Read our exclusive interview with movie and television actress Courtney Hope, who next appears as Amber in the After Dark Originals horror film ‘Prowl.’ The independent movie is included in this year’s Horrorfest, also known as the 8 Films to Die For film festival. It’s scheduled to hit theaters on January 28 before receiving a March 29 DVD, digital download and On Demand release. Hope discusses with us, among other things, how she prepared for the role of Amber and how ‘Prowl’ is different from other horror films.
Shockya (SY): You have starred in a variety of genres, including action movies and short films. So what persuaded you to take the role of Amber in the upcoming horror movie ‘Prowl?’
Courtney Hope (CH): The role of Amber in the horror movie ‘Prowl’ was something new and different, unlike than anything I had done prior. I am always up for trying new things, stretching my acting ability and finding new niches. I really thought it would be a fun change to do something out of the realm of what I am used too.
SY: ‘Prowl’ follows your character, Amber, as she convinces her friends to move to the big city with her. While on their journey, the truck driver who picks them up takes them back to a warehouse where blood-thirsty creatures want to hunt them. Does Amber exhibit or feel any remorse or guilt for getting her friends into such a dire situation?
SY: ‘Prowl’ follows your character, Amber, as she convinces her friends to move to the big city with her. While on their journey, the truck driver who picks them up takes them back to a warehouse where blood-thirsty creatures want to hunt them. Does Amber exhibit or feel any remorse or guilt for getting her friends into such a dire situation?
CH: Absolutely. Amber feels very guilty for getting her friends in such an intense, life-threatening situation. She knows that she is the reason they are all there in the first place, and admits at one point that it really is all her fault. She cares so much for her friends that she finally has to buck up, and take responsibility for her actions and find a way out, otherwise no one is going to make it out alive.
SY: How did you prepare for the role of Amber? Did you do any research before you began filming?
CH: Amber is very isolated and reserved around a lot of people, including her friends. While I was in Bulgaria, I stayed in the mindset of the character. I would hangout around the hotel and bond with my cast mates, but when they all went out at night, I stayed in. I felt I needed a detachment from them when it came to that sort of thing, because Amber definitely has a detachment in that area. I think it really helped a lot.
SY: How is Amber different from other horror female characters?
CH: I think Amber has unique characteristics that other horror film characters don’t possess. She is young, but her mindset it beyond her years when it comes to the outside world and being independent. She feels out of place in her surroundings, and is in search of another chapter in her life. Unlike her friends who are all very free-spirited and love to have a good time, Amber is very quiet, grounded and reserved. You can see the pain in her eyes of wanting something more and wanting to let go, mixed with a drive and ambition that is extremely captivating.
SY: ‘Prowl’ has received positive feedback from critics so far. What does it feel like knowing that people are connecting to the movie?
CH: It feels incredible to have had such amazing feedback. The main goal was to get people connected to the characters and the story line, make them really think, and of course make them jump and be scared. Having such a positive response has really been a blessing.
SY: After Dark Films, the production company distributing ‘Prowl,’ has included the movie in its “8 Movies to Die For” campaign. How did you react when you first heard the news?
CH: I think it’s a fantastic package. Having the opportunity to be linked with 7 other great, unique films is amazing, especially for all of the fans.
SY: What sets ‘Prowl’ apart from other horror movies, and why should horror fans see it?
CH: ‘Prowl’ not only has a definite horrifying thriller side to it, but it also has a very relatable story line to a lot of people who know the troubles of growing up and moving out on your own. It has a little bit of everything rolled into one. It’s gory, dramatic, gut- wrenching, scary and funny, all at the same time. Plus the creatures are unlike anything anyone has ever seen before. I feel very blessed to be apart of such an amazing film!
Written by: Karen Benardello
