Interview with Indy Horror Queen Reyna Young Part 2
Today we continue our interview with Reyna Young, horror queen extraordinaire and owner of Last Doorway Productions as we talk about independent horror films and her documentary on women in horror, Welcome to My Darkside.
Dave: You mentioned the world of independent horror. Is it fair to say that there is an entire subculture of independent horror producers and fans? If you are involved in that world do you find that you tend to know everyone else into indy horror and everyone tends to support each other as much as they can?
Reyna: There is a whole world of Independent Horror and we all pretty much know each other. Yes there is a lot of support and help when we need it. Everyone tends to lend a hand when one of us needs it. It’s really nice. I admit I have met assholes but then again that’s anywhere you go and any genre you’re in.
Dave: What role do you see women taking in modern and sub culture horror movies today?
Reyna: I see more and more females coming up in this genre as director’s, producers, and editors. Yes there is still the majority of females who are actress’s but those actress’s are often stepping behind the camera or writing they’re own script to show that they’re more then just a naked body in front of the camera or a pretty face in a horror film.
Dave: What roles would you like to see them take?
Reyna: I like to see women take on director and writing roles. I mean females have this inner darkside to them; they want to see blood and they want to see people die and they want to show everyone what their made of. They’re not just in front of the camera to be a star. They can also write, direct, and produce. I think it’s wonderful when a woman can do so much for a genre she loves and kick ass.
Dave: Is there a distinct, discernable difference between films produced by women or men? Can you make an accurate guess as to the gender of the writer or the director, or is it not obvious?
Reyna: I guess it really depends on the film. I mean I can tell the difference sometimes between a film directed by a man and a film directed by a woman so yes there’s a difference. Like for example the first Twilight film I admit was good and you can tell that a lot of heart was put into it. Then I watched the second and third installment directed by men and it seemed sloppy and put together fast. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing that a man directed the films but having females touch on a love story makes a big difference.
Dave: Do you think female roles in horror movies are treated fairly?
Reyna: Well we are always going to have the bimbos or naked women getting killed in front of the camera. There is nothing is wrong with that but you have to see that there are a lot of strong females characters in the horror films. 
Jamie Lee Curtis in Halloween or Adrienne King in Friday The 13th are examples of strong female roles. Yes they were females who ran from their killers and even cried but gained strength in those films. They stood up, fought back and were a strong female influence. I wanted to grow up and be Jamie Lee Curtis in Halloween because she fought off the bad guy. She was my hero. Sure there are the films that females are treated unfairly but there are also films where they rule. It’s kind of a 50/50 thing. (Friday the 13th image courtesy of the horror movie t shirt category)
(continued next post)
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