In a new interview on Blazing Minds, I got a chance to ask actor Dean Kilbey a few questions ahead of FrightFest where he will be appearing in an impressive 3 feature films including; Members Club, Derelict and Charlotte.
Q. You are in an impressive 3 films which will be premiering at FrightFest 2024. Members Club, Derelict and Charlotte. Can you tell me a little bit about each film and what we can expect?
A. Yes three. It’s a bit greedy!!
I’m very lucky that they are all very strong films.
Members Club is a comedy-horror about a group of ageing strippers who get mixed up with a plot to bring back an 16th-century witch back from the dead! Lots of laughs Blood gore oh and a bit of stripping!
Derelict is a revenge thriller about Abigail who Loses her father in a horrific attack and while trying to deal with the grief also sets about how to avenge her father. A heart-wrenching story about loss told in a very gritty way with the most incredible visuals.
Charlotte is a very dark drama About a young girl from an abusive family unit who meets an older guy who offers to help. Expect to be shocked and surprised in this very clever story.
Q. You are teaming up once again with Manfish writer-director Marc Coleman for the horror comedy Members Club. Following the sold-out screening on 24th August, an additional screening has subsequently been added for Monday 26th. Were you surprised at the film’s popularity at the festival?
A. I was totally surprised we sold out the main screen 800 tickets in 30 mins!! Especially as there is no trailer yet. I think it goes to show how much faith people have in Marc. Manfish was a massive hit and people obviously want to see what else this mad genius has been cooking up!
Q. Comedy horrors are always difficult to get the right balance, but as Manfish proved if you get the right elements, it works really well. What attracted you Members Club and why do you think people are going to enjoy the film?
A. Basically working for Marc and a lot of the Manfish team again was a dream come true. I genuinely love these people. Marc trusted me with the lead in Manfish, and being offered the lead again I was never going to say no. In fact, I said yes before I’d even read the script as I just knew it would be funny and mad; and I wasn’t wrong. This time it’s bigger and bloodier and just as funny. Plus he put together an incredible cast of well-known British actors and I feel very lucky.
Q. Whilst things have been kept very much under wraps, Mind Magic Studios, who done the creature effects for Manfish have returned for the Members Club. Can we expect something special again with the effects?
A. Steve Braund who created the Manfish mask has also made the Witch mask and as usual it’s fantastic. Practical special effects were made by James walker who again worked on Manfish.
Q. In a change of tone you were also involved in the hard-hitting revenge thriller Derelict. How did you get involved in the film and what attracted you to the script.
A. Simple answer, Jonathan Zaurin. The writer director offered me the part. We had met at a film festival where we both had films screening, got chatting and got on well. I think it’s important to like the people you are working with, so hopefully he liked me! His script gripped me from the start, a fully rounded story with great characters. Definitely not the typical revenge movie. This has heart, its full of gritty dialogue and a female lead too.
When I first saw it on the scene I was blown away. I knew the story, it’s tough, dark, it’s horrible to watch in places. But to see how beautiful it was shot in colour and black and white with some of the best cinematography I’ve seen was truly breathtaking. It’s a serious piece of work, with great performances from the whole cast lead by the brilliant Suzanne Fulton.
Q. What makes Derelict stand out as something different in the horror genre?
A. When people think horror. They may expect heads coming off, jump scares, gore, etc. Derelict is horrific in the hard-hitting realistic way the characters do the horrible things they do. It’s disturbing bleak and very powerful.
Q. Charlote is not the generic type of horror movie you would expect to see at FrightFest but has been listed continuously as must-see films to watch. What is it about Charlote do you think makes it so appealing.
A. Again as with Derelict, Charlotte deals with horror in real life. Believable characters in horrific situations. Monsters don’t have to have sharp teeth and claws ripping at your chest to be scary. Myself, Georgia Conlan and Martin Hardwick the Director/writers are pinching ourselves about the reviews that have been coming in for the film. The BFI have praised the writing and performances which feels incredible. I knew this was something special and its great others agree. We are very excited to see how audiences will react to the screening.
Q. The film deals with a complex relationship which continues to ask the audience questions regarding the motives of your character. How difficult was it to build your character and what were your inspirations?
A. Honestly, it was all in the writing. I just try to act as natural and as honest as I can to bring Roy’s character to life. I don’t tend to have any inspirations as I don’t want it to be a copy of someone else’s work. I just go off my own instincts and take direction to fine tune it.
Q. Did you experience any issues during any of the filming?
A. During Charlotte while in an isolated cottage in the Yorkshire dales we had someone knock on our door very late at night asking “is Mrs Smith here’…. That freaked us out we were miles from anywhere. We thought we were going to get robbed!
Q. What were some of your favourite moments during the filming?
A. Too many really. In Members club dancing and stripping on stage with Perry Benson, Mark Monero and David Alexander was a fun day. Should be hilarious to watch!
Q. What do you hope people will take away from the films?
A. Regardless of the genre for me It’s all about entertainment. I love watching films and love acting in them, so I just want people to enjoy watching them for what they are. Some people love to be scared some just want escapism and a good laugh and others want a film to make them think. I want people to say, “That was a good film” and tell their friends.
Q. Are there any particular scenes you are looking forward to seeing at FrightFest on the big screen?
A. There are some brutal scenes in Derelict that I’m interested to see mainly for the audience reaction. Charlotte is hard to talk about with giving too much away. Members club has many hilarious scenes in but the opening dance is great.
Q. Do you have any other projects which you are working on?
A. Yes, I have 3 feature films in post-production creature feature The Shug, Scottish set horror The Crucifix and drama Finding My Voice. Plus, short horror mockumentary Dance with the Devil.
I’m also currently in talks about the lead role in a horror feature for 2025 and have an appearance in ITV drama coming end of 2024.
Q. If someone is looking to get into acting, what advice would you give them?
A. Go for it! what’s stopping you? I held down a fulltime job for many, many years to keep my dream alive. Go online and search ‘How to be an actor’, take acting classes join a casting site. I didn’t start till I was 33. it’s never too late. Be prepared to Work hard take loads of rejection be patient and be nice!
You can find out more about FrightFest here
You can follow Dean Kilbey on the following social media Facebook – Instagram – X
Published in various websites, Philip is a reviewer who is best known for his interviews and media coverage of independent projects including; films, books, theatre and live events. Always on the lookout for something different to cover!
