ALBINO FARM-GIRL Talking With Bianca Barnett by Owen Keehnen

Bianca Barnett was born on Hallowe’en Eve, so it comes as no surprise that she has always been a fan of horror. Her career as a horror actress really took off when she met Ramzi Abed who promptly cast her in as a corpse in his Black Dahlia feature ‘The Devil’s Muse in 2007. Then, last year she also appeared as the drug-addicted Marlena in Abed’s feature ‘In a Spiral State’ with Lizzy Strain, Adam Meir, and Juliana Fine. In the two years in between the lovely Ms. Barnett kept very busy working on a number of interesting projects - most notably probably being her role in ‘Albino Farm’ where she donned prosthetics for her role as ‘Pig Bitch’ in which she made a big impression as a hay hook wielding genetic mutation ingenue (with mega prosthetics). Intense doesn't really even seem to do the role justice. It's a great showcase and it's about damn time. The Los Angeles based actress harbors a deep love of horror that goes wayyy back and is gearing her career in that direction. She has already appeared in a slew of scare flicks such as 'The Covenant: Brotherhood of Evil', 'Fear Chamber', two films for Ramzi Abed - 'The Black Dahlia Movie' (with the Strain girls) and his newest 'A Spiral State', 'Monster Moutain', 'Zombie Counterstrike', 'Doomsday Clock', etc. Ms. Barnett is also an avid silent movie fan, a video vamp, a pinup girl, and a horror convention guest. Bianca is also the former hostess Mistress Bianca of 'Bianca's Boudoir' which was a sexy saucy site dedicated to all sorts of decadence in the roaring 20s. To top it all off Bianca Barnett was also Scream Queen of the Month for October and most importantly (for us anyway) she's also the Racks and Razors interview du jour.

(To keep up with this busy actress/model be sure to check out www.biancabarnett.com .)

 
So Bianca, let's start with a visual. Can you describe the room where you are answering these questions?

I'm actually at IMP FX today, which is the special fx company that did the makeup and props for the upcoming horror flick, Albino Farm. Lots of cool stuff around- a giant pumpkin with warts and a curved stem, skeletons, anatomical posters, a monkey holding a magic 8 ball, an iron owl votive holder, an old bookcase, genuine spider webs, vintage film reels and Lon Chaney posters.

First off, I know you are a dedicated horror movie fan as well as actress. When you were growing up were there are specific events that sort of sealed the deal in your love of horror?

When I was in elementary school, my gym teacher wanted us to reenact Thriller for a school play. My mom helped out by burying some of my clothes in the backyard for a few days. I remember during rehearsal that my teacher praised the way I "crawled out of my tomb"... Later in life, my best friend and I probably rented every horror movie that Blockbuster Video had! The first movie I ever rented was The Lost Boys, to my dear mother's chagrin. I'd also sneak downstairs after my family was asleep to watch horror movies like The Howling and Fright Night. When I was about eleven, my dad took me to visit his friend, Bob Burns, who has one of the largest horror and sci-fi prop collections in the world. I had the chance to see the werewolf from An American Werewolf in London, Lily Munster's gown, puppets from Alien, Linda Blair's head and so much more... it made such a dramatic impact on me!

So tell me a bit about your breakthrough role in Ramzi Abed's horror film 'The Devil's Muse'. How did that role come about and how do you think it changed the direction in your career?

Well, honestly, it didn’t just change the direction of my career, but the direction of my life. I met and fell in love with Jason Barnett, who has helped me more than anyone I have known. He gave me the courage to love myself enough to take my life back. As for the film, I am barely in it, but I did get to play a corpse, which was relaxing.

I want to chat a bit about 'Albino Farm' to start. In the film you play a cave-dwelling mutant. First off what sort of prosthetics and make-up did that entail?

My makeup took a minimum of three hours to apply each day I performed. I had limited vision, couldn't breathe through my nose and had false teeth in. The entire head piece weighed close to five pounds, which doesn't sound heavy, but when it's on your head for twelve or more hours, you start to cringe. We shot out in the Missouri woods and one night I had two live spiders crawling on my head between shots.. I'm so glad I did it, though, and I'd come back for the sequel in a heartbeat! I love to suffer for my art... ha ha!

