PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Witnessing someone follow their passion from one project to another so early in their career is exciting and inspiring. One such remarkable individual is the beautiful and talented model and actress, Brittany Blanton. First appearing on my radar from her breakout role as Jane in Shawn Burkett’s Don’t Fuck in the Woods (read out review here), Brittany has begun to expand her filmmaking experience with her directorial debut, Breaking Vera (read our review here). PopHorror was fortunate enough to catch up with Brittany to discuss her jump into film, Don’t Fuck in the Woods and Breaking Vera.
PopHorror: Hi, Brittany! Thank you for speaking with me.
Brittany Blanton: Thanks for the opportunity!
PopHorror: So, you have been dabbling in film for a little while now, but your first breakout performance in indie film was in Shawn Burkett’s Don’t Fuck in the Woods. Have you always been into horror films such as this?
Brittany Blanton: Yeah, I have! I kind of always leaned toward the horror genre. When I was looking at the role of Jane, I thought this was something I would really like to do. I’ve always thought it would be cool to be in a horror film. So, when I came across the casting call, I thought I would give it a shot.
PopHorror: I’m glad you did! You were great in the film. Have you always wanted to pursue a career in film?
Brittany Blanton: Not always, actually. I was in a play in high school, but I was actually a really nervous person back then. (laughs) I always psyched myself out of trying out for anything. But when I began modeling, I became more confident. And then I came across Shawn’s casting call while I was at Model Mayhem, and I decided to give it a shot.
PopHorror: What was the casting process like?
Brittany Blanton: I reached out to Shawn and Concept Media, and I sent in a video audition. They had to postpone casting for a little bit. But when they were ready, they reached back out to me. I really wanted the part of Jane, but they wanted me for another part. I was pretty persistent, though. So, they let me do a live audition where I met Shawn, and they offered me the part.
PopHorror: That’s great! What drew you to the project in the first place?
Brittany Blanton: It was the title. (laughs) It’s just so clever. It just kind of throws it out there and doesn’t hold much back. I also really liked the story, and the part of Jane just seemed like a fun role to play. And she was!
PopHorror: I’m glad it worked out! Don’t Fuck in the Woods is a very fun film and I loved it.
Brittany Blanton: That’s awesome! I’m glad to hear that.
PopHorror: What would you say was your favorite part in filming Don’t Fuck in the Woods?
Brittany Blanton: Well, I always say this, but I loved slapping Roman. (laughs) That was probably my favorite part. Every one of those scenes. (laughs)
PopHorror: (laughs) What would you say was the biggest challenge?
Brittany Blanton: The biggest challenge was probably poison ivy. It became my worst enemy, and I got it every single time we filmed! The last time was the worst because it covered my whole back because I think I laid in it. (laughs) So, this time for the sequel, I brought along a poison ivy book so that I was prepared. (laughs)
PopHorror: (laughs) That would be rough! What was it like, in general, working on the set of this film?
Brittany Blanton: It was honestly laid back and everyone was pretty much friends. It was really chill and really fun. Everyone got along pretty well.
PopHorror: That did translate well on screen. There did seem to be some genuine chemistry between friends.
Brittany Blanton: Oh yeah, we all got to know each other pretty well.
PopHorror: What was it like working with Shawn?
Brittany Blanton: I love working with Shawn. He is such an easy going guy. He knows what he wants, and he’s good at what he does. I’ve been on other projects with him since then. I always enjoy working with him and Concept Media.
PopHorror: I’m well aware that there is a sequel, as you previously mentioned, in the works for Don’t Fuck in the Woods. How far into production is the anticipated follow up?
Brittany Blanton: We actually got a large chunk done in our last shoot. So, we mainly just have the end to do.
PopHorror: That’s great! Recently, you tried your hand at directing with your new short film, Breaking Vera. What made you decide to explore film from the director’s seat?
Brittany Blanton: I had written something else before and Shawn prompted me to write up a short. So, I wrote up the screenplay for Breaking Vera and sent it to him. I knew I wanted to direct it because I had a vision for how I wanted it to be. Honestly, I’m just really interested in all aspects of filmmaking.
PopHorror: It’s always exciting when someone begins to expand their experience. What can you tell me about Breaking Vera?
Brittany Blanton: It’s more of a psychological thriller. It opens with Vera being held hostage for so many years. It’s about the relationship between her and her captor and what has been going on.
PopHorror: That sounds intriguing! What inspired this story?
Brittany Blanton: It’s kind of based on past relationships that I have had. So, I used some of those feelings that came from those experiences for Vera’s character.
PopHorror: Having experienced the writing, directing and acting side of film, what would you say is your favorite job to do?
Brittany Blanton: I think I prefer acting, because I just love bringing the character to life and all the things that go into it. It’s just a lot of fun.
PopHorror: Very cool. So, are there any upcoming projects you would like to talk about?
Brittany Blanton: The most recent that I can mention right now is She Burns in Hell by Concept Media based on Stephen King’s novel, Carrie. It’s a short fan film, and I get to play Carrie. It’s going to be based a little more on Stephen King’s book rather than the movie. It is currently in production and we still have a small portion left to film.
PopHorror: This all sounds like great stuff! Thank you, Brittany, for speaking with me.
Brittany Blanton: Thank you!
With production of the highly anticipated follow up to Don’t Fuck in the Woods nearing completion, Breaking Vera available for pre-order and future projects underway, we are sure to see more work from Brittany. Indie fans can check out news and reviews regarding her directorial debut, Breaking Vera, on the short film’s official Facebook page. More information and film orders for releases under Concept Media can be found here. We look forward to bringing you more news and reviews regarding future projects from Brittany and the Concept Media crew!
