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".
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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.".
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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."