Please introduce yourself.
I was born on a snowy night (no, really… I was!) and grew up in a small town north of Boston called Danvers which was a part of the Salem Witch Trials. I also grew up in a haunted house where two full body apparitions have been seen! I went to college at Niagara University where I studied and earned my BFA in theatre. The goal was to move to NYC and aim for a career in musical theatre, though, by my Junior year, I fell out of love with musical theatre and was really drawn to realism plays. The truth of acting and story telling. I decided to change paths and go after a career in television. I moved to Los Angeles after I had saved up some money, studied the Meisner technique for two years, and then couldn’t find an agent or a job. I turned to self-producing which has been what I’ve been doing ever since!
What is it that attracts you to the horror genre for your chosen field of creative work?
There are no rules. There is no “set up”, no script rules, certain things don’t have to happen in a certain sequence… You can do whatever you’d like! Women can be bad ass super naturals that can fight back against… Well, anyone! Plus, I grew up with horror around me. Where I lived, my dad is a HUGE horror fan, my grandmother loves Alfred Hitchcock and Vampires…. I think it was just always in my blood….
Who inspires you in your work and in life?
Emotional, real life situations that happen in my own personal life. If something makes me feel something, I usually write about it. Therapeutic. Being an actress in Los Angeles, you are really surrounded by heavy amounts of toxicity, drama, backstabbing, phoniness, etc. If you’ve hurt me, guarantee I’ll write about it and “kill” the character I based around you….
Women in horror have made great strides, but it’s clear that a lot of work is still needed to make it a most inclusive genre. To you, what is the importance of a movement like Women in Horror Month?
It’s so important to showcase women who are doing positive things in the genre. Sometimes, as women, we are judged like a book can be judged by its cover. Our exterior is usually looked at before our talent, drive, work, passion. We are SO MUCH MORE than numbers on our social media… People want to mute strong voices because it is “uncomfortable”. It’s great to have a month to BE uncomfortable and let those that work so hard be shown to an audience who will appreciate them.
What would you tell an up-and-coming creative in the world of horror who sees that being a woman/identifying as a woman as something that makes it so much more difficult at times?
I sometimes feel like if I were the other gender, that I’d be much further along in my career. As Malvolia: the Queen of Screams, I create, write, produce, (sometimes) direct, act, shoot, boom, light, set design, edit, and then promote my own material (pretty much ALL OF THAT AT ONCE). I see some out there doing two of those jobs and being praised for being “amazing”. As a female, I’ve been questioned about my choices/direction on set by people that weren’t even in the position to even question my authority while filming. Being strong and having a voice, a lot of people want to “ignore” you or put you down…. But that is because YOU intimidate them. It’s confidence some fear. Do your work. Do what makes you happy. You will be that shining light through all those gloomy clouds that are trying to pull you down. Be you.
What are your favorite bits of helpful advice that you have received about your work or your field?
Trust your gut. Just do it. Stop making excuses. Consistency is something people admire. Pick up that camera and work. It’s not easy. Not perfect? Who cares! At least you finished it which not many people can say.
In honor of celebrating Women in Horror Month, who do you believe viewers should keep an eye on in terms of the creative ladies in horror?
Jessica Sabbitt (Sarah Schultz). She has a passion and determination that everyone can appreciate. Plus, she just has a beautiful heart. She isn’t jaded or a mean girl – What you see is what you get!
Julie Anne Prescott. Just a lovely, strong female. Always has positivity towards the genre and everyone in it. So supportive of everyone. She gives, but she is such a bad ass in her own right. She’s moving on to the next level for sure!
Wendy Medrano (founder of Zed Fest Film Festival, Los Angeles, CA). Every year her festival grows with entertainment. She appreciates and celebrates all art forms. She has a genuine passion for filmmakers which is rare. She makes everyone feel special in their own ways which, I think, is extremely important and a beautiful trait.
What do you have coming soon that you can talk to us about?
My character “Crystal” is returning to the Meathook Massacre Franchise in the last installment of “Bubba’s Dead”. I’m also returning as my character “Erica” AND hosting “Arachnado 2” as Malvolia: the Queen of Screams. 10/31 Part III was announced so I’ll be returning as Malvolia. And, lastly, I’m taking on the feature film “Callback” and I hope to film that this coming June! It was originally pitched to me as just being an actor, but, now I’ll be producing it and completing it!
Pop them links to follow your work here:
www.imdb.me/jennifernangle
Malvolia:
www.youtube.com/c/malvoliathequeenofscreams
www.facebook.com/queenmalvolia
www.instagram.com/queenmalvolia
Twitter: @queenmalvolia
Personal:
www.youtube.com/c/jennifernangle
www.facebook.com/jennifernangle
www.facebook.com/jennifernangleactress
www.instagram.com/jennifer_nangle
Twitter: @jennifer_nangle