated sequel Crackcoons.
As well, something a little different I’ve been doing behind the scenes that has been calling to me for quite a while, and I hope to be able to share it by the summer.
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!
CR: You are capable. You don’t have to look a certain way, you don’t have to do it like anyone else, and you don’t have to do it all at once. Trust your timing. Be yourself. You’ll have ups and downs, successes and failures alike. But that’s what makes it a journey. The courage and brilliance you’re looking for? It’s already within you.
Take the step; your tribe is here, holding the door open for you.
Thank you so much again for having me and for spotlighting all of these wonderful women in our community.
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