Actress and make-up artist Rileah Vanderbilt has jumped into the horror scene recently with films like Hatchet and Brotherhood of Blood. She speaks with UHM's Canadian corrospondent Dan (MoH) about how she came to where she is now and her love of the genre. Check it!
CONDUCTED BY: Dan AKA Master of Horror
EDITED BY: FrighT MasteR
ORIGINALLY POSTED ON: 3/19/07
Tell us about your reason for getting into acting?
Well, I guess the acting bug hit me when I was really young. My parents moved my brother, sister and me around a lot, so I didn't really hang out with any kids my age. This led to playing a lot of make-believe with my brother Wilson. I soon found inspiration through movies and T.V... I remember the first time I ever saw "Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark", I thought, wow, when I grow up I'm going to be an archaeologist! The next week it was the same thing, only I wanted to be an astronaut because I had just seen "Space Camp". After about six months of this, my mom must have gotten sick of the whole changing professions every day and suggested that maybe I should think about becoming an actor. This way I could be anything I wanted. It was as if the clouds parted and the sun shined down! Acting just made sense to me. Being able to "make-believe" for a living is the most amazing thing.
Did you initially set out to just do make-up or has acting always been your true goal?
Acting has always been my first love. Bringing a fantasy to life for others is what I really have a passion for. However, I also, have always loved makeup :) In high school, all the girls would come over to my house to get ready for dances because they all wanted me to do their makeup. I guess I've always had a talent for it. When I moved out to L.A., acting was definitely my main focus, but I knew I wanted a "backup" in case I found out acting just wasn't for me. Make-up artistry was another way for me to express myself creatively.
Did you get any formal training in makeup?
I went to a great school in Burbank called Make-up Designory. They have the most amazing programs! I learned not only beauty makeup, but character, hairstyling, and some SFX as well. I LOVED my character class! It's so different from your basic beauty makeup. Instead of trying to hide some ones flaws, with character make-up you get accentuate them. Old age, bald caps, airbrushing, prosthetic application, and injuries were just a few of the things I learned. Being on set has also been very valuable for me. There are certain things you can't learn in school, but pick up on set. I feel like I learn something new with every new set I work on.
The last film you worked make-up on was Brotherhood of Blood, tell us a bit about that.
Brotherhood of Blood was such a great experience! The film was really low budget so I was challenged all the time. I went from working in a nice cozy makeup trailer on "Hatchet", to being pushed into a corner of a soundstage that wasn't conducive for doing makeup at all. We couldn't even get good lighting! I think in order to be good at something you have to be uncomfortable at some point. It gives you an opportunity to think on your feet, and ultimately makes you better at your craft. Everyone I worked with was amazing! I couldn't have done it without my partner in crime Shyann Swisher. She's so talented, and I'm glad I’ve gotten to do a few other movies with her.
Are you a fan of the horror genre? If so, which films would you consider your favorites?
I LOVE horror films! They're so fun to watch. I'm a big fan of "Evil Dead 2". I think Bruce Campbell is brilliant! Bram Stokers' "Dracula" is another favorite. "Halloween", "Slither", "Alien", and the remake of "Dawn of the Dead" are also on the list.
In Hatchet, you played a young Victor Crowley -- what was it like playing a male character?
It was a lot of fun! There are not many actresses that will take on a male character and I really wanted to do it justice. The makeup that John Buechler created for young Victor Crowley really allowed me to get inside the character.
Do you foresee a Hatchet sequel?
I haven't heard any word of a sequel to "Hatchet". I think any studio who would turn down a chance to make this movie into a franchise is F'n stupid! If there is a sequel, I would love to be part of the "Hatchet" experience again, but nothing's set in stone.
Tell us a bit about Adam’s next film “Spiral” that you’re also involved with.
"Spiral" is a drama with a surprise ending. It's very different from "Hatchet". I think horror fans who want to follow Adam's work might be disappointed with "Spiral". It's not geared toward the horror genre at all. There are a few scary elements put in by Adam, but other than that it's a straight drama. It's an amazing looking movie, and the story's great. I think it's a good showpiece for Adam it shows he can do more than just genre movies.
This will be your second time working with him -- do you work comfortably with each other? How did your relationship come about?
Adam and I had been acquaintances for about two years before "Hatchet". He called me out of the blue one day and asked me if I would be interested in modeling a test SFX makeup. At that point, I didn't even know he was a filmmaker, I just thought he was the DJ upstairs at the Rainbow on Sunset. He said he needed someone with a small frame to double as a boy and knew I didn't get uncomfortable under prosthetic makeup. Once the test makeup was complete, Adam just kind of decided it didn't make much sense to have to redo the entire makeup for a new actor, so he asked me if I wouldn't mind playing young Victor Crowley in the movie. After that, Adam and I worked together on a short film, which led to me doing makeup on "Hatchet" and later on "Spiral". Acting in "Spiral" was actually an accident. The girl who had the part got snowed in Salt Lake City on her way up to Portland, so Joel David Moore the co-director asked if I'd step in and do it. Adam and I have always had a great working relationship. We're both very professional on set, and hopefully we can keep working together in the future.
Is there any particular actor or director you'd like to work with as an actress or make-up artist?
I would love to work with Steven Spielberg! I feel like he is indirectly responsible for me pursuing my dream as an actress. He's such a great storyteller. Tim Burton is another that I would give my first born to work with. He's sees things in a way that doesn't seem humanly possible.
Do you plan to eventually focus on just one aspect or will you continue to do both make-up and acting?
Right now, I'm really focused on acting. Last year, I did make up for five different films and I really missed being in front of the camera. I would love to eventually pursue only one or the other, but this early in my career I’m jumping on anything that comes my way.
Tell us a few things about Rileah that most people might not expect?
I think most people see me as this "girlie girl" on the outside. Someone who likes make-up dresses cute and is obsessed with shoes. Honestly though, I'm a HUGE geek! I love "Star Wars", comics, video games, fantasy, etc. In my previous life I must have been a superhero, because I'm drawn to adventure and danger.
Have any advice for those looking to break into the business?
My only advice is this: If this is what you really want to do, than do it! Take a chance. 80 percent of the time nothing will pan out for you, but don't give up. If you work hard for your passion it will work for you. Remember: Success is not about the destination it's about the journey!
Special thanks goes out to Rileah Vanderbilt for the interview and my buddy Brian "Horror Pimp" Harris.
