Talking With The Dead: 13 Questions with Melanie Robel
1. You got your start in the genre as a member of the Doll Squad in Astro Zombies: M3-Cloned in 2010, and then in 2012 you returned to the series in Astro Zombies: M4 Invaders From Cyberspace. Can you tell us how you got involved with the Astro Zombies series, what were you expecting heading into your first role and what exactly is the Doll Squad?
Actually, my first role was a short film called Grieve by Brain and Johnna Troxell, known today as Caisson Films. A Doll Squad is a Ted V. Mikels film, made in 1973. It’s a squad of beautiful women who tries to catch saboteurs. In my opinion, if you look at Ted V. Mikels Doll Squad, which was made three years before Charlies Angels, it looks exactly the same, but it was a television show instead of a film. It is the same exact plot line and sadly it happens all the time. The Doll Squad is my favorite Ted V Mikels film. In Astro Zombies M:3 Cloned, one of the original Doll Squad girls was in there. To be able to be in this amazing opportunity, my friend Kevin Sean Michaels had told me that a girl dropped out and they need someone to fill in. I emailed the Lester’s and asked to be in involved. I was very thankful to be a part it. I have basic boxing and kick boxing skills and as an ex dancer I know how to fall and everything. So I got in and then they asked me back for the sequel. I didn’t have lines in the sequel, but I didn’t care. I just wanted to be a part of it. I didn’t get to work with Ted V. Mikels himself though. He actually divided us by teams and I was part of the Florida team. I hope one day to actually work with him.
2. Aliens seem to be a running theme in your career! As I stated above, you started your career with Astro Zombies: M13- Cloned and followed that up with Alien Vengeance in the role of Jan. In that film, You got to work with legendary Scream Queen Debbie Rochon, who many actresses say have been instrumental in their career. What led to you taking this role, what do you feel like you took away from working with Debbie and why did you not return for the role of Jen in Alien Vengeance II Rogue Element?
Sad to say, I never had scenes with Debbie Rochon, but I wish I did. She is a very talented actress and I hope to work with her in the future. What made me take on this role? Well, I love portraying characters who have a dark secret and I love science fiction. I feel I am more of a science fiction girl than horror at times. I didn’t return for the sequel because at the time I had a project conflict and I didn’t realize that there would be a sequel.
3. I just finished watching the trailer for Bikini Monsters, your last feature film of 2010. I agree with some of the other reviews I have read about the film, in the that I also feel like it has that campy look and feel from the 50’s and 60’s era of creature films (which is not a bad thing!). What can you tell us about the making of this film, the challenges of keeping your make-up on in a watery environment and what led to you becoming Bikini Monster #4?
Well, it was a physically hard film to do, because we didn’t have the correct body make up. We had to use an acrylic base paint and it would crack. Once we had the makeup on, we couldn’t sit down. At one point, I leaned up against the wall with just my hands in a push up position to stay upright and relax. It was also the first time I wore colored contacts, which were so awesome. Mine were yellow and at one point I forgot I had them in and I saw everything as yellow. I looked at my skin and thought, “ Oh my god! My kidneys shutting down.” Then I remembered, “Oh yeah it’s just contacts.” I also had to wear monster teeth and it was pretty funny, because I drank vitamin water through a straw. The Polydent binder for the teeth reacted to me or something because it would liquefy, so I drooled a lot. I felt made me stand out. However, I have no problem looking ugly, I actually liked it. I really admire people who can do the fx monster make up. I would love to do more of these kind of roles.
4. In 2011, you expanded your career in the film industry by not only playing Rattlesnake Sally in Post Mortem, America 2021, but you were also the executive producer for the film. What challenges did you find doing double duty as an actor and producer on the film and how much did the experience of doing both change your view of film?
Actually, I got cast in PMA in 2008 and I went out there a lot. It is still in Post Production and is still being edited. As an executive producer, I wish I could have had more control of who was casted in this film. There are some people I would not have put in this film. So, in that way I it was very frustrating. But it also made me realize, that if I am ever going to produce a film. I am going to do it with someone I hundred percent trust. I haven’t done it in a long time.
