Marcus:: Before we slice into Malevolence, lets get to know the lady behind the heroine, what is the real Samantha Dark like?  

Samantha:: The real Samantha Dark is not a mother nor does she live in the burbs.  She is a single, British actress living in Manhattan.  Her passion for acting started young on the stage and she continues today to appear in off-Broadway productions. As well as pounding the pavement everyday for auditions, she also works in the PR fashion industry.

 

 

Marcus:: When did you first acquire your love for acting? Did you foresee yourself starring in a horror movie?

Samantha:: I started acting with my local community theater in Devon, England, at the age of 9.  I started acting for indie films when I moved to New York 5 years ago.  I never dreamed I would do a horror film - but I'm glad I had the chance. 

 

 

Marcus::  Are you a horror fan? If so, what are some of your favorites?

Samantha:: I love horror films, especially those with a psychological theme. Favorites are: Psycho, Exorcist, Poltergeist, Evil Dead, Omen and Halloween

 

 

Marcus:: In Malevolence, you play Samantha, a mother who is taken captive along with her daughter by one of the bank robbers and forced into this situation. First of all, I have to say, you have one hell of a scream! So how did you go about getting the part? Was Samantha the role you had hoped to get or was there another part you had in mind?

 

Samantha:: I auditioned for and wanted the part of Samantha. Not just because it's my real name, but I wanted the challenge to portray Samantha's terrifying journey throughout the movie.

 

 

Marcus:: What was it that attracted you to the script?

Samantha:: It wasn't being tied up that attracted me to it I swear!  I liked the script because Steve used scenes from old favorite classic horrors movies and compiled them together in Malevolence as a tribute.  I liked this concept.

 

 

Marcus:: The movie was very low budget and the best horror films of all time are always low budget. But because of the low budget, certain accommodations were absent, one of them being bathrooms, how did this effect your performance and was there a point where you were like "Screw this?"

 

Samantha:: A bathroom was always provided to me and as we were in the house all the time where a real family lived, it was actually fun to hang out with the 3 kids.  I didn't mind 'roughing' it that much.  I was too tired most of the time to care!

 

 

Marcus:: This is Stevan Mena's directorial debut and he has been compared to John Carpenter, Sam Raimi and many others, What was it like working with him? Also, how much creative control did he allow you to have with Samantha?

 

Samantha:: Steve was wonderful Director to work with.  He always listened to our ideas and motivations and allowed us the freedom to try different things.  Not that he always used them on the editing floor!  Steve is a very talented Director who put his whole life and blood into this movie.  I respected that.

 

 

Marcus::  You spent the majority of the movie tied up and bound to the floor, what was it like being duct taped for hours on end? How difficult was it being tied up for hours on end like that? How many times did your leg fall asleep?

 

Samantha:: Admittedly it was not the most fun part of making this movie.  I was tied up for hours in the cold and it was uncomfortable.  The duct tape was fine because it wasn't the sticky kind - it just looked sticky.  But I do remember when I was tied up in a closet and when Steve said 'cut', they forgot to get me out.  I sat there in the dark, tied up and gagged for a good 5 minutes before anyone realized.  Thanks Steve!

 

 

Marcus:: What was your experience like working with the rest of the cast? You spent a lot of time working with Brandon Johnson, what is he like behind the scenes, on and off set?

 

Samantha: Everyone on the set was great fun to work with.  Richard Glover was a huge joker. I remember him riding his motorcycle all over the set and scaring the hell out of everyone as he sped off.   Brandon has a wacky habit of mimicking everyone and his attempt at my British accent always cracked me up.

 

 

Marcus:: You worked alongside Stevan's niece, Courtney, what was she like to work with?

 

Samantha:: Courtney was only 11 years old at the time and I think she found the downtime of shooting a movie quite tedious at times, especially when her friends were out playing and she was cramped up in a trailer with me and the crew.  I helped her do homework, draw and play and it was a useful bonding experience which hopefully played out in the film.

 

 

Marcus:: The locations that Stevan picked were extremely creepy and I am to understand came pre-furnished. What was it like roaming the slaughterhouse at night?  

 

Samantha:: The slaughterhouse was real, old and very eerie.  Luckily with all the crew, lights and other actors all around you it was quickly turned in to a 'set' and so it wasn't scary at all.  It was really cold though.

 

Marcus::  If you had to do it again, knowing the circumstances, would you do it all again?

Samantha:: Absolutely!  I had a blast and made some great contacts.  I would probably insist on a warmer wardrobe though..

 

 

Marcus:: Malevolence is the middle part of a trilogy, are you going to be a part of the prequel and or sequel? Also, how tight lipped is Stevan keeping the storylines to both of them? Any secrets you can divulge? :)

Samantha:: I believe I am in the prequel and very much in the sequel.  Can't say too much on that - I don't think it's all finalized.

 

 

Marcus:: You are teaming up again with Brandon Johnson in "RAVE ON" according to IMDB.com, what can you tell me about this project?                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Samantha:: Sadly the project was canned.  But it was fun to shoot with Brandon again for a more upbeat, lighter theme.

 

 

Marcus:: Everyone involved with this movie seems to have a funny story about their experience on the set. What funny tale can you tell?

 

Samantha:: I remember shooting the last scene where I open the fridge and Courtney is standing there covered in blood.  We shot this at Steve's sister-in-law's house where kids were sleeping upstairs.  So, as it was shot all night, I couldn't actually let out a real scream.  The scream you see is dubbed. This was rather funny to act.

 

Marcus::  What was it like going to the premieres for this movie? Was it weird to see yourself on the big screen knowing that it is you up there?

Samantha:: The first time I saw myself on the 'big screen' I was mortified.  I kept analyzing everything.  After a few times though, I began to just switch off and watch the movie.

 

 

Marcus:: So what is next for you? What can we expect to see coming from the beautiful Samantha Dark?

Samantha:: I am working on some theatre right now with my theater company in New York. Watch out for Malevolence 2 and 3.  Can't wait to turn in to an owl again!

   So there you have it folks, if you haven't already experienced Malevolence then I suggest you do so now. Samantha, I wish the best and I can't wait to see what she comes out with next. Malevolence 2 and 3 will be kick ass and I am looking forward to seeing it. You can read the review I did on this movie here and to get all of the offical news on this film, check out "www.malevolencemovie.com"

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