To kick off Week 2 of Women in Horror Month, we spoke with incredibly talented Mindy Bledose. Mindy is a powerhouse when it comes to the film world as she is a producer, director, screenwriter and the occasional actor. We had the opportunity to speak with Mindy about what it’s like to be a Woman in Horror as well as all the accomplishments she has had in the entertainment industry.
Nightmarish Conjurings: Hi Mindy! Thank you so much for speaking with us today for Women in Horror Month! For those who may not be familiar with you or your work, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do?
Mindy Bledsoe: Life is hard, and can get really dark. I like to see the humor in that darkness. Having written and directed a horror/comedy musical, and several dark comedies, I feel like I’ve found my voice as a woman filmmaker. My days are generally spend co-producing projects, or prepping for my next one. My latest genre film, Hard Broads, has helped segue me into a much larger community of creatives.
NC: You’ve dipped your toes into all aspects that encompass film, whether it be through producing, directing, screenwriting, or acting. Is there a medium that you like doing the most?
MB: I love all aspects of creating a visual story. As an independent filmmaker, I was forced to learn as many aspects as possible. I actually started in the camera department after graduation, which really generated an appreciation for each department, but if I had to choose only one, it would be directing. I’ve never felt more comfortable.
NC: The month of February has brought about the focus of women in the horror industry. What does Women in Horror mean to you?
MB: I watched more horror movies, growing up, than I did any other genre. I didn’t know that women could or did, create these kinds of stories and visuals. It’s sad, but, even as the strong independent woman that I was, I never considered the life of a horror filmmaker, because I didn’t know it was an option. Now, there’s this rise of ingenious female horror filmmakers. Plus, I was always drawn to the horror flicks because a woman was almost always a lead character.
NC: What inspired you to want to be a filmmaker and is there any films that you look back on that made you want to do what you are doing today?
MB: I was 12 years old the first I saw Heathers. Heathers was my gateway drug to a world of hardcore dark comedy. It was a world film with USA’s “Up All Night” and repetitive viewings of Harold & Maude, a world, in which, I felt normal. I appreciated gore, but was more interested in the psychological side of horror. My first horror movie was Children of the Corn when I was five. It might have demented my mind in the most glorious way.
NC: Your short films seem to fall in the horror/thriller genre and have a dash of comedy and social commentary thrown into the mix. What is it about the horror genre that you love and do you think there is anything missing from the genre that you would like to see more of?
MB: I like mixing genres as much as possible. The best horror/thriller movies have something to say about people or society, but you don’t have to notice in order to have a good time. I think horror is making a more clever mainstream comeback. People are getting angry, and they want to tell a story as therapy sometimes. I’d love to see more people exploring what we fear on a daily basis, just ramped up to a horror/thriller level. Just don’t forget the inappropriate laughs! The real scares come after a generous laugh, when the audience is unknowingly vulnerable.
NC: What advice would you give women that want to be involved within the horror community or are interested in working within the film industry?
MB: It took me a long time to realize I might be considered a genre filmmaker. I would tell women to focus on having their own voice, and make movies that YOU want to see.
NC: Last, but certainly not least, what can your fans expect from you in the future? Is there any chance that a full feature film is in the works?
MB: I have so much going on right now. It’s incredibly exciting. First, a thriller I produced, Cut to the Chase, starring Lance Henriksen, Blayne Weaver, and Lyndie Greenwood (TV’s “Sleepy Hollow”) is having a theatrical premiere in L.A. on March 6 (but your ticket now!) and a full VOD release on March 7. There is now a very real chance that my latest short film, Hard Broads, will be turned into a feature film. I am also in pre-production as a Producer on an upcoming Horror feature film. I’m very excited about this script. It’s fun and throws conventions out the window. We are using practical effects and makeup, trying to stay away from the overused CGI aspect. We are aiming for principal photography by Fall 2017.
NC: We are so excited to see how many amazing things you have on your plate and we will definitely make sure to keep an eye out for all those! Thank you so much for being part of Nightmarish Conjurings Women in Horror Month!
For more information and updates on Mindy Bledsoe’s work, visit her website at www.bledska.com.
- [SXSW Interview] Paris Zarcilla & Chi Thai for RAGING GRACE - March 17, 2023
- [Article] BOSTON STRANGLER – Highlighting Female Investigative Journalism - March 16, 2023
- [SXSW Interview] Steve J. Adams & Sean Horlor for SATAN WANTS YOU - March 15, 2023