As an actor, it also made me realize how much work acting really is. How the job can be frustrating because you are depending on those you work with and you have no control over what they do. I did get the title of executive producer as a thank you, because I gave Cameron Scott the editing system to edit the movie and I paid for a very talented actor’s ticket that I felt should be in this film and who I really wanted to work with. I did learn a lot about the production end of things from being on this project..
5. In Post Mortem, America 2021, you had the chance to work with other actors and actresses like Linnea Quigley, Jim O’Rear, Monique Dupree, April Monique Burril and Jessica Cameron. What were your initial thoughts going into the production working with such a seasoned and revered crew and what do you think you learned from working closely with such legendary and up and coming talent?
Again sadly I didn’t have scenes with Jim O’Rear, Monique Dupree, Jessica Cameron, nor April Monique Burrill. I have to say you forgot Larry Lavertry. Larry is very talented man and I learned so much from working with him. It’s always great to work with people like him. I did however, work with Linnea Quigley and she is one super talented actress. I am honored to say that she is my friend and someone I look up to. She and I have been on other projects together and I always learn something new every time. We also have a lot of fun together. Also, I think what people don’t realize, is that when I am on set, I am huge people watcher. I can serious and cute, but I do watch other people’s behavior and I remember who I want to work with and who I don’t want to work with. The same goes for those in my acting class. I don’t know, one day I might make a film and I don’t want to cast someone that can’t follow through. I also get asked for recommendations on whom to work with at times. You never know who is going to help you in your career. So be very aware of your surroundings, because you never know whose watching or listening. .
6. You have several projects that are either in production or in pre production for 2013, but the film I want to touch upon first has no date listed next to it on your IMDB page. I am talking, of course, of Go Go Girls vs The Nazis. You play the role of Nurse Betty in the film. As I could not find much about the film online, what can you tell us about your character and the story behind the film?
It’s about the dancers at a Go Go Club and the Nazis come into the town and want to take over. The girls have to fight for their freedom. I can’t really say too much more about it, but it is going to be a great movie with a lot of eye-catching scenes. Nurse Betty comes into play as she helps Dr Dan, who is secretly helping the Go Go Girls. I can’t wait to shoot this.
7. It would seem the whole “Evil Nazi” sub genre is starting to make a come back. We have had the “fake” trailer for Werewolf Women of the SS by Rob Zombie at the beginning of Grindhouse, Dead Snow, and Hellboy. While the film does take some from the modern variation of this genre, seeing Melantha Blackthorne in that Ilsa like pose in the trailer takes me back to films like SS Hell Camp, She Wolf of the SS, Harem Keeper of the Oil Sheiks and The Wicked Warden. What are your thoughts on this sub-genre and where do you feel Go Go Girls vs The Nazis fits into it?
I feel, about the sub-genre, that if you do it correctly, base it on facts that actually did happen, do your research. Then of course you can do it correctly. I say why not? In a way I think it’s a way to make fun of the Nazi’s. My family was personally involved with World War II, the Jewish side of things, from my grandpa and my mums side of the family in Norway remembers a lot. I grew up hearing stories about that time, about what happened first hand. Actually, my great grandfather was part of the Norwegian underground. The weird thing is that a lot of people didn’t know very much about that time frame until Human Centipede was released. It was written by horror director Tom Six. The sad thing is the medical aspect of concentration camps. They did horrific things and pushed boundaries in that society. Actually, I watched Dead Snow, in Norwegian, and loved it. I enjoy watching foreign films in their native language, because you get a better feel for it. I feel that Go Go Girls vs The Nazis, is going to change some of that sub-genre, it can be compared to a lot of situations, not only in the past but in modern times. Yes, it has boobs in it, but it’s actually has very intelligent humor. So it’ll fit in not just the horror and grind house world, but in the political world to. If I was a college political science teacher, I would make my students watch it and say now write your paper and see if it’s happening today. I will be forever thankful to my teacher who made us do that with, Dr Strangelove in high school.
