SUMMER TIME: Talking with Up & Coming Horror Actress Victoria Summer by Owen Keehnen

British beauty Victoria Summer is making a splash in the US and we are thrilled to have her for an exclusive Racks and Razors interview. She's set to explode onto the horror scene. Recently Victoria has been tapped to play the lead female role of Lina Harker in producer/director Ray Haboush's ('The Last House on the Left') modernized and set in L.A. version of 'Dracula Reborn'. So vampire diehards and fright flick fans best get used to hearing her name now. This high profile gig isn't Victoria's first foray into the genre. She has always been a fan, and in 2008 she was thrilled to be cast in the futuristic docu-horror flick 'Zombie Diaries'.

The horror movie roles may be a bit new, but Victoria has been performing for years - ever since she was a child - as a dancer, singer, and actress. She's even performed for the Queen of England at her Golden Jubilee. Though very much an actress on the rise, Ms. Summer refuses to let her formidable talents be reduced to just one category. She can currently be seen singing at several venues in the Los Angeles area and has plans for a CD of her music in the near future. Without further ado let me introduce you to the charming Victoria Summer.

 

 
So Victoria, why don't you start us off with a visual and describe the room or place where you are answering these questions?

It's late at night after a busy day and I am in my office in my apartment in Los Angeles. I wish I could say I was outside by my pool and describe to you a very quaint setting - but not really! Sorry!

Have you always been a fan of horror?

Yes since childhood - early teens. My mother never let us watch scary films so it would always be at sleepovers and I remember always pushing to watch the scariest and being REALLY scared!

Tell me how your first big horror role in 2008's 'The Zombie Diaries' came about?

I had just finished doing a musical in London and it was my first audition for a feature film. I was nervous, because I had no idea what to expect... We had done on-camera training at college but I have never put it into practice... They were very nice but I really didn't expect to get the part and it was a big surprise!

What was the best part about making the film?

The final scene. I really liked being the sole survivor!

Speaking of diaries. I've also heard you are very fond of writing. What sort of things do you like to write?

As much as time allows I try and write in my journal everyday. It helps me focus and put life into perspective at times. It's my time alone and no one has ever read it but me! Oh and of course I write songs. I don't specifically sit down to write a song though... they just come when they come and I make sure to write down my ideas then and there.

I am very anxious to talk to you about your upcoming role as Mina Harker in 'Dracula Reborn' by producer/director Ray Haboush ('Last House on the Left'). I've heard the story is going to be modernized and set in LA. Can you give me any more details about the project?

Well firstly my character, although 'Mina' in the classic is referred to in a more up-to-date manner as 'Lina'. It is set in modern day LA. We filmed in Malibu, Downtown and on a stage set-up in Van Nuys. Let's just say the Vampire wears Armani, talks on a cell phone and gets driven around in a black Mercedes!

What about LA do you think would attract a vampire of Dracula's status?

Downtown LA blood is pretty simple to get a hold of if required in moderately large quantity and Malibu is a great place to set up house!

What's the best part about playing Mina?

There is a great scene when I start to turn and the only blood I can find at a push is the family dog... I couldn't wait to do that scene.

So speaking of vampires in Hollywood...if you could sink fangs into anyone in that town and make them your immortal lover who would the lucky person be?

Definitely Orlando Bloom and Brad Pitt (neck and neck)

And of course I must hear about the experience of performing for the Queen of England. You're the first person (I think) who has had that distinction.

I was in my last year of college and a number of us from my year were requested to perform at the Queen's Golden Jubilee. It was an amazing experience to see the crowds of people waving flags... I will never forget it!

Do you have any other upcoming projects you would like the racksandrazors.com readers to know about?

It is time for me to record some of my music now so that is my next step...

Zombies, werewolves, vampires, witches, creatures, aliens, psychos --- what does it for you horrorwise Victoria and why?

VAMPIRE for sure. Sensual and forbidden. Every girl wants what she shouldn\rquote t have sometimes...

What was the first movie you saw that scared the shit out of you?

'IT' ... and shortly after 'Silence of the Lambs'

Do you have a horror dream role?

I always wanted Jodie Foster's role in 'Silence of the Lambs' actually. Something similar to that...

Okay, we're pulling the car into the Victoria Summer Drive In. What three horror flicks are on the triple bill for tonight and what goodies are they going to be serving up at the concession stand?

Food first... I LOVE dark chocolate and popcorn. And I would have to say 'IT', 'Silence of the Lambs' and 'Jaws'!

What is the best Halloween costume you ever had?

We don't celebrate it too much in England! I used to go trick or treating in my school uniform!

Do you have any collections, obsessions, or true loves?\par \b\par Obsessively tidy... it's soooo boring!!

What scares you in real life?

BTW... Since meeting Ray, I wanted to watch 'Last House on the Left' which I had missed out on watching. I was soooo scared I had to keep making lots of cups of tea in the kitchen. But to answer your question, in real life, not much... I'm a tough chick mainly but I have my moments... I worry for the safety and well being of my mother and father mostly. My family are very important to me!