Now is it harder or easier for you to act with such extensive "gear"?

It definitely helped me become the character! But honestly, I'm a shrill screamer and a very intense person, so being psychotic tends to come naturally for me. Can you give a teaser for 'Albino Farm' that will make it irresistable for movie fans? Let's see, I mutilate and maim with a rusty hay hook... I screech like a wild banshee, I have a topless scene, do all my own stunts and my name is Pig Bitch! What more can you ask for?!

Tell me about the new picture you are working on with J.L. Barnett.

It’s still in development as he is working on FX for big, Hollywood movies. I am sure we’ll work together again soon, though! Maybe when things slow down for us both, or when our professional schedules can synchronize.

I also know you have made two films for horror director Ramzi Abed - 'The Black Dahlia', and now as Marlena in 'A Spiral State'. 'Dahlia' has such a fantastic cast with Lizzy and Julie Strain, Gidget Gein, Lenora Claire, Trent Haaga, Count Smokula, Masuimi Max, Llyod Kaufman etc. With a group like that are there any tales from the set you have to share?

Ramzi is a fellow Dallas native, but we didn't meet until we were both living in Los Angeles. He has this amazing way of bringing the most interesting characters together for his vision. Everyone on the Dahlia set was so dedicated and they all brought a unique chemistry to the film. And to top it off, I met the love of my life on set, so it will always have a special place in my little, black heart.

So how do you fit in with all the 'Dahlia' goings on in the movie?

What's funny is that I'm actually in three separate scenes and wearing a different wig each time. I play an aspiring actress, Rose, and had the chance to ad lib lines for the first time ever. The last scene I shot as the mutilated, naked corpse, will always be my favorite because I met someone very special quite unexpectedly that day.

I see you also were interviewed for the women in horror project 'Welcome to my Darkside!'  What was the primary message that you think you wanted to convey?

I wanted people to know that I am down to earth, and even though I love horror, I am not evil or a devil worshipper. Seriously, I am not sure what people think of me. I seem to always get “Wow, you’re so nice”, so it makes me wonder- do I look really mean in my photos? Humor is very important to me and I think that some people miss that when they are reading about me. So much of what I say and do is tongue-in-cheek… I can be very sarcastic and dry, as well as quite silly.

Somewhat going along with that --- if a young woman were to come up to you and ask for advice about breaking into the indie horror business, what advice would you give her?

I have been getting a lot of emails lately from people who want advice on getting into films. I recommend learning the craft (theater… or maybe some witchcraft!) which is something I am still doing. For me, I started out as a model and began promoting myself with a website and online social networks. I started doing background acting (extra work) which was very educational. I learned how television and film production works- where performers are placed, costumes, and stand-ins. I learned about the different unions and auditions that other actors were going on. I also learned about craft service and the pecking order. Oh yes, there is a pecking order- I always considered non-union background work the “janitor” level of acting because you don’t get treated very well most of the time. It really was a great and humbling experience.

Tell me about your work as Marlena in 'A Spiral State'.

This film is a mystery to everyone except Ramzi, but I trust his vision! Marlena is somewhat of a manipulative woman who is wrapped up in a dark world of drugs and shady characters. She progresses into her own downward spiral which leads to her eventual undoing. I can relate to her because I've been in a similar situation earlier in my life.

You've had some other cool roles in horror flicks as well - I love looking at your characters Ghost Woman (FEAR CHAMBER), Sexy Zombie Bianca (ZOMBIE COUNTERSTRIKE), Tree Demon (THE COVENANT: BROTHERHOOD OF EVIL) -- this all prompts the question...what is the craziest thing you have ever had to do or simulate in any of your horror film roles?

Those were all wild roles and some might end up on the cutting room floor, but nothing can compare to my big scene and breakout role in Albino Farm! I wish I could tell you more, but it's definitely one of the strangest and creepiest things I've ever done. Trust me, that is a lot, especially coming from a wild child like me!