8. One of your upcoming projects in 2013 includes working with director Joe Hollow, Robert Z’Dar (Maniac Cop) and once again, Linnea Quigley in the film A Bloody Story. It is described as “a dark and twisted blood drenched love story of sorts that starts with three strangers who meet on their journey to find the truth of an age old legend seeking the fountain of youth but uncovering much more. The evil that follows is delved in the deepest of bloody historical secrets.” Where does your character Anna Nadasdy fit into the story, and how much different was it working with Linnea a second time?
Yes! A Bloody Story was an amazing experience. We finished shooting this a few months ago. I feel that this is Joe Hollow’s best work to date. He is so talented and great to work with. I have to say this is the best and most professional set that I have been on in my four years of acting. There were no negative people onset with an amazing cast and crew. Sadly, I didn’t get to have scenes with Linnea, but I got to bunk with her while she was there. We were laughing until late at night, we read over lines and went over notes from Joe. She also helped me be prepared for anything that Joe might throw at me. I am so appreciative of that and adore her. One man I think we should mention is Camden Toy. He plays the owner of this dark place with the fountain of youth. I had most of my scenes with him and he is a great actor. Anyone who gets to work with him will learn a lot. I have so much respect for him and if I were in Los Angeles, I would want him to be my coach. He is a great scene partner and for the first time, I got lost emotionally in a scene. I hope to one day work with him again. It is very hard to describe about working with Robert Z’Dar. Robert walks into the room and it changes. Liane Langford, who plays the Swinger Assassin, said it perfectly, “He brings back the old Hollywood feel.” He is so positive and he is so good. I did my scene with him and Joe told me everything I needed to say and do, but, I got so caught up in just staring at him, into his eyes, that I forgot everything I was supposed to do. I told Joe that I was so sorry I forgot everything. Coolest thing is Robert told me that things like that happens for a reason, use it and learn from it. So, I did. My coach told me that she can tell my “intent” has gotten better. So, I grew from working with Robert. Mark Hanson is another talented actor who was onset. He was so intense and quiet just his character. I learned from watching and talking with him. He is a true Texan.
How does Anna fit into the story? Well, she helps runs the place. She is deceiving, cunning, submissive and manipulative. You’re just going to have to wait to see more.
9. Two of your upcoming projects this year are with Jonathan Moody, the films Scavenger and Sasquatch Vs Yeti. How did you meet Jonathan and become involved with these two projects, and what can you tell us about your characters of Rachel (Scavengers) and Krista (Sasquatch Vs Yeti) in them?
I have known Jonathan Moody now for four years and its crazy how time flies. When we met on MySpace, I was still a baby in the acting world, but I feel I have really grown. Now we are going to be working together on two projects and it is so exciting. I was approached first, with Scavengers to play Rachel. I liked the scene that I was to be a part of and it was one of the character types that I have wanted to play, with a great and different type of scene for me. Sorry guys, not going to say what it is. Scavengers, is about a guy name Dylan who isn’t very nice. As the tagline says, “What goes in Dylan’s woods, never comes out.” Scavengers has Alex Vincent, Melantha Blackmore, Jim O’Rear, Debbie Rochon, Jessica Morris, Karen Zombra, Jason Crowe, Jonathan Moody, David Maranick, Robert Bozek, Rober Shepheard, Paul Sieber and many more actors.
Scavengers Fanpage
Scangergers Imdb
Jonathan Moody also asked me to be in Sasquatch vs. Yeti. I can’t go into too much detail, because it twists and turns and I don’t want to give away. I am happy and looking forward to playing Krista, one of the paint ball girls. I get to have a scene with another Florida actress, so that is going to be awesome. It has Mindy Robinson, Shawn C. Phillips, Jim O’Read, Robert Shepherd, Roni Jonah, Jason Crowe, Jonathan Moody, Mike Holman and many more.
