In a new interview on Blazing Minds, I got a chance to ask upcoming award-winning actress August Kyss a few questions about her experiences working with some of horror’s original Scream Queens, and her career in film and TV so far.

Q. Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and how you got into filmmaking?

A. Thank you kindly for this interview opportunity. I grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. My love for the film art form was discovered early, while finding comfort through pop culture and bonding with my
father over our mutual love of horror movies. It provided the perfect escape.

The best memories for me were in the eighties. The happiest times of my young life were playing with neighbours, but especially watching the adults in movies do cool eighties things. Linnea Quigley, Return of The Living Dead (1985), was my idol. I experimented with modelling and acting at the age of sixteen, but I quit it all after an unpleasant event on set in 2000.

While I still watched and loved horror movies after that, it wasn’t until COVID-19 that I picked up filmmaking again – but this time I was braver and went full steam ahead!

Q. One of your recent leading roles was in Joe Hollow’s Flesh of the Unforgiven. Can you tell us a little bit about the film and your character?

A. The film follows Jack (Joe Hollow, The Family (2011)) as a writer experiencing writer’s block with deadlines that can’t be extended. Jack is not only suffering from writer’s block but also betrayal as his wife, Sienna (Debbie Rochon, Tromeo and Juliet (1996)), is cheating on him. Jack receives a videotape for inspiration from his publisher. The tape is full of death scenes. I was blessed to play Vivenne in the film, who is a grieving mother living with the consequences of her mistakes. I am proud to have won three awards for Best Supporting Actress for the part, including Horror Nation 2024 Best Supporting Actress.

Q. The tone of Flesh of the Unforgiven is a lot darker compared to some of your other horror projects. Did you challenge change the way in which you prepared for this film?

A. Honestly, I just tapped into my own personal struggles when gauging the character Sienna and moving into her. It was intense but well worth it.

Q. In the film, you star opposite Scream Queen Debbie Rochon, best known for Troma’s Tromeo and Juliet, and more recently, the expendables of horror film Death House (2017). What was it like working alongside a veteran of the genre?

A. Debbie is one of the most professional people I have ever worked with. Always on time. Knew her lines. No Prima donna attitude. An absolute dream of an actress. It’s no wonder she has such a large fan base and is an Icon.

Q. You also host a TV series on Scream TV called Dark Rewind. How did that role come about?

A. I had been with the company Scream TV during the development stages, and I am the voice on the monthly trailers for the channel. I pitched my idea of an original content show showcasing beloved eighties horror flicks with an eighties-style hostess. A dash of Rhonda Shear from Up All Night (1989 – 1998) and a sprinkle of Cassandra Peterson as Elvira for inspiration!

Q. How much input do you have for the show with both the structure and what films are chosen?

A. I wrote all but two episodes and was in charge of getting guests such as Brinke Stevens (Slumber Party Massacre (1982)) and director Jim Wynorski (Chopping Mall (1986)), for the show. The film selection was chosen by the creative department through specific distribution deals.

Q. The show has proven popular amongst horror fans. What do you think makes the show so appealing?

A. Anyone who knows me knows I am passionate about anything eighties-related. My whole August Kyss persona revolves around it. When I created the show, I did it with much love and passion, as I do with anything I care deeply about. I think the fans can see the difference when it is personal.

Q. In a change of tone, you also star in the indie drama A Farewell To Youth alongside Matty Cardarople and Larry Thomas. What attracted you to the film and your character Blythe?

A. I was invited to watch Adam Jack’s film “The Jackknife” (2024) at the TIFF building the previous year, and I was determined to work with him. The film was super impressive, and I managed to land a part in his next film. I played Blythe, a widowed comedy club owner looking for her next star.

Q. Do you think there are any differences working on an indie drama, compared to working on an indie horror film?

A. Not really. Maybe less gory makeup in drama?

Q. You star in two upcoming comedies. High Voltage Horror alongside Mitch Marrkowit and the action-comedy Jesus Cop with Bam Margera & another Scream Queen Lynn Lowry. Can you tell us a little bit about these two films?

A. Hamilton/Niagara-based Rabidog Films and The Butcher Shop Effects Studio, celebrated for their two-decade-long collaboration, joined forces to deliver High Voltage Horror, which is a blend of dark humour, practical effects, and puppetry. The film is about a haunted jailhouse with three wacky sergeants.

Jesus Cop, directed by Rob Gabriel (Grammy-nominated drummer from Green Jelly), is about a man who learns that immortality comes with severe consequences. He is led on a trail of hitmen-turned-serial killers. A girl named Mary assists him in recovering his lost memory.

Q. What was it like working on a comedy with such a talented cast, and was it difficult not trying to laugh during takes?

A. It was, but sometimes that was the best part! High Voltage Horror may have been one of the funniest sets I have ever been on. Jesus Cop was fantastic as well, but my role was more serious in that film, so there really was no laughing. Rob Gabriel and I are planning to collaborate on something a bit more lighthearted in the near future.

Q. What have been some of your highlights whilst making these films, and have you had to overcome any obstacles along the way?

A. Working with Debbie Rochon was a great experience for me, being a Canadian as well, our struggles are unique. It is very difficult to get any recognition in Canada in the horror genre as a woman. Meeting Debbie has inspired me to do new things, which I will reveal down the road. Interviewing my favourite actress, Karen Fields from Sleepaway Camp (1983), for Dark Rewind was surreal. I couldn’t believe it, my inner child was shouting with glee!

There are always obstacles. Auditions that could have went better or that you didn’t book. Networking that leads to dead ends and so on. My advice to all that is TAKE A BREAK. Acting is awesome, but it isn’t everything. Sometimes you need a good break to be able to get that spark back. This industry can really beat you down at times, so you need to learn to step back and accept things you can’t change, because at the end of the day, if it stops becoming enjoyable, it shows.

Q. Whilst you may be relatively new to the horror film scene, you have already built up an impressive resume of cult horror titles and set yourself up as a future Scream Queen. Whilst you have crossed genres, do you enjoy doing horror, or are there other genres which you would like to explore more?

A. Yes – I love horror, it’s my baby … but I would love to do more dramatic work as well as comedy.

Q. Do you have any other projects you are working on?

A. I do! I am currently in the early phases of writing and producing a documentary and a television series, but can not go into any further details at this time.

Q. If someone was looking to get into acting themselves, what advice would you give them?

A. Be prepared to spend a lot of money. Everything is expensive for actors. Lessons, headshots, even things like IMDB and Actors Access.

B. Do not be afraid to take breaks. In fact, it is a must.

C. Educate yourself in different films and shows, and genres.

D. Become social media savvy. Post about acting, engage with other filmmakers and actors.

E. Get a job that allows you to be your own boss or take time off when you get a gig. Availability is important as an actor.

Philip Rogers

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!