Thank you for participating in this year’s Women in Horror Month at Cinema Crazed.
Thank you. I appreciate getting to know other females and femme identifying folks in the horror field, especially those who uplift and encourage others to showcase their best. Another reminder that we’re all in this together. I believe it speaks volumes to the dedication in your own craft, and how much you care about making sure our voices are heard and understood correctly. Thank you for the all the hard work you continue to do for women in the horror realm.
Please introduce yourself.
Without going into too much of an identity crisis, my name is Meghan Chadeayne. I consider myself to be an artist, actor, writer, producer, model, storyteller, and US Navy Veteran. I’d like to eventually work my way up to the bestowed filmmaker title, but there’s a lot of growing and learning left to do in that department. I have a master’s and bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. Something I’ve been doing since I could form cohesive sentences. I hold a passion for Screenwriting. I tend to write poetry when life hurts, but my foundation to any grappling, soul-clenching tale has almost always found its roots in horror.
What is it that attracts you the horror genre for your chosen field of creative work?
Fear and all its unknowns. That uncertain thread between life and death. There’s so much we don’t know about what’s beyond life, and in the absence of that knowledge us storytellers and creatives have so much room to play with that fear. Aspects like what and who causes it, what can become a bridge between the living and dead that character(s) have to unleash a surplus of survival instincts to survive or fight against it. Sometimes that fear is how we relate to the monstrosity within a tale. I think horror is absolutely relatable because there’s always something an individual fears, whether it be a cognitive or physical element.
Another amazing aspect in the horror genre in itself, is the men and women in this industry who make this community great. Horror has one of the most passionate fanbases, and I’m entirely grateful to be a part of the family.
Who inspires you in your work and in life?
I’m inspired by other creatives, but my mother, stepmother, and grandmothers are all strong women who weren’t afraid of hard work in their chosen fields. I learned a lot from watching their mistakes and accomplishments. I grew up noting that nothing is impossible with the proper time, training, and dedication.
In an artistic sense, nothing inspires me more than being around like-minded individuals who love to create for a common cause. That’s one of the main reasons I love filmmaking, each person’s thoughts and performance is a piece of the puzzle, every soul on set is a notch forward on the wheel to completing the turn.
Furthermore, I find a surplus of inspiration within the pages of books. Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Joe Hill, and one of my all-time favorite authors, Francesca Lia Block who speaks towards mining your personal experiences for inspirational gold. Reading and viewing other’s works that inspire you to be the most honest and transparent artist is an incredibly transformative tool. I find that museums can also be a teaching method when it comes the human psyche – where we’ve been, where we’re going.
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?
I think it would be beneficial to the women in horror movement that we try to be as inclusive as possible to all women/femme identifying voices and visions. Especially when it comes to showcasing BIPOC women creators in the industry. In light of today’s climate having a WIH movement that puts a spotlight on those who aren’t offered the opportunity as much, or even less than the stereotypical “final girl” image that is often found in horror, would be a vital step towards progress for all women. We’re all survivors of something.
I truly believe everyone has a story to tell but the opportunity has to be there without the need to breakdown several doors. The only way that’s accomplished is by supporting and helping one another succeed, listening and learning where we’ve made mistakes and working to rectify them. If we work as a unit, we can achieve that kind of progress which places everybody in the genre into a more prominent light. That way, our collective world view grows and exposes us to realities that may have not been seen otherwise. I personally strive to continually be a cheerleader, a supporter, and a voice for my fellow creatives. It’s together, we go further.
What would you tell an up-and-coming creative in the world of horror who sees that being a woman/identifying as a women as something that makes it so much more difficult at times?
In the military I was in a male dominated, aircraft mechanic field. It required a thick skin, and in most times, a need to prove my worth past word of mouth or first impressions. Like good writing, there was a bunch of ‘showing, not telling,’ of my skills and achievements.
I do feel that women in any male dominated industry, especially the horror genre, have to work harder to verify themselves to their male counterparts. There’s a lot of boxes that need to be checked just to be taken seriously or professionally. I do know there are well meaning males in the industry that strive to listen to their women counterparts or appreciate and uplift their visions. I value those men immensely.
For instance, I always hold a ‘thank you’ for the director of Hectic Film’s ‘Naked Zombie Girl’, Rickey Bird. Almost a decade ago, as I was coming right off a rather rough deployment and very fresh faced in the industry, he plucked me from the set of ‘Trespass into Terror’ a feature film I don’t publicly speak about a lot, as it was my very first time on screen, and my own acting is absolutely atrocious in it. (Side note: The fact that Trespass director, Willy Ortlieb, saw something in me, will always hold a place in my heart.)
During this period, I was still small in myself and as a creator. I didn’t know my ups from downs when it came to acting, but I did know the Horror element. Something that I’ve been drawn to, and a fan of, since I was a child. I knew every linking vein in my body pumped the heart of a creator. NZG gave me a springboard to reclaim my sexuality in that way, during a time I felt it was taken from me, when I felt I didn’t own my own body, to show a rawness about the stakes of survival, and finding power when all seems lost. Whether Rickey knew it or not, it was a step towards healing for me and revealed an avenue to express that as an artist in a medium I hadn’t before.
