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Carrie Anne Fleming
 Carrie: "Once I turned ten I realized you could be paid to play".
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Conducted by Phil
Davies Brown October 28th, 2005
As any horror fan worth their
salt will know, today marks the release of two very important genre
projects. The first is Saw II which hits theatres today, but many genre
fans are most excited about Showtime's Masters of Horror series, which
debuts tonight with Don Coscarelli's 'Incident on and off a Mountain
Road'.
To coincide with the series launch date, I chatted to a
fresh face in the form of the very talented and lovely Carrie Anne
Fleming, who plays the title role of Jennifer in the Dario Argento
directed episode of MOH.
Carrie Anne is set to make it big with horror fans as
she has backed up her role in MOH by appearing in the forthcoming horror
flick The Tooth Fairy, which is set for release in 2006.
Read on for all the gossip on both MOH and The Tooth
Fairy and look out for this breath taking beauty as she storms her way to
horror stardom.
What made you want to pursue
acting as a career?
I spent a bunch of time on my own as a kid so make believe was always a
great escape. Once I turned ten I realized you could be paid to play.
That's when I decided to pursue it.
How did you go about getting
into the industry? Did you study or do any training?
I did theatre programs, plays, and would assist with acting workshops in
high school for younger kids. The day I graduated from high school I left
for Vancouver British Columbia. I had a lot of trouble landing an agent,
getting into the union, and getting work. The only representation I could
get was an exotic dancing agent that told me he was trying to break into
the acting market. He represented me for extra work until I had enough
credits to leave and join the UBCP/ACTRA union. I've trained at many
schools in Vancouver and a few in LA. I've found my home base for classes
now at Lyric School for Actors. It's run by 2 great women and it's a very
safe environment to let it all go.
You moved around a lot as a
child and your dad was also a model, did that stand you in good stead for
all the traveling and crazy hours associated with acting?
It did. I missed a lot of school, but I can function in any foreign
location. I can't do fractions or long division but I can make friends in
any country and feel comfortable in any land.
What can you tell us about the
Bloodsuckers project?
I have a small pivotal role as Damian's wife. Dominic Zamprogna who played
Damian was great to work with. It was a flash back scene where Damian is
remembering his wife. It's a touching scene.
 Carrie:
"It was my very first love scene and I have to say I was quite nervous".
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Was it fun to work
on?
It was my very first love scene and I have to say I was quite nervous.
I've kissed before but it sure is different to do it for the camera. The
Director Matt Hastings was the best. He closed the set, set up candles and
made it very romantic. Dominic is easy on the eyes and was a complete
gentleman. Funny thing happened though. When I arrived on set to film our
scene Matt had this great CD playing by the artist KUBA. I had been
listening to it all summer and was playing it in my trailer to get myself
in the mood. The funny part was the CD wasn't available in stores yet.
When I said "Is this KUBA?" And he said "Yes" I said “I’m listening to
this in my trailer"... Well the synchronicity was overwhelming to say the
least and Matt and I just stared at each other in wonder. So I felt very
comfortable straight away and we dove into the scene.
Did you get on well with the
rest of the cast and crew?
Totally. Dominic and I still chat on the phone. We don't get to hang out
too much because we're both so busy but it is nice to touch base. Matt
Hastings and I run into each other at KUBA shows. We dance up a storm and
drink and laugh.
Did you share any scenes with
AJ Cook or Natassia Malthe? Both are highly regarded amongst genre
fans.
I've watched AJ Cook grow over the years into a really beautiful woman. I
didn't share any scenes but I did meet her on the day and she was lovely.
I look forward to working with her in the future though.
You will next be seen in the
MASTERS OF HORROR episode entitled Jennifer which was directed be Dario
Argento. How did you get the part?
I was blindsided really. I got the call that I needed to be at a hotel by
the airport in an hour. I walked into a room with oh I'd say at least five
producers, Dario and his interpreter and a few assistants. I could tell
that it was all a test, from the moment I entered. Jennifer is a monster
really. But a sexy monster. I figured a sexy monster would just be. She
shouldn't have to have posture, or be shy or even gracious. She would be
raw. So I looked everyone directly in the eye when they would speak to me
as if I was already in character. I entered with power. I entered ready
for a physical fight. I entered strong. Dario gave me the script, I ran
home and read it and then we had one more audition where I did a scene
with Executive producer Andrew Deane. Then Dario called me in one more
time to speak with only him. He is such a passionate man and wanted to
know he could count on me to pull it through. I promised him I would not
let him down, and he gave me the role!
What can you tell us about
your episode?
Jennifer is based on one of the Creepy Comic Books. A comic series from
the 70's. Jennifer has a horribly disfigured face but a body to die for.
