*Ashton Leigh is… Well, I can’t say she’s an up-and-coming actress because, honestly, she’s achieved quite the impressive resume in just three short years. Ashton had a supporting role in Swamp Shark, SyFy’s second highest rated film of the year, and will appear in The Ghost Experiment 3D, the next film by Blair Witch Project’s Kevin J. Foxe. Judging from the answers and honesty she provided, I would say that Ashton’s interview is probably the funniest I’ve had so far. She’s got the looks, the intelligence, the talent, the love of horror, and a sense of humor. And we share a birthday, June 1st. Maybe I can be your “Andy!” Want to know what I mean about being “Andy”? Read the rest of my interview with Ashton Leigh to find out all about her life, career, and plans for this Halloween!
To start things off, tell readers a little about yourself.
A: My name is Ashton Leigh and I am an aspiring actress from New Orleans, LA. I graduated from the University of New Orleans with a degree in International Business and a minor in French that I will probably never use because my passion is in acting. I have been professionally acting for 3 years now and I’m on a roll. Five of my films made it into the New Orleans Film Fest this year, including Swamp Shark and Where Strippers Go To Die, which I feel is quite the accomplishment.
Name six things that you would bring to a deserted island.
A: A tent with a built in sleeping bag, fishing pole, matches, a machete, water filter, and toilet paper.
Q: Looking over your earlier work… Where Strippers Go To Die seems like a very dark short film. As one of the leads, what can you tell readers about your experience with this film?
A: Where Strippers Go To Die is considered a “film noir”. The story is very dark and starts with the death of my character “Roxy” in the opening scene. The movie then continues to tell the story of Roxy’s epic downfall, via sex drugs and alcohol, backwards through flashback sequences. It is very stylistic and alluring but deep and disturbing at the same time. My experience on this film was good overall, however the mental state I had to live and breath in for this character was not a happy one. I spent most of my time on set alone and reliving one the hardest times in my life, in efforts to make you- the audience- believe and truly feel the pain this girl was suffering from.
Q: Swamp Shark finds you on a boat in a bayou while being stalked by a shark. Kristie Swanson and Richard Tanne also star in this film. There seems like so much I could ask you, but I’ll just let you gush. Talk about what you want, anything that comes to your mind.
A: I GOT EATEN BY A SHARK! I don’t mean to brag, but it’s pretty awesome! Ahaha! I had so much fun on this shoot, as we filmed on my birthday (June 1st). I couldn’t ask for a better present. I got to play “AMBER”, the stereotypical “hot” “promiscuous” “not too bright” college chick that lures her boyfriend into the dangerously infested swamp on a tiny rickety wooden boat to “do it”! Did I mention I seduce him by taking off my top? Don’t get too excited, it’s PG! Can’t be too shabby, though; my scene is up to 15,000 views on YOUTUBE! The Director Griff Furst told me it was his favorite dieing sequence in the whole movie and he gave me the opportunity to make it come to life, which I am forever grateful! I even got to do my own water stunts! Active Entertainment was a pleasure to work for and I hope to work with them again in the future.
Q: I did an article for another film of yours, Transit, a while ago. Haven’t heard a lot recently, though. How is the film coming along and can you tell readers a little about your role?
A: Transit is about a group of friends who expose a secret that has been hidden for centuries which in turn releases a deadly zombie assault! This zombie film is still in the beginning phases and negotiations are being worked out. My role is still up in the air, but it will be meaty to say the least. Stay tuned on this one!
Q: The Ghost Experiment 3D is being kept pretty secretive right now. Although, it is confirmed that you will be featured in the film. Is Ghost Experiment your first 3D film and what are you hoping to gain from the experience?
A: The Ghost Experiment 3D was in fact my first 3D film! It was pretty cool on set to be able to sit back and watch the monitor with 3D glasses in hand! It was also a great experience to work with such a talented director, Kevin Foxe, who produced one the scariest movies of all times, The Blair Witch Project. Although my part of “AUDREY” is small, in the last scene of the movie… [INSERT LOUD HORRORSOCIETY ALARM] *Cutting you off, Ashton, because I don’t know if this is supposed to be widely known yet.*
Q: Another Dirty Movie finds you leaving horror behind and moving into the realm of comedy. Is there any degree of difficulty as an actress when it comes to acting funny and comical when compared to acting scared and fearful?
A: Whoever said comedy is easy has never done comedy! It’s all about timing and I believe you either got it or you don’t. Comedy is not necessarily something that can be learned, but more so instilled in ones natural ability. Although I love horror and drama as a whole, it’s nice to lighten things up sometimes with laughter and lots of it! In Dirty Movie 2 I play the hot, French foreign exchange student, “FIFI”, who sparks the boys attention to make a movie because they think they will have sex with me. Classic but hilarious. There you go. I did use my degree! I studied in France for two years to be able to authentically replicate the perfect French accent! Voila!
Q: Are there any websites that you’d want interested parties to be aware of such as Twitter, Facebook, etc?
A: Why of course! You can “LIKE” my Facebook FAN PAGE at www.facebook.com/AshtonLeighFanPage. This is where I will keep my fans up to date with all up and coming projects! You can also follow me on Twitter @AshtonCLeigh and feel free to check out my website at www.ASHTONLEIGH.info.
Q: Being that it is Halloween season, what is the worst or funniest costume you’ve gone out as on Halloween?
A: I LOVE Halloween and living in one of the most haunted cities makes it all the more fun! However, I hate the fact I’m too “old” to go trick or treating without being snarled upon. So this year my friends and I have made a plan…We will be trick or treating this year as Ghosts… Yeah.. I’m talking proper bed sheets! So BOO to all the old farts who think it’s just for kids! I want candy too! lol :) This year I plan to be Raggedy Ann, a bloodier, hotter version of course, I just need to find my Andy! Halloween is pretty huge in New Orleans so we have the luxury of dressing up a few times!
Q: Favorite horror film?
A: The Silence of the Lambs and The Exorcist…SCARY!
* Ashton has a lot of films that are pending and waiting to be released. So, make sure you follow all the links posted above to keep up with her and her career. If Ashton can keep up this momentum, I’m sure she will be a household name in no time. I wish her all the luck in the world, not that she’ll need it. Anyone who is proud to be eaten by a fake shark is “a-okay” in my book. You can check out the clip here, btw.
Thank you for your time, Ashton.
awesome and beautiful actress!
I am Fan now!