PopHorror Let's Get Scared
In the last week, we’ve been doing a lot of coverage on the film Descending and we’re not even close to stopping yet! This time, we talk with Kayla Elizabeth, the director behind this upcoming horror film that we all can’t wait to see. Learn more about her, fun moments during the filming, and more.
Official Synopsis:
One year after all the vampires were killed off. One powerful vampire (KateLynn Newberry) was left hiding and seeks revenge of Karver (Thomas Sloan) and Paige (Melissa Zahs).
PopHorror – Hi Kayla, thanks for talking with us! What inspired you to become a director? How did you get involved in it?
Kayla Elizabeth – I’ve been filming and editing different things since I was a teenager. I’d make my own music videos with my friends and some on my own and post them on YouTube. I directed my own short a couple years ago and it made me feel like I could do more.
Chad Zuver approached me with auditioning for directing for Descending and I jumped on it, shouted out my ideas, and he chose me.
PopHorror – What was the first film you directed or were a part of?
Kayla Elizabeth – The first film I was a part of was a movie called Frankenstein back in 2010-2011 with a film company that was based in Swanton. Still Wish You Knew was the first short I directed and Descending is my first feature.
PopHorror – Do you like other vampire films?
Kayla Elizabeth – Yeah, I like other vampire movies! Interview With a Vampire is definitely was one of my favorites. Nosferatu is also a favorite.
PopHorror – You have a talented cast and crew. Were you involved in the casting process?
Kayla Elizabeth – Yes, I was involved with the casting. Every single actor that came through the door was unique and talented. It was tough… very hard decisions to make.
PopHorror – Any memorable on the set moments?
Kayla Elizabeth – One memorable moment was the first day we were shooting with Moses Moseley (The Walking Dead). It was a very stressful day and we had a lot of people on set. I was running on 34 hours with no sleep and I got overwhelmed. I grabbed Chad Zuvers’ arm and said, “I’m going to pass out.” He said, “No…don’t.” And I did! It was crazy.
Also, the next day filming with Ben Blaesing and LaTrallo Presley, LaTrallo had a line walking next to Ben. Ben goes to open the door and LaTrallo stops him and says, “What are you doing?? There could be clowns on the other side of that door!” Obviously, he was supposed to say “vampire.” I was crying I was laughing so hard. It’ll be an inside joke for a long time.
PopHorror – Do you know when this film will be coming out?
Kayla Elizabeth – We do not have a set date but I’m going to say winter. We have to have it go through music after special effects.
PopHorror – If you could sit down and talk with any director in the world, the past or present, who would it be?
Kayla Elizabeth – I know it’s cliche, but I would love to sit down with Steven Spielberg. He’s always been a favorite of mine. If I could sit and pick his mind and get some pointers, my life would be complete.
PopHorror – Any other upcoming projects you’d like to talk about or anything you’d like to add about Descending?
Kayla Elizabeth – As far as projects, I have a short I have written and will direct in August called Hush Little Baby and next year my next big feature is called No Laughing Matter, which I hope to start production on next late spring. It’s horror/slasher/psychological movie. I’m going for an ’80s vibe. We will see! I’m excited to get back behind the camera. Acting will always be my first passion but directing is getting up there.
