Taking Five with Zoe Daelman Chlanda by Owen Keehnen

The lovely and very talented Zoe Daelman Chlanda is a native New Yorker. She studied theater and dance in school and since then has been making a serious impact on the indie horror scene as well. Her first starring role was as the very twisted Dolores Finley in actor/writer/producer/director Alan Rowe Kelly's 2002 cult favorite I'll Bury You Tomorrow. For her role Zoe was nominated for Best Actress at The Firelights Shocks Film Festival. Ms. Chlanda and Kelly certainly hit it off - since then Zoe has appeared with Kelly in several productions including Psycho Street (a chapter flick with a cast that includes Tiffany Shepis, Joe Zaso, Susan Adriensen, and Raine Brown), The Blood Shed, Experiment 7, Vindication (nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the 2009 Dark Carnival Film Fest), and Pink Eye. There is even talk of a horror-star studded Don't Look In The Basement remake, but the project is currently on hold. In the meantime Zoe has also recently completed work on Anthony G. Sumner's short By Her Hand She Draws You Down as well as the currently online film Jeremy Kipp's Contact (see below for details). As if her acting career weren't keeping her busy enough, she even has a Pilates studio, Absolute Brooklyn Pilates in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn.

For up to the minute news about Zoe and her doings check out her website at www.zoedchlanda.com .

Recently I had the chance to take a few minutes and catch up with Ms. Chlanda who was gracious enough to take time from her busy schedule for this exclusive Racks and Razors interview.


 
Zoe, why don't you start us off with a visual and describe the place where you are answered these questions?

I'm at my dining room table. I know I shouldn't use it as an office but I typically end up doing so. I have a proper desk in my apartment, but it rarely gets used. It's a beautiful morning here in NYC and I just got back from a long walk with my two dogs - Billy & Ozzy. I fed them, made myself a smoothie and here I am - happy to be doing this interview. Life is good.

I heard you are involved in the possible upcoming remake of 'Don't Look in The Basement' alongside Debbie Rochon, Caroline Williams, Raine Brown, Jeff Dylan Graham, etc. So if we did this movie with you as the subject, what room wouldn't we look in at your house and what wouldn't you want us to find there?

My bedroom. It's my private space, my sanctuary. Where I go to refuel/recharge. Where I dream. It's the yummiest place. I wouldn't want you to go through my bedside drawers.

Zoe tell about your ongoing professional relationship with actor/director/producer/writer Alan Rowe Kelly. You two have made so many movies together ('I'll Bury You Tomorrow', ''The Blood Shed', 'Experiment 7', etc.). What makes the two of you such an ideal match?

Our love for the movies and one another. We get along personally and professionally. Alan is very dear to me, I'm thrilled whenever he calls, whether it's to work or to hang out. We inspire one another in life and art. Alan and I both share a strong work ethic and enjoy being creative. It's a great foundation for a working relationship.

I also want to hear about the episode you are in 'Hypocondriac', in the upcoming chapter horror movie 'Psycho Street'.

I play Priscilla Grace. A southern bell who loves attention. She grew up wealthy, from a big family that everyone in town knows. Perhaps she won a couple beauty pageants in her teens and early 20's. I'm sure she's a devout Christian - doing exactly what she pleases, using confession as a way of wiping the slate clean so she can start the hypocrisy fresh on Monday morning.

Do you have any other upcoming projects you're especially proud of that you want the racksandrazors readers to know about?

I have something that everyone can check out online. A film called Contact, written and directed by Jeremiah Kipp. Domonick Sivilli shot it and it stars myself and Robb Leigh Davis. I'm very proud of the work everyone did on this film. I love the way it came out. I hope everyone who reads this checks it out. www.contact.shroggle.com .

From an actor's point of view what has been your most challenging role to date and what about that part made it the most difficult for you?

Every role is challenging. I want to continue working and growing as an actor. My work will never be done, it will never not challenge me. This is why, in my opinion, acting is the greatest job in the world. It's always changing. It's always an adventure. That being said, when I think back about the making of 'I'll Bury You Tomorrow' I remember how grueling the schedule was and how emotionally draining it was to play Dolores. This was the first feature for a lot of the people working on that project and it took a tremendous effort to get it done.

Vampires, werewolves, zombies, witches, creatures, aliens, telemarketers...what does it for you horrorwise Zoe and why.

I like vampires and werewolves, I find them scary and sexy. Telemarketers I'd like to take an axe to.

What was the first movie to scare the shit out of you?

'The Omen' (original). I was very young and with a babysitter (my parents would have never allowed me to see it). From then on I needed a night light. Still do. I'm easy to scare - I hate being scared! I like being scary. For me, scared = no fun. Being scary = lots of fun!

Okay, we're pulling into the Zoe Daelman Chlanda 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?

Tonight lets watch 'Jaws', 'The Shining', and Alan Rowe Kelly's movie - 'A Far Cry From Home'. Let's eat peanut butter & chocolate in all its glorious forms.

What is your dream (or nightmare) horror movie role?

My dream role is always my next gig. The business of acting can be a nightmare, but the acting itself is divine. I do like being the killer though.

What's the best Halloween costume you ever had?

I was a jockey that fell off her horse and hadn't yet realized she was dead. I'll include some pics - I did my own makeup. I was very proud of myself that year.

What scares you in real life?

Not living life honestly and to the fullest. Settling. Living with fear. Living without love. Not being present.

Thanks so much Zoe, and all the best to you in both life and career.