PopHorror Let's Get Scared
This February was an amazing Women in Horror Month! We got to honor and showcase so many talented women in the industry. Although it’s technically over, I can’t help keeping the celebration going by sharing my interview with the awesomely talented Najarra Townsend. I loved her in Contracted (2013) and this year’s Rock Paper Dead. Check out what this Scream Queen had to say!
PopHorror: Hi, Najarra! Thank you so much for taking the time to chat me!
Najarra Townsend: Thank you so much!
PopHorror: How did you get into the film industry?
Najarra Townsend: I got into the industry when I was a kid. I grew up doing theater and modeling, but I finally found my home the first time I was on a film set. I’ve always felt most comfortable and happy on set. My passion for it only increased with time, and now I find myself wanting to expand into behind-the-scenes roles as well. Movie making is magic and one of the loves of my life.
PopHorror: Aw, that is so awesome! I love hearing that movie making is magic! Speaking of making movies, you played Samantha in both Contracted and Contracted: Phase 2. Those films are a blast to watch, but there were parts where I had to cover my eyes! What was it like playing that type of character? Also, would you be up for playing Samantha again?
Najarra Townsend: Samantha was one of my favorite characters of my career thus far. I instantly knew I wanted to play her after reading the script. Every day was exhausting – and so much fun. That whole experience was amazing, and I made a few lifelong friends. I don’t think I’ve ever cried so hard after a project was over because I was so sad to see it end.
Playing her again, though? That’s a tough question. It’s been so long now, and I’ve already mourned the end of her, so bringing her back would feel strange.
PopHorror: You can tell that it was a lot of hard work to portray her, but I’m glad you had fun! Do you have any amusing, behind-the-scene memories?
Najarra Townsend: Every day on that set was so much fun. I remember the first time I was in full Day 3 makeup, and I had the lenses in my eyes. It was at that moment that I realized I couldn’t see through the lenses, so I was more than partially blind and had to be directed around set. It totally worked for my character but was scary for me just walking around.
PopHorror: I would have been so freaked out if I couldn’t see anything! What is it that draws you into the horror genre?
Najarra Townsend: Horror films are just so much fun to make. Everything feels heightened. And seeing the outcome of what you’ve made and the audience reaction is so exciting! Plus, horror fans are the best fans!
PopHorror: Yes, they are, aren’t they? Your latest film is Rock Paper Dead and is another crazy film! What would you like people to know about it?
Najarra Townsend: Rock Paper Dead has been getting great reviews! I have yet to actually see the film but, based on the script and my experience on set, it’s going to be a really cool horror film. Plus, anything that involves Tom Holland and Victor Miller is going to be great. I’m dying to see it.
PopHorror: Who are some of the women in horror that inspire you?
Najarra Townsend: The women who I know personally endlessly inspire me. Jill Gevargizian has become a good friend of mine and seeing her work ethic and drive is always inspiring. There’s a whole network of women in horror that I’m friends with and the respect and love they all share for each other is a beautiful thing to see… Brea Grant, Caroline Williams, Barbara Crampton, Tristan Risk and so many more. Horror can be a surprisingly small network, and the support of all the women is fantastic.
PopHorror: Those are certainly some badass women in horror! What is your favorite horror movie?
Najarra Townsend: That’s such a tough question! I’ve always been a fan of The Shining. Growing up, I loved Whatever Happened to Baby Jane. Bette Davis was my favorite. I also can’t get enough of Death Becomes Her as well as Silence of the Lambs and The Craft. I’m definitely all over the place, but picking one horror movie is impossible.
PopHorror: (Laughs) That is a hard question! What upcoming films or projects are you working on or that we should be on the lookout for?
Najarra Townsend: I’ve paired up with The Stylist director Jill Gevargizian again to make another short. This one is called 42 Counts and we are having a world premiere at Chattanooga Film Festival in April. I also have an action packed crime drama coming out called Diverted Eden, as well as a relationship drama called Mercury In Retrograde. I spent 5 months in Qatar last year shooting a sci fi TV show called Medinah. We had a sneak peek screening at Comic Con in July, and the show should be released towards the end of this year. Plus, I’m currently in pre-production on another horror feature called William’s Grave, and I’m starting production on a two super cool horror films that I can’t tell you much about yet, but I’m so excited to be making. I will have lots of updates in the next few months about all these projects and more on my social media.
PopHorror: We will all be on the lookout for all of those! What women in horror would you like to work with in the future?
Najarra Townsend: I’ve always wanted to work with Vera Farmiga. She’s done quite a lot of horror in her career, and it’s always great. I also love Sarah Paulson and every character she has played on American Horror Story. Working with Diablo Cody would be incredibly cool, too. I thought Jennifer’s Body was so much fun. And, of course, I want to keep collaborating with Jill Gevargizian. She’s a badass.
PopHorror: What advice do you have for females that want to break into this genre?
Najarra Townsend: Don’t give up and find projects that are special to you. Scripts, characters, and the creators involved should draw you to each project.
Be sure to follow Najarra on Facebook, IMDb and Instagram @najarra for all the latest updates on her upcoming projects!
