It has been a long few months since I first began working on a chat with the lovely Ms. Elske McCain, actress, producer and fast-rising Scream Queen of such films as Troma Films POULTRYGEIST, Scott Phillips’ GIMME SKELTER, SPLATTER MOVIE: THE DIRECTORS CUT and her own (currently in production) creation, JESSICKA RABID.
I finally got my chance to get some Q&A on record with Elske and talk about her myriad projects, her fave flicks and her thoughts on being a newly minted Queen of Scream!
Axel – While I know that you appeared as an extra in several films going back I have heard that you were originally ‘discovered’ during a Troma Films event in your home town. You are now an official ‘Tromette’ and had a featured cameo in POULTRYGEIST. How did that transpire and what effect has Troma had on your career?
Elske – Well, back in early 2004, Lloyd made a stop in Tucson to screen THE TOXIC AVENGER. I showed up because I wanted to meet him. I’ve loved his movies for years and we hit it off pretty well. He was impressed with my knowledge of film, my sense of humor, and of course my looks. This meeting led to my
being named Tromette of the month for July 2004. The following year, I appeared with Lloyd at the San Diego Comicon. Shortly after, I began shooting films in Tucson with my friend Matthew Reel. THE GOAT SUCKER screened at Tromadance New Mexico in 2005, and ALL THE FRENCH ARE WHORES the following year. From attending the festival in Albuquerque in 2005, I met Scott Phillips who later cast me in my first featured role as Erika in GIMME SKELTER.
A – You’ve said that Jenna Jameson is a role model for you as far as business and self marketing are concerned. Who are some other women you look up to? Specifically in genre filmmaking?
E – I definitely look up to any independent opinionated women who tell it like it is and are not concerned with what others think. Just to name a few : Asia Argento, Tiffany Shepis, Amy Lynn Best and Debbie Rochon.
A – You seem drawn to films that are throwbacks to the exploitation films and sensational-style of horror of the 70’s. What are some of your influences and/or favorite films from that era?
E – I am a huge fan of the “nature gone amok” genre of made for tv seventies horror, such as DEVIL DOG: HOUND OF HELL, THE SWARM, and DAY OF THE ANIMALS.
A – You’ve done most of your work with writer/director Matthew Reel. How did that relationship come about?
E – I met Matt online at horrordvds.com. We didn’t actually meet in person until I asked him to come over and film my audition video for “Poultrygeist” in early 2005. Although I didn’t get the part, Matt asked me if I would star in his next short film here in Tucson. We have been great friends and collaborators ever since.
A – How was your experience working with Scott Phillips on GIMME SKELTER?
E – Scott was a complete professional and a lot of fun to work with. He’s a great writer and I would definitely work with him again.
A – In SKELTER, you play the ‘love interest’ of the character played by Gunnar Hansen. What was it like working opposite a horror icon?
E – Gunnar was the first horror icon I had the pleasure of working with, so naturally it was a little nerve wracking at first. He’s such an incredible person and was extremely supportive throughout the filming.
A– You also appear in one of SKELTERs finest ‘exploitation’-style moments with Kurly Tlapoyawa. Where there any influences on your performance in that particular scene? How much input did you have in the scene?
E – There wasn’t too much influence in my role. I just took all my negative experiences with the opposite sex and basically channeled that into my character.
A– You have also recently moved into producing through your new company, Dahlia Jade Productions and your upcoming project JESSICKA RABID. Can you describe that project?
E – Jessicka Rabid is a revenge film about an abused girl who’s about to unleash her fury on those who’ve done her wrong.
A – What are your aspirations as a producer vs. as a performer?
E – Well obviously I have aspirations for both. I want to be involved in projects that I believe in. I think as a producer, it sometimes brings a certain freedom that allows me to be more involved in my character’s
foundation.
A – Trent Haaga is set to appear in JESSICKA RABID. Did your work together on SKELTER lead to that casting decision?
E – Since Trent and I spent time getting to know each other on the set of GIMME SKELTER it definitely made it easier in casting him in JESSICKA RABID. Trent was originally cast for a supporting role, but due to some cast changes, he ended up a main character.
A – You have appeared in a number of short horror films, such as the recent YOU’RE NEXT 3: PAJAMA PARTY MASSACRE and HUMBLE PIE. What are the differences for you between making shorts and features? Which do you prefer?
E – I can’t say I’m preferencial to one over the other. As long as you are working on a project you believe in I think everything else will fall into place.
A – Who are some of your favorite filmmakers (directors/actors/writers)?
E – Lloyd Kaufman, Robert Rodriguez and Joe Knetter
A – Who would you love to work with and why?
E – Michael Biehn, Timo Rose, Tiffany Shepis, Don Prentiss, Dario Argento I’m drawn to each of them for different creative reasons.
A – What is your stimulant of choice?
E – Coffee : 2 sugars, 1 cream
A – What are your top 5 ‘Desert Island DVD’s’ that you couldn’t live without?
E – ANTHROPOPHAGUS, REVENGE OF THE NERDS II, LORD OF THE FLIES, RETURN TO GILLIGAN’S ISLAND, CASTAWAY