Do you have any other upcoming projects you want the racksandrazors readers to know about?

I just signed on to have a cameo in a film called “The Toy Box” this year. I have already been auditioning a lot this year and have been sent several scripts. I’m hoping this will be my busiest year yet! I can’t believe how many film roles I’ve been offered this year- it’s so humbling. Sometimes I want to cry because people are so kind, see my potential, and believe in my dream of becoming an actress. I never had that kind of support before, so it has truly been amazing for me. I hope it never ends!

Bianca you also have a huge following from your groundbreaking but no-more website Bianca's Boudoir which was all about decadence in the the Roaring 20s. What three items would you put in a Bianca's Boudoir timecapsule as a fitting homage to the site?

That was a very free time in my life where I learned to embrace my sensuality and body and live a rock n' roll lifestyle. It was also entwined in a dark and destructive relationship that I would prefer to move on from as a stronger and more independent person. I did learn how to create and promote my own website, though, and there were some fantastic images that emerged from the massive chaos.

And you also love silent films. Where do you think your connection to the 20s comes from ... any thoughts on reincarnation and if that plays a role?

My love for silent films started early in life when I would frequent the library and read about movie stars from that golden era. I just love the aesthetic of silent films and the drama, tragedy and self-destruction that plagued the stars of the time. It was such a new medium then and there was the noticeable transition from theater to film. The fact that you can feel the intensity and emotion from the actors without them saying a word really reflects their talent. As for reincarnation, everyone wants to believe that they were someone brilliant, famous and mesmerizing in another life! One interesting thing, Lon Chaney, the man of a thousand faces, died on my birthday, August 26th.

I know you also studied directing in school. Do you hope one day to move behind the camera and if so have you given thought to any sort of projects you would like to do?

I get lots of visual ideas for what I would like to do in a film, but at this moment I'm more interested in being in front of the camera. When I was younger, I used to direct home movies with my sisters and show them to my dad to make him laugh. I was obsessed with "movie magic" and special effects and read every book I could find to learn more about the illusions of film.

Plus, you're Scream Queen of the Month for October 2007. What perks has the title brought you?

It's brought great traffic to my new website and it's just a great honor to be acknowledged in this field that I have loved for so long. I am hoping there will be so much more to come!

Okay, we're pulling the car into the Bianca Barnett Drive In. A. What three horror films are on the triple bill for tonight?

Let's start with a cool, avant-garde silent, The Cat and the Canary. Next up, the scariest movie ever made, The Shining. I still get freaked out when I watch it, it's that good! Finally, Shadow of the Vampire, since it was such an original idea and it's set in the 1920s. I want to star in a film based in the Roarin' Twenties!

B. What goodies are they doing to be serving up at the concession stand?

Jars of creamy peanut butter with Hershey chocolate bars for dipping. Arby's sandwiches and curly fries with horsey sauce. Finished of with soft serve frozen yogurt with crumbled Oreos.

C. What will not be tolerated on the premisis?

No smoking, please, and only I can talk and give my opinion (which is always right) throughout the movies. Also, please bring your dogs, I love them all and I get bored sitting still too long and need a distraction.

Any ideas on what you're dressing up for this Halloween and what has been your most successful costume in the past?

The past two years I've been working on films and music videos every Hallowe'en, but one day I will dress up again! I love my job because I get to play someTHING different and macabre all the time. It's like everyday is Hallowe'en! I miss trick or treating so much though...

Any other upcoming projects or pursuits you would care to mention?

I recently did a video for a So-Cal rockabilly band called The Rocketz in which I play a sadistic, sex-kitten burlesque vamp. You can view the video for the song, KILLING, on my website, http://www.biancabarnett.com . I update it all the time with new pictures and videos, so please stop by often!

What scares you in real life?

Failing!! So, please help a gal out and visit my website and hire me... Go to http://www.biancabarnett.com and get hooked, dammit! GRRRR!