Horror Genre and Women Who sCare!

(Loss of Innocence by April A. Taylor)

(To view this unique interview blog of this set of seven of the sexiest women who are HOT (for horror), with photos and links to their work and websites go here: http://www.nishiserrano.blogspot.com)

Who out there doesn’t think we ladies are capable of wandering the darkest back alleys and ghost infested sanitariums of the mind with our smiles sly and a-kilter, knowing we are stronger for straddling one foot in reality and one foot where most men wouldn’t dare tread? It’s true. An increasing number of women out there are richer for possessing our fears, having either fought through some horrific ordeal, or, taking pleasure in creating a twisted labyrinth as a playground to prove we are completely sane amongst the madness of humanity. Who are these women? They are the women who step beyond boundaries and find solace in the genre of horror—Women in horror, and how we love to sCare!

Truly, some of the kindest, most open-hearted people I’ve ever met have worked in the horror genre. Why is this? Perhaps because when you can honestly face your dark side, you are able to see the light that much clearer. And, which makes it easy to understand why a horror ‘cookbook’ is actually a book with proceeds going to ‘Project Get Safe’ (www.GetSafeUSA.com).

This blog isn’t just about publicity for the ‘Have a Heart for Horror Cookbook’, it’s a dedication to all the women who work in the horror business, and the world is richer because of you ;)

And, with that said, I introduce to you some of these fantastically amazing women putting themselves out there and sharing a piece of their mysteriously imaginative shadows:

Tonjia Atomic

Not only is she a rocker (in a few bands), she also films, writes, and makes jewelry, but I’ll let her tell you more about her ‘witchy-kitschy’ world:

NS: My first question is what inspired you to follow a path in film and music, and more specifically the horror genre?

TA: I've loved film and music ever since I was a baby. I asked for a radio of my own when I was about 3 or 4. I've always wanted to sing and act but never knew that I wanted to direct until I was an adult. I realized that I wanted to create the stories as well. Writing and directing would allow me to have more control in the creation process. When I got my degree in Film and Video Production at Seattle Central Community College I found that not only did I have a passion for filmmaking, but it was also something that I was good at. For several years since then I went back to music where I performed and wrote songs in various bands. I was frustrated with a split focus between my two passions. Recently, I've been able to balance music and film where I can make room for both. It's worked out so well in fact that two of the bands I'm currently in have songs in upcoming indie films and my latest short film has been accepted to several film festivals.

For a long time I'd been making dark and weird films where people get killed or encounter the supernatural. When my film, Companion, was accepted into the Midnight Black Festival of Darkness something seemed to click. I didn't realize it but I had been making horror films. Of course horror comes in many forms and I wasn't making slasher flicks, so I didn't think my projects fell into that category. What inspires me to make horror is the same thing that prompts me to enjoy being entertained by it. Horror is an exploration of the psyche. It helps us explore our fears and desires in a safe environment. It's also fun to scare and be scared. Horror can be a thrill ride, like a roller-coaster.

NS: Do you have any advice for other women out there who have an overwhelming desire to follow a path in filmmaking, or creatively?

TA: My main advice is to keep working at it and meet people with like-minded interests. If you write, keep writing. If you perform, keep performing. If you are interested in filmmaking take classes if you can. If you can't take classes just start working on projects. Start small. Do what you can and work up from there. Go to filmmaking meet ups or volunteer for an indie project as a Production Assistant. Find an online group that fits what you want to be doing. Find an internship or mentor program. The best thing to do is to get yourself out there and meet people until you find people that you click with and that support you. The worlds of music and film are very diverse and there is something out there for everyone. You just have to find your niche. I am personally involved with several groups where we share info on opportunities and support one another. A useful online site is withoutabox.com. When you have a project that is festival ready you can search that site for nationwide festivals and apply right there. You can meet fellow filmmakers through festivals as well.

Tonjia Atomic’s Links:

https://vimeo.com/user1884358

http://www.youtube.com/user/misstonjia

http://pussycat.etsy.com

Inkerbella

Pin-up models beware—Inkerbella is one hot mamasita, a tattooed beauty who loves her horror!

NS: Let me start by saying the photos on your gallery are fabulous! There is so much to learn about you, so, why don’t you give the readers a peak into what started you on your current path, and how you came to be associated with the ‘Have a Heart for Horror Cookbook’.

Inkerbella: Well thank you so very much Nishi! Ok...let’s see, I started modeling back in 2006. I had a blast trying out different styles anything from Pin Up to Fetish. I have been featured on quite a few websites, magazines, calendars, books etc. I have my own designer line of products. The Inkerbella Perfume and Inkerbella's Candy Floss that you can pick up in stores here in California or online at A Pin Ups Closet in Westminster, CA or at Viva Dulce Marina in South Pasadena, CA. Along the way of modeling, I was offered a gig doing a music video and fell in love with acting again. I put acting off for a while b/c I was more focused on my modeling at the time. I have always been one to perform. Even since I was little I would put on shows for my parents, and in high school I was in chorus and dance, and also did some plays. I felt like I had conquered pretty much what I wanted in modeling and decided at the end of 2010 to really buckle down and focus on my acting for the upcoming year 2011. I was lucky enough to get some amazing gigs—a handful of feature films with the majority of them coming out this year! I also did some TV gigs with the TV show 8.13 on the America Horrors Channel, where I play a re-occurring role as a Zombie. I was also on CSI, Spike TV's 1000 Ways to Die (airing this month March 2012), and a new show airing soon on Comedy Central. I just recently filmed another music video for the band Neon Trees for their new single "Everybody Talks" (out March 8, 12).
I have always loved the darker side of things...ever since I was little. I have done a lot of horror type films and just love it! I feel like the horror genre is where I belong and it's like a long lost family to me! I hope to continue to spook you out and entertain you too.
I just love the cookbook that Lisa Coffelt put together so well! I was lucky enough to see the call for ladies in horror to submit their recipes, and I was so excited to be a part of this project to help the amazing Charity "Get Safe USA". I really love to help people and this was the perfect opportunity to do just that!

NS: If you were stuck in a dark room with your favorite monster, what inspiring words or advice about your life would you give it?

Inkerbella: Well, I'm a very positive person. I always try to see the good in any situation. If I were stuck in a dark room with say my favorite, Freddy Krueger....I would tell him that just like he doesn't give up by haunting people in their dreams....I will never give up on my dreams. That we should all work hard at what we really want in life and not to give up! Sometimes things take time, but if you put your mind to it...you can have anything you want!

Thank you again Nishi for the time to interview me! Wishing you all the best! I want to also say a special thank you to my friends/fans who follow my work. I really do appreciate it lots, you guys rock!! HUGS

Inkerbella’s Links:

http://www.Inkerbella.com

http://inkerbellafye.blogspot.com/

Http://Www.facebook.com/Inkerbella1

Http://Www.twitter.com/Inkerbella

To get your copy of the ‘Have a Heart for Horror Cookbook’ go to: http://www.crimsonstainedlace.com