Terror is a feeling of dread and anticipation that precedes a horrifying experience. Whereas most people attempt to avoid the experience, Alicia M. Clark likes it and even seeks it out–as an actress that is! Yes, and as an actress Alicia has certainly found her way of expressing terror in the most convincing of ways, as if she’s really living the horror-film Hell we see. As I said, in a recent review of Past Due, Alicia, in her ultra-realistic rendering of terror, actually made this veteran reviewer of horror films squirm in his seat! And that’s quite a compliment for Alicia, indeed! “Squirming” is not something I do often!

So, all you Space Jockey fear-chasers out there have come to the right place! With this tell-it-like-it-is interview with Alicia M. Clark, the modern-day scream queen/leading lady gives us the ins and out to screaming your way to success! So, scream on Alica, and, by all means, always keep us squirming! To everyone else, enjoy the interview! 😀

1.  How did you get into acting?

I’ve always had a love for acting, and ALWAYS will. Ever since I was a little girl, I constantly watched movies and would get goosebumps from trailers that were actually really good. My whole life, I would watch movies and go to the mirror after my favorite scenes in that movie. I would try to get the exact same facial expressions as the actor did!

2.  Who are some of your influences or role models?

Well, my “actor” influences would have to be someone who can do both a comedy and a horror film. It’s really hard to find people who do both and stick to it. I for one LOVE doing both comedy and horror. Its super fun especially if you mix the two together! For example, Cabin in the Woods–loved it! In real life, my “role model” would have to be my family. I can’t just pick one! We all face obstacles in our life and somehow overcome them and succeed. This is what I’m trying to do with my life at the moment. (Trying to make it as an actress). My sister is a strong, tough person, and that inspires me. When she wants something, she will go for it. Same with my father. We all have different ways of looking at things. They were not too excited about me becoming an actress. Once I showed them what I could do, they believed in me. Its the greatest feeling of all time.

3.  In Past Due, you play the part of Emily, an eventual victim of the serial killer.  Your performance is outstanding–especially during the attack and death scene.  (It actually made me squirm watching it, and I have a pretty high tolerance for this stuff.)  How do you, as an actor, bring out such convincing, realistic, and intense emotion for such a scene?  (I know many actors have their special way of doing this.)  Do you just focus on the scene, as if it’s reality, or something else?

You just really have to get In the moment! Prepare yourself for the scene. It is kind of hard to do considering so many shots, and angles, and bloopers! We have a lot of those! I usually just go to my own “Horror Place” and go from there. I love to hear that I made you squirm! It means I’m doing my job correctly!

4. Kenneth, the serial killer in Past Due, is a delusional librarian with a foot fetish on top of all else.  As a librarian, he has access to personal information, and stalks his victims in broad daylight, making him all the scarier.  For me, a most disturbing (and effective) element was how Kenneth killed to control women, and mostly to control a particular part of their body–their feet.  The scene where he propped Emily’s feet in the dash of the car, after she was dead, while feigning concern for her (as if she was alive) was a highlight of unsettling acts.  I guess it’s an ultimate example of violation.  What would you say is the most disturbing (but yes, also effective) element about Kenneth the killer?

The fact that he doesn’t think he is killing anybody; he thinks they are still alive. Well, in his own eyes. I find it quite humorous, only because nothing really ever scares me in movies anymore. It is quite weird to have a foot fetish. I’m not a fan of feet AT ALL. So in general, people who agree with my statement find it disturbing as well. I’m just glad he didn’t lick my foot!

5.  You are also credited for cinematography work in Past Due.  What scenes did you film, and how was that experience?  Have you previously done much cinematography work before?

I was! I filmed a couple scenes. The one where the couple (Jessica and Chase) are caught noodling in the Library, and the scene with just Kenneth and Jessica, and the scene where they are all three at the checkout part of the scene! I also assistant directed some of it as well. I’m always willing to help out to make things better or easier! I’m hoping to direct my own movie someday! (Already got different scripts planned out.)

6.  Do you have plans to get into any other area of filmmaking–directing, production, etc.?

Haha! YES, I want to do all of it! Well, at least try.

7.  What are your greatest challenges as an actress?

Hmmm. Staying skinny. Haha! That is pretty tough. I always want to eat bad, especially Mexican food! My sister and I love that stuff! We could eat it every day. On a serious note, I don’t know. I’m sure I have one; I just probably only think of it when it comes around!

8. What else is on your resume, and what are you currently working on?

I worked on a film called Spectres,The Hospital, and other ones. I’m actually trying to branch into comedy as well!

9. Tell us more about Spectres and The Hospital.

The Hospital is a gory torture/rape movie. Absolutely awesome, and people won’t be able to tolerate it! Which is good; I was getting tired of those boring horror films now a days.

Spectres was my first completed film! And its so good! It’s a supernatural thriller! I’m so glad to be apart of all the wonderful films I have been in!

All will do well. The Hospital will be premiered in Germany in 2013!

10.  What are your long-term goals?

My long term goal is to become the actress I want to be! I want to be that actress where I could play a villain, a shy girl, and tomboy, and complete bitch, the sweet girl next door, and the crazy person!

11. What advice would you give to aspiring actors and filmmakers out there?

My advice would be do what makes you happy. Go for what you believe in!

FIVE RANDOM QUESTIONS

1.  What are your top-five favorite movies?

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