As you may know, February is “Women in Horror” month. To celebrate, PromoteHorror.com asked women from different professions if they would like to answer some questions about being a “Woman in Horror,” and more. One of those women, who was kind enough to answer our questions, was podcaster Brandy Clark. Lets see what she said about being a “Woman in Horror”…
-PH: When did you first become a horror fan?
-Brandy: I snuck down to watch Hellraiser when I was six and it terrified me. That was my first introduction to the horror genre. But I first became a fan when my mom let me watch Tales From the Crypt when I was seven years old. The Cryptkeeper was ghoulish, yet fun, and showed me that horror could have some fun amidst the shrieks, the screams, and being scared.
-PH: Was there a specific moment when you realized that you wanted to go from being a fan of horror to a woman who contributes to the genre, or did it just kind of happen naturally?
-Brandy: It happened naturally. I wanted to start a podcast but didn’t think I’d be a good host. I was encouraged to do so. I love talking to others and I love asking about their experiences in horror and why they love horror. Terrorific Talk, located on my YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/brandykins and on http://anchor.fm/terrorifictalk, as of this interview just had its 20th episode! If you love horror I’d love to have you on as a guest!
-PH: What does having a “Women in Horror” month mean to you?
-Brandy: Mainstream horror, and horror in general nowadays, trends toward being a pro-woman genre. It is a place where women can show their strength, what they’re made of, and that smarts and intelligence wins out!
-PH: Is there a woman in horror who you consider a role model?
-Brandy: Amy Steel, who plays the character Ginny Field in Friday the 13th: Part II. She showed strength and intelligence in defeating Jason, even as everyone around her fell. Also, she could feel sympathy for what happened to Jason as a child and still recognize that he was a monster who needed to be stopped.
-PH: How do you think the role of women in horror has changed over the years?
-Brandy: In early horror, such as White Zombie, it showcased women as having no control over their fate and portrayed them as the damsel in distress type of character. Now, women in horror have more agency over their fates. There’s less of the “damsel in distress” archetype and more of the intelligence and inner strength factor that women in horror use to defeat the villains.
-PH: What do you think the future holds for women in horror?
-Brandy: I think you will see more women horror directors. I know that Jason Blum, of Blumhouse Productions, has asked about the lack of women directors in horror and seems open to giving women directors a platform and a chance. It is the start of something amazing, I feel!
-PH: If you could serve a role in horror that you’ve never done, what would it be?
-Brandy: I want to continue to do my podcast and encourage people to share their love of horror. A love of horror is nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed of. Embrace it!
-PH: Being that this is PromoteHorror.com, please feel free to plug your current/next horror project.
-Brandy: If you want to talk with me about horror further, you can also find me on my Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/brandykins1982 and on Twitch at http://www.twitch.tv/brandykins!
We would like to thank Brandy Clark for taking the time to answer our questions, but more importantly for her contribution to horror!