One of the downfalls to taking a role such as ‘Naked Zombie Girl’ right out of the gate, is you do run the risk of being pigeon-holed, being assumed you are nothing more than a vapid poster girl or just known as your image. I fell completely into the craft of acting, minus a few theatrical performances, and now needed a more traditional foundation to pursue it. Director Michael S. Rodriguez gave me an opportunity to stretch around those obstacles into more villainous, supporting roles in ‘Lamb Feed’ and ‘Homewrecked’ that had some teeth. I followed that up with acting classes and seminars before breaking to focus on my education in writing.
What I’ve found throughout the years in acting, if you’re not careful in your selection of who and what you project in your work, you run the risk of being type-cast. What helps is your persistence to work through those barriers and show your continued dedication towards your crafts, and your progress, that can help ease the sting. Nobody can box you in but your mind. You will find those you are meant to create with, grow with.
Whenever I see a younger or newer face in the industry, my mama bird comes out. When asked for guidance, without seeming jaded, I try to explain my own personal experiences and mentor them in all aspects, not just the good or bad, but the realistic ones. Something I wish I would have known breaking into the genre.
What are your favorite bits of helpful advice that you have received about your work or your field?
The most guiding advice I’ve received would-be self-preservation as a creator, Meaning not being afraid to diversify, evolve, or grow within your crafts. I think the biggest ‘faux pas’ I’ve made in terms of acting was turning down roles in the past years where I didn’t want to be just skin, I wanted to showcase dexterity that I had developed. I wanted something that was a challenge. When I could have taken those roles and found challenging aspects about them. I knew I excelled being bloody and nude, but I was looking for something to mentally chew on as an artist. My sexuality was a power I should have embraced, not ran from. I truly feel as a performer, every ‘no’ you get during an audition, or any role that isn’t suited for you, is just another opportunity for another performer to shine.
Halfway through my new journey, I felt I had lost my own voice and passion, and that saying ‘no’ to those roles felt like an immediate blacklist. It was disheartening, but it allowed me to grow. And you’re allowed to nurture your craft and explore, make mistakes and learn from them. I had to give myself permission to make peace with the parts of myself I was unhappy with, re-work them, and refine my skills. I’ve found there are no limits on your journey, only where you place them.
The most helpful thing I’ve noted throughout my time on various sets is to never stop wanting to learn and explore. The moment you think you know it all is the moment you know absolutely nothing. Nothing in this industry or genre is accomplished alone, knowing how to be a team player, how to put your ego (and all artists have one) aside, and work towards the collective goal will get the best outcome possible for all involved.
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?
Writer/Director/Filmmakers – Reyna Young, Tonjia Atomic, and Sarah Giercksky, pop into my head right away as multi-dimensional women who prevail and drive forward to make female voices heard in the indie horror field. They each have their own unique ways of pushing limits and propelling the genre forward.
Barbara Magnolfi, an actress whose had such a wonderfully vast and inspirational career. Sophia Cacciola who is just this powerhouse of skill, talent, and wit. Sheri Davis, who’s always been a beacon of inspiration as a director and actress, to me. Good friend and bombshell actress, Sebrina Scott, who pushes and inspires me to be beyond what I’ve been known for. I haven’t seen a performance from her that she doesn’t excel at. I believe Blair Bathory makes wonderful content and does amazing things when it comes to showcasing not only her own, but other talents in the industry. Brookyn Ewing, photographer and Filmmaker of Dirt Candy Productions, absolutely nails the retro and vintage feel when it comes to her work. Every new piece I see from her, I swoon.
As I wander the horror realm, I try to find new women in the genre to look up, who motivate me to work harder, speak clearer, show better. Director Jill Gevargizian completely blows me away with her skill and vision in ‘The Stylist.’
What do you have coming soon that you can talk to us about?
In an attempt to separate my physical artistic crafts from my head, I’ve been writing work under the pseudonym O.M. Cartwright, something that started while still in school. My first short film series I’m directing and producing is in the works with newborn production house, Cimaruta Cinema Productions.
The series has come with its own set of challenges that are stimulating and cathartic. I am hoping that it, above all, showcases a plethora of growth in all creative lanes, (as the cast and crew has already seen from the first short ‘Loop Creek’ that we filmed almost a year ago and is now in its final stages of post-production,) compared to the projects we’re currently working on and have eyes to create in the future. I’m anxious to get them out into the public, if not mainly for the feedback on how to become better.
One thing I like about having more hats to wear is it gives me the opportunity to help others achieve their dreams, to stretch their wings. It’s challenging and rewarding in a different avenue. It doesn’t feel so self-serving. My main goal as a creator will eternally be to evolve with my voice and tell stories with creative individuals that captivate an audience. My hope is that above all, you’ll see that.
Pop them links to follow your work here:
https://www.facebook.com/meghan.chadeayne/
http://www.instagram.com/meghanofjupiter/
www.meghanchadeayne.com