The Multi-Talented Traci Burr [Women in Horror Month 2022]

Traci Burr is an actress, writer, producer, and director with a love for horror that shows through all that she does. Her film career started with the cult film May and includes titles such as It Wants Blood, 14 Ghosts, and the upcoming Quakeasaurus.  

Please introduce yourself.
H
i! My name is Traci Burr, and I am an actress who also writes and occasionally directs and produces. I have lived in Los Angeles for the past 12 years and been taking classes in improv, sketch and scene study. I love nature, hiking, yoga, and spending time with great people.   

What is it that attracts you the horror genre for your chosen field of creative work?
With horror you get to be wild, untamed and push the limits of acting. There really is no wrong with your behavior in a horror film. You want to surprise the audience and even make them laugh at the absurdity of your character. It’s very freeing. The context and subject matter are usually things that would never happen in real life. You get to do things that you would NEVER attempt in the real world and there is something really exciting about that. Its why we watch these types of films. The same goes for performing in them. Today, I get to kill someone! But, you know, it’s just pretend. I also really love the make-up and props used, because of the creativity in building the world. I love dramatic pieces, and I am really trained in comedy, but horror allows me to go to another level of performance. It’s just plain FUN! 

Who inspires you in your work and in life?
Honestly, lately my female friends who are writing, directing, and producing these independent projects. It takes a lot to make a film or a series and I look at them in awe of what they are able to accomplish. I want to be able to do the same in my life – really go for it and make something great.  

What are your passions, cinematic or otherwise?
The last few years I have really gotten into lifting weights and eating healthy. I would say fitness is definitely a passion. I’m also into The Law of Attraction. Meditating, and focusing on what you want and then manifesting your reality. I believe we can create our lives however we want and we have more power than we think.  

Considering this is 2022, why do you think we still need a movement like Women in Horror Month?
Unfortunately, the film industry is still a boys’ club. I have been on the receiving end of this and it’s a huge bummer. I think women are still finding their voice and their power slowly but surely. It helps to feel supported and acknowledged, instead of having to fight your way into being seen.  I know as women we often need “permission” to show up and this allows us to do just that.  

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 would say that no one should focus on being/identifying as a woman as difficult, and that we should all embrace the perspective that a woman has. I would say use that perspective and write about it, and create something different and original to illustrate a story in a new and interesting way! I would say focus on the strength you have from being a woman.  

What are your favorite bits of helpful advice that you have received about your work or your field?
To keep going! haha. It can be really challenging at times when you aren’t booking anything, or someone is really rude to you and you feel like giving up. No matter what – don’t give up.  

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?
Jennifer Nangle and Christine Twyman.    

What do you have coming soon that you can talk to us about?
I am still shooting a trilogy called “The Shadows” and then I have a web series from Christine Twyman called “Bite” (It’s about Vampires!)  

What do you hope to leave behind in your legacy as an artist?
I want people to watch my projects and be so consumed by what’s happening that they are moved and affected deeply. When I watch something that lingers with me that’s when I fall in love with a film or project. I want people to fall in love with what I am presenting to them. I want people to feel something that they’ve never felt before.   

Pop them links to follow your work here:
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1569520/
www.instagram.com/traciburr8