April: The character was originally created as a spokesperson for the stage shows we used to do with our theatre group – Jamo Alturnative Theatre – namely for the main show, “Silver Scream”. It’s a horror-comedy-musical that is generally missed by its target audience (horror fans like us) because when we hear the word “musical” we have nightmares about Andrew Lloyd Weber and run screaming in the opposite direction. Chainsaw Sally was created to bridge the gap and let everyone know – hey, don’t be afraid, it’s not your typical musical! Anyway, the website began to grow beyond its spokesperson function and just become a fun horror site. Eventually, Chainsaw Sally gained a large following – larger that anything we foresaw. As filming for the movie version of “Silver Scream” came to a close and we searched for the next project, a movie about Chainsaw Sally seemed the natural next step.

Owen: Is she named in homage to Sally Hardesty (Marilyn Burns) from the original 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre'?

April: Yes indeed she is! And before anyone thinks, “how strange, a slasher named after a famous victim”, when I think of Sally Hardesty, I mainly think of the energy and intensity brought to the role by Marilyn. That was some full-out balls-to-the-wall acting, physically and mentally. She’s one hard-core chick. (Even if she does run pretty slow…)

Owen: Sally started as a sort of performance piece/horror movie hostess -- now she's a movie character/star.  How has she developed in your mind as you've gotten into the character more completely?

April: She has certainly gained a more serious side, now that she has a real background and continuing motivation for what she does (i.e., the killing). I do feel she is almost two different characters – the more in-depth and more vicious movie-Sally and the fun-loving, horror-movie-obsessed, twisted, smart-ass web-Sally.

Owen: Going along with that.  You've been getting phenomenal reviews for your performance as Sally in the film.  What things did you keep in mind or use to get into character for filming?

April: Being Sally is hardly even acting really. She’s my own personality with the volume way way up and no regard for the law. Actually, the hardest parts to play were when Sally was the nice, “normal” librarian.

Owen: So since it sounds like 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' is a favorite of yours, was it awe inspiring to have Leatherface himself (Gunnar Hansen) playing your father in 'Chainsaw Sally'?

April: Yes! It kicked so much ass! And, through it, director JimmyO and I have gained a good friend.

Owen: Did you gush over him as well as costar Hershell Gordon Lewis, the Godfather of Gore?

April: I don’t gush. I was born in New England and I’m pretty sure my genetic make-up doesn’t allow for something as undignified as gushing. At least on the outside. Inside however…

Owen: Do you have a favorite memory of filming?   

April: All my scenes with Ruby (played by Alec Joseph). He’s my bud and we had an awesome time together! Also, the absolute thrill of any scene where I got showered in blood. Oooo, there’s just something special about that. Especially the big bunch of it in the final scene!

Owen: April, I also have heard you are a big hit on the horror convention circuit.  What is that experience like?  Are there a lot of Sally groupies?

April: Groupies? Hmmm… I’ve never used that term for them, but there are several fans I’ve seen or emailed with often enough that they are becoming friends. The conventions themselves are fun, though a bit exhausting. Keep in mind, for the entire time I’ve been doing the circuit (only a couple of years), I was either pregnant or towing along an infant. Try to do that and meet and greet people all day! Phew! Still, we have a good time. I especially enjoy being able to meet other celebrity guests on a familiar, not-standing-in-line basis. It makes for a more intimate experience.

Owen: What can we expect from Chainsaw Sally 2? 

April: More blood, more gore, more kills, more cameos. Lots more cameos. It seems our popularity is opening lots of doors as far as getting some celebrities to come and play with us. No, I won’t name names. Not yet. Also, Sally 2 has a great storyline. The script has been recently finished and I just love it! Very well put together.

Owen: How much of an input are you giving your partner & director/screenwriter JimmyO with the script? 

April: Well, all spelling and grammar correction. (Honey, how do you spell “disembowel”?….) I swear, sometimes I feel like a walking dictionary. Maybe I was an English teacher in a former life… Seriously, I am often the sounding board for different ideas with the script. And if ever I have an idea for something, JimmyO is very open to listening to it. (For example, in Sally 1, the sparkler? That was mine! And I am sooo proud of it!) Not that JimmyO needs my help at all; he’s a very talented and creative writer.

Owen: Any other projects pending for you? 

April: Just the Sally stuff. As far as acting goes, it’s really just a hobby gone out of control for me. I love it, but first I’m a visual artist and am trying to sort through my busy schedule to get back on track in that vein.

Owen: What scares you in real life?

April: Mediocrity

Owen: Care to share a brief Chainsaw Sally/April Burril must see horror movie list?

April: Oh, my. That’s a big list. Here’s some to start: Texas Chainsaw Massacre (the original, duh!), The Exorcist, the Herschell Gordon Lewis Blood Trilogy (Blood Feast, 2000 Maniacs, Color Me Blood Red), Riki-Oh, Romero’s Living Dead series including “Land of the Dead” (it’s great!!, but you can skip “Day”), Salem’s Lot TV mini-series, Dead Alive, Return of the Living Dead, The Shining both versions, American Psycho, Psycho, Evil Dead I and II, and Zombie. That oughtta do for a start…