She is vulnerable and very sad. Steven Weber's character saves her from
certain death and brings her home. Only to quickly develop a desire to
make love with her. Only making love to Jennifer is sort of a kin to
taking a rollercoaster ride with spikes in the seats. You love it, but
know its bad for you. It makes you feel sick but you keep coming back for
more. On top of all that Jennifer has an insatiable appetite for flesh and
blood. Steven's character notices his attraction is not healthy and has to
work out why he is so attracted to this big beautiful mess of a
monster.
Did you find it challenging to
play a character who never speaks, whilst having to work with a Director
who speaks a different language?
It was so fun to come up with Jennifer's language of grunts and snorts and
low hums. It was amazing because Dario said "You invent!" So I got to run
with it. Which was a real joy. Dario and I were able to communicate
extremely well. I could just look into his eyes and he knew I understood.
Once I misunderstood some direction and did a scene different than it was
supposed to be. After the cut everyone laughed and was joking about how
much I misunderstood. Dario raised his voice very loudly and pointing to
everyone dramatically "NO SHE UNDERSTANDS. CARRIE ANNE UNDERSTANDS!" And
they left the scene the way I did it. Dario appreciated that I could work
under extreme circumstances and has asked me to do some more work with him
in the future.
What was the vibe like on
set?
It was tense at first. I mean I've got this prosthetic face on and these
monster teeth with drool coming off of them most of the time, so I wasn't
too welcome at the lunch truck to say the least. The crew was working
really hard and the last thing they needed was a diva coming to set. Dario
said that every time I came onto set it would light up. I feel it's the
actor's job to not only perform in their role but to heal a wounded set. I
hope I left people there with a good vibe. I came away with a wealth of
knowledge and a great respect for the crew that work their butt off for
our entertainment.
 Carrie:
"Mick Garris is so genuine and such a rock".
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Did you meet Mick and Cynthia
Garris and what did you think of them?
Mick Garris is so genuine and such a rock. He is the center of a storm and
you can see he has love for his wife Cynthia, his career, his crew and a
genuine lust for life. He's a gentle soul in this crazy business. I feel
very blessed to have worked with both of them. I sat with them at the
screening of Jennifer. We drank wine and giggled at parts. They’re just a
really nice couple.
You also appear in THE TOOTH
FAIRY which will be released in 2006. What can you tell fans about that
project?
The Tooth Fairy is a take on our old favorite fable of leaving your teeth
under a pillow to receive money from a beautiful fairy that collects teeth
from good little children. Well in this movie the Tooth Fairy is a real
cranky bitch.
How did you get the part of
Star?
I got the part of Star Roberts the usual way. I auditioned for Chuck
Bowman and after the read he said "Great! No notes. Could you do the next
scene?" I came back for the call back and I just felt the character inside
of me. The words flowed out so easy. Some roles you’re just meant to have.
I was meant for Star.
Is the film anyway connected
to Darkness Falls?
I don't know if I can talk about it. Apparently there was some court stuff
involved. I believe it's all settled now but it’s better to not speak of
stuff I don't know the whole story of.
The film has a talented cast
which includes Lochlyn Munro, Chandra West and Jesse Hutch; did you enjoy
working with everyone?
Lochlyn Munro is such a pro it’s scary. Chandra is so beautiful and kind
it's hard not to stare at her all the time. Jesse Hutch is gorgeous. Flat
out gorgeous. Chandra though was really special. Every scene that I had
with her I would get goose bumps. I feel a kinship with her because I had
met her before when I was an extra in a Chuck Bowman MOW that she was the
lead in. When we talked I felt she was trying to get to know me for real.
In this business the women can be catty and competitive as a protection
device. I never felt that from her. It was a calm, lovely set to be on. I
miss her a lot.
Would you say you are a fan of
scary movies and if so what are some of your favorites?
All of Sam Raimi’s Evil dead films. Howard Berger from MOH worked on those
films so I felt lucky to have him placing my prosthetic on everyday. I
enjoy scary movies so much but I still can't watch them alone. There's a
great film called "THEY" or a new one out called "BOOGEYMAN" that I liked.
It's hard when I'm asked that question because I could list movies for
days.
Finally, where can audiences
expect to see you next and will you be in any more horror
movies?
Dario has asked me to work on a couple other projects with him and I
assume they will be scary because that is his forte. Publicity for Jenifer
will begin soon and Masters of Horror will be doing a Women of Masters of
Horror calendar and trading cards or something. I look forward to going to
Comic Con next year for promotion. I'll be seen in the new film for Bright
lights called IN THE NAME OF THE KING with Jason Statham as well as the
Morgan Freeman, Kevin Spacey and Justin Timberlake feature EDISON.
"Thank you ever so much for taking part in this interview
Carrie. And we wish you the very best of luck in the future."
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