Meet the multi-talented Melissa Sapienza:
To start, please introduce yourself:
“Melissa Sapienza multi-talented creative force in the horror scene, known for her work both in front of and behind the camera. With a boundless “muppet energy” and a knack for nurturing as the ultimate set mom, she brings life (and death) to every project she touches. Whether crafting terrifyingly realistic SPFX makeup, fine-tuning scripts, or delivering chilling performances, she’s every crew’s right-hand ghoul. A veteran of the haunt industry, she’s been causing nightmares and delighting horror fans with her dedication to all things macabre.”
What is horror to you, what makes a work of art one in the horror genre?
Horror is something that creates or sparks fear. If your art is able to spark that sense of fear or dread in an individual, it can be considered part of the horror genre.
What made you want to work in horror?
For some reason I have always enjoyed the horror genre. I had older siblings and family that would watch scary movies or play horror-related video games in my presence and I guess I soaked that all up. I love reminiscing about the times I was around 6 or 7 and would spend time with my godbrother making our own movie scenes. He would dress up as Michael Myers and I would be his victim running from him with a blood capsule in my mouth ready to “die”.
Where do you get your inspiration?
The final girls before me. Growing up watching women like Neve Campbell, Heather Langenkamp, and Lisa Wilcox. I also have a hard time shutting my brain off. As much as it drives me crazy, the creative “light bulbs” that turn on from it has played a big role in the works I have done.
What would you like your legacy to be in the genre (or elsewhere)?
Wow- this is a heavy one. If I could be known for anything in this genre or anywhere, I would want to be known for being kind, for being helpful, and not being afraid of being myself. Sure, it would be great to be recognized for a character I have played. I want people to know their human behind the characters was a human who did their best to bring smiles and laughs to the sets.
What is Women in Horror Month to you and why is it still important this many years later?
I did not known Women in Horror Month was a thing until around 2019. This genre definitely started more masculine. If you have time, I recommend indulging in the book “Men, Women, and Chain Saws” Gender in the Modern Horror Film”. Not only has the genre progressed to incorporate more feminine subjects, but it has also shined a light on a lot of women-related topics that are not discussed enough. Women in Horror tell the stories of revenge, of courage, and of new-found strength. Women in Horror are conquering all elements of film production and should be celebrated! We are pretty badass.
Who are some of the Women in Horror who you look up to and who do you want to bring attention to in your field or others?
There are way too many lovely humans! The women in the horror community is one of the hugest support groups I’ve ever seen.
Jenn Nangle, Morrigan Milam, Chanda Rawlings, Angel Bradford, Jessa Flux, Christine Mancini, Aleen Isley, and Beatrice Boepple.
What are you currently working on that you can tell us about?
I’m excited to see Cracula be premiere this year! In the meantime, I am excited to be involved in a couple Fuzzy Monkey Film productions starting soon, including T-rexorcist. I am also working on lining up some more convention appearances for 2025! There’s sponsorship information on my social media accounts if you are interested in sponsoring your ghoul.
Where can readers keep up with you? (social and whatnots go here)