Danielle Harris - Exclusive

Halloween actress Danielle Harris makes her directorial debut in the upcoming horror anthology, Prank.

Staci Layne Wilson / Horror.com: How did you meet [Prank producers] Tony Masi and Thommy Hutson? What do you remember about them, first impression-wise?

Danielle Harris: I met Tony through the "Halloween" circuit. I Just remember always feeling like he was different than most "fan boys" and when it came time to put some ideas into action I knew he would make it happen! I've always been on the other side of the camera, and Tonys  knowledge of the Horror industry as well as passion for the genre was something that always drew me to him. I met Thommy through Tony and liked him at "Hello". He had written Pranks "Madison" with Tony and was sold on me directing about 5 minutes into our first meeting. The amount of trust they both have in me is exceptional. It makes me want to be that much better of a director!

Staci: Was it easy to make the decision to direct Madison?

Danielle: Absolutely. It is a character driven piece with a female lead and it is a Horror/Thriller. What could be better? I could have done it with my eyes closed. I didn't know that before we started shooting, but don't tell Tony and Thommy that! It really came naturally. I had no idea how much film making info I've subconsciously retained over the last 25 years.

Staci: What was it about the story that made you excited?…what scared you about it?

Danielle: Everything about it scared me and that was exactly why I wanted to do it. I knew that all of my fans were going to see it because they all want to know what kind of stories I like to tell, so I knew it had to be great.

Staci: How did you choose your actors?

Danielle: I cast all of my friends. They are all amazing actors and I feel like when you're in a position to hire your friends, why wouldn't you? I knew that they would all be awesome to work with and would do an amazing job too. They are all successful working actors who busted their butt's for me because they wanted to be a part of my first directing gig. I loved every minute of it. It made me feel very safe and honored at the same time:)

Staci: What do you feel that director / actors bring to the table that a full-on director cannot?

Danielle: The cast as well as some of the crew could not believe how much time I would take working with the actors on performance. I allowed them the freedom to play and I really wanted to give them an experience of a lifetime. I rarely have directors on sets willing to get down and dirty with me as an actor. I always wanted a director to direct the hell out of me and challenge me to go to places that weren't "safe". I will ALWAYS do that for my actors as well as get the coverage we need to make the day on time!

Staci: What are the downsides of an actor taking up directing?

Danielle: Realizing that you're the kind of actor that can't be in their own films. I gave myself a very small part in "Madison" and I forgot that I had to bring wardrobe for myself on the day we were filming my scene because I was so involved in every other aspect of the days' work!

Staci: What surprised you most about directing horror and suspense, as opposed to being the one portraying it?

Danielle: It's the exact same except I never want to go to my trailed and take a power nap in between set up's! As a director my mind would never stop working.

Staci: Tell me about the emotional aspects of the story.

Danielle: Madison's journey is relateable on almost every level. The story is told through her eyes as her night spirals downward and we become consumed with her emotional journey. There is anger, pain, jealousy, hurt, despair, frustration, confusion, and most/best of all fear. Fear of what has happened to the love of her life as well as fear for her own life.

Staci: It’s been said that comedy and horror – even though they’re the cheapest movies to make – are actually the most difficult to get right, mainly because timing is so crucial. Would you agree with that?

Danielle: It's all about timing. I agree that comedy and horror are the cheapest to make, but there is a difference between making a cheap movie and making a movie for cheap that looks, acts and feels like anything but cheap! It's a collaboration. EVERYONE's timing has to be great. The writing, acting, editing, and music all have to be great for any movie to work essentially.

Staci: Does your passion now lie in directing – will you be seeking more projects?

Danielle: I absolutely love directing, but my passion is still acting. I want to be able to do both, just not at the same time. I'm also looking forward to producing.

Staci: What kind of acting role have you not yet done, but would like to try?

Danielle: I want my pal Quentin Tarantino to write and direct me in a film. He writes the most amazing roles for women. That's my dream role for today. Ask me tomorrow and you might get a different answer! That's the great thing about being in this town, you can do anything you really set your mind to. The hardest part is actually jumping.

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·         jump over here to read our exclusive interview with Thommy Hutson and Anthony Masi

·         Visit the official PrankMovie.com website here