Sasquatch vs. Yeti Fanpage
Sasquatch vs. Yeti Imdb
10. Yet another project for you in 2013 is Sean Williams’ Redlight Kate, where you play the role of Penny. The synopsis of the film states “Kate, a young and beautiful runaway, has made a meager living as a stripper in Los Angeles. Despite her innocent appearance, she carries a darker secret. With the help of her close friends, Kate tries to better her life and overcome her past, but first she must overcome the obstacle of being lost in a world of sex, drugs, and violence.” What do you think of the project and what drew your interest to it?
I love the story line of, “Redlight Kate.” I met Franky Manzo on the set of, “Girl Scout Cookies” and we clicked and became good friends. I was so impressed that she was so professional and I knew she would be a force to be reckoned with. She is very talented and a true “triple threat”, an actor, dancer and singer. She brought the idea of Redlight Kate to me and I love it. I actually love gritty, dramatic films and the part that she wanted me to play. She brings to light what my pole dancing teacher says. That there is a difference between being a “stripper”, who is into the “lifestyle”, dating customers, drinking, maybe doing drugs and a “performer”, who goes in does her job and then goes home. The film is about how you can so easily get into the “lifestyle.” Penny, me, is a girl who gets caught up into being a “stripper” and she can’t get out of it. It’s a well written script with a great and different story line. The film is edgy, sexy, gritty and keeps you on your toes. Franky, did her research for this film, by going to the clubs and talking to the dancers. It’s a hundred percent original material, that she wrote. It’s more interesting than a lot of the “vanity” projects that are out there.
11. The last project listed on your IMDB page for the year of 2013 is a film entitled Technopolis by Andre Dixon. This film brings you back to your sci-fi roots as you play Agent Blush. From everything I have read on the Kickstarter page, this was being made as a web series. Is it now a feature film project or still a web series, and what role does Agent Blush play in the series?
First I like to say, IMDB is hard to deal with at times and anyone who has submitted a project to them would know this. I am very thankful for the person who has put Technopolis on Imdb. It’s going under as a film, but right now it is a web series. It will also say that on the facebook fanpage.
Agent Blush is working for a group in suits called The Others and I get to use weapons. The story is that after a second American Civil War, the citizens turn to a merciless leader with plans to turn Technopolis into a super power. One that’s capable of unifying the states again under his rule. A few key members of the city come together under common need in hopes of stopping him. It is a very futuristic show with an amazing plot line.
The Fanpage
The Website
Imdb Page
12. You have acted for video, TV and film as well as been a producer. Do you see yourself continuing down that path, or is there any chance that you will look into writer and directing as well?
I know my strengths and weaknesses. As a writer, I would first have to write a short story and get someone else to write the script form. I am severely dyslexic and at times I am shocked I can read as well as I do. Writing, no, directing, maybe, I am not sure yet. I would first be an assistant director to learn what to do. I would team with someone I trust and admire. I would have to respect their abilities and talent. Just because you can act and have been in over twenty films doesn’t mean you are going to be a good director. For right now, I want to strictly act. Before I became an assistant director, I would also want to be a casting director. I get asked for actor recommendations at times. Again, it goes back to what I’ve said before. Be very careful how you treat people and your surroundings. Always be nice to your make-up people, the crew, costumers, because they remember and they talk and directors listen to them. You never know when you need someone to help you, or when you can return a favor. Now, there are some people I just don’t care about and I won’t help them, nor recommend them.
13. Thank you for your time and your films! Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your films and is there anything you would like to say to your fans out there?
Thank you for your support. I wouldn’t be where I am today without all you guys. I love acting and we do it for the people who like to see us act.
Here are some other projects I am apart of:
The Fallen One:
A Grindehouse Film, that is going to be shot in Arizona. To find out more about it please go to the Fanpage
I am part of an anthology that also includes this tale A Night of the Sea Monkey
Fanpage
Both directed by Michael Rodriguez
The Limo Driver by Joseph Mazzaferro
A limo driver with the worst luck picks up four unusual fares and is forced to deal with drugs addicts, mental cases, rich snobs, and the murdering mob Fanpage
Where you can find me:
My Facebook profile
My Twitter
My Imdb Page
