Athena Demos should be no stranger to genre fans, but she caught my attention in her scene stealing role in Ken Hall's excellent new movie 'The Halfway House'. Athena is hilarious as hard as nails dyke Angelina, and you'll all be able to see her when the film finally hits DVD in the US on August 23rd.

How did you first get into acting?
I did my first play when I was 5 at a local community theatre, then my parents enrolled me into a fine arts academy called Chula Vista and there I performed in several plays from the age of 6 through 12. I continued my acting through Jr. High and High School, but did not act in college. I got the acting bug again once I graduated college and did more community theatre, some commercials and some local films. Also my degree is in Criminal Justice, I never truly pursued a career in it.

What was your first role and how did you find the experience?
My first speaking film role was as a prostitute in "Don’t Look Back" for HBO starring Eric Stoltz. He was a dream to work with.

You wrote 'Out of the Darkness', where did the idea come from and how did you go about getting the project made?
The idea came from watching tons of horror films and noticing how they made me react to everyday occurrences. They influenced how I reacting to life. I thought it would be funny to see a film where the characters over-reactions to rather normal circumstances (for where they were) caused their deaths. They basically kill themselves with stupid accidents and that sparks the idea in the others that a killer is on the hunt. Unfortunately the project got made by my boyfriend at the time who really did not know what he was doing. So most of the film is unwatchable and not scary at all. I wanted to pay homage to so many very scary films and referenced a lot of them in the script but all those shots were lost on Richard since he did not know how to shoot them and would not listen to the DP who did. I have never seen the completed film and no one probably will. I would love to see the film re-shot.

You also pose for artists a lot, why do you feel that you are attracted to the arts?
Everyone is attracted to the arts. That is why museums are so popular and why there are so many galleries. It is not the arts that attracts me but the artists. I love their minds, so creative and full of limitless life. Everything is possible in the eyes of an artist, whether sculpture, painting, drawing, writing, composing or filming. I am currently offering up several nude and portrait pieces for sale on my website. They are all artist originals and range from $25 to $300 in price. Some are framed and others are not. Go to www.AthenaDemos.tv and click on the link below my picture to check out the selection. Email me about offers and prices.

Athena: "I am more comfortable nude than with clothes on".

You played Angelina in 'The Halfway House' which was brilliant. How did you become involved in the project?
Jay Woelfel referred me to Ken Hall who had also gotten my name from somewhere else and that was all he needed. He called me in and I got the part.

Did you audition to be Angelina or did you end up with that part?
I auditioned but Ken told me later that he was going to give me a part; he just did not know which one yet.

What were your thoughts when you first read the script?
I loved it. It was well written and had a lot of campy horror scenes. Working on the film was the best. I loved all the actors involved. It was a real family with no divas.

Were you nervous about any of the nude scenes or are you comfortable with it?
I am more comfortable nude than with clothes on. Other then being cold, the nudity is a breeze (no pun intended). Most of the time I find that the crew is more nervous then I ever will be.

I understand that your fiancé wrote the score?
Yes. He is a fantastic composer and live musician. I'm not just saying that because he is my fiancé. I fell in love with his music before I fell in love with him. He is a true artist and very prolific when it comes to writing music. That is why I referred him to Ken. With a library of about 3000 songs, he can score anything. He also writes the music for my favourite band, Mutaytor, which if you are ever in LA you must see their show. It is breathtaking. www.Mutaytor.com and if you just want some great music to listen to check out www.DubPscience.com (also one of his projects).

You have had many roles in the horror genre, is this because you enjoy working in the genre, or do you just find that people offer you roles because they like what you can do?
Both. I love the horror genre and people like what I can do. Horror allows me to be silly and play to an extreme. I love drama and comedy as well.

You were also in 'Blood Gnome'. How did you find the experience?
Short, sweet, and simple. It was one day of shooting of the opening sequence. I had a cameo with the director. The experience was very bloody and a lot of fun.

Athena: "In the horror genre, critics don’t really make a difference in who sees the movies.".

What were your thoughts on the finished film?
Not my best work but I liked it, as did many of my fans. A little sex, fetish, and mayhem always make for a good movie.

I personally didn't like it and even had some strongly worded e-mails about my review of the movie. How do you feel about critics? Do you believe that they are entitled to their opinions?
Everyone is entitled to their opinion. It is just that, an opinion and nothing more. People will see movies if they want to or if there is someone in them that they like. In the horror genre, critics don’t really make a difference in who sees the movies. Unless they really love it and spread the gospel of how great it is. Then it makes a difference, but negative feedback seems to get shoved aside.

Which women in the horror genre do you admire?
Jamie Lee Curtis is still the number 1 scream queen in my book. But I also admire Mary Woronov who I just worked with on Halfway House. She was wonderful and professional, but her stories about the Andy Warhol days were gripping. You must read her book "Swimming Underground." It will blow your mind.

What will 2005 bring for Athena Demos?
I just show two commercials, one for IBM and one for Lincoln. I also shot a cameo in "Creepies 2" for Dave Sterling and Jeff Leroy. I hope to work with Ken Hall again in the summer. And I am always on the lookout for different projects to become part of. My website will get a complete rebuild soon also. You can visit me at www.AthenaDemos.tv

"Thank you ever so much for taking part in this interview Athena.
And we wish you the very best of luck in the future."