Rebekah Brandes ('Midnight Movie')

Rebekah plays Bridget, “a girl with a hard knock life... mean dad, dead mom. I work as assistant manager at the movie theater and take care of my little brother, Timmy.”

 

On the set of Midnight Movie, "Some of the best moments were with Jack (the director) and Daniel Bonjour (who plays Josh) doing Christopher Walken impersonations between takes,” related Bekah,  “or when Stan Ellsworth (Harley) busted the glass during a take of us banging on the doors. Or the time I let out the most heinous string of obscenities I've ever uttered only to look up and see a gaping Justin Baric, who plays my little brother, and his mom standing right in front of me. That was one thing that was funny, working with a kid. He was like the energizer bunny. I just hope not too many of the guys' ‘dead baby’ jokes rubbed off on him.  The main ensemble cast all got along really well; we had a ridiculous time, probably laughed a bit too much at each other and might have given Jack an ulcer.
 
The other cast members were a bunch of weirdoes so I hung out mostly in my trailer,” says Rebekah, “I put on a smile when we were filming though, didn't want to be called a diva.”

Okay, Rebekah’s kidding. “Between takes everyone was constantly making jokes and laughing. With the exception of some more dramatic scenes of course, during which I was consistently impressed with all my fellow actors’ professionalism and talent. I really had an amazing time filming for those couple months, it almost felt like I got paid to go to summer camp.

Rebekah goes out with really ugly guys. (from Midnight Movie)

The “hottest guy” on set was "definitely Justin Baric", who plays Rebekah’s little brother. Rebekah!!!! “In 10 years,” she adds. “He's the next Shia LaBeouf.” 

So, midnight movie looks good! Here are some quotes from reviews of the previous horror films Rebekah has been in:

Curse of Pirate Death: "I wonder if this was made by mentally challenged people because no same person would do such a thing (it is impossible for me to call this a movie), and on top of that release it for the world to see it"
 
Slaughter Party: "I can't even sum up the plot for this movie because I don't think the creators know what that word means"
 
Evil Ever After: "There are rapes/incest/LOTS of cannibalism."
 
Grim Reaper: "after the first five minutes of the movie it gives the impression that the director ran out of mood and ideas and left the janitor to deal with the directing while he was around the corner having a joint."

Unfortunately, this interviewer was in several of these movies with Rebekah. How does Rebekah feel about her work prior to Midnight Movie?

“Ah memories,” says Rebekah. “Yes I fear the bulk of my previous work has been overlooked by the critics as of yet. That’s ok though, the best works of art are usually under appreciated. Just kidding, those movies are all crap. But some of it is really good, juicy crap that someone out there will get a kick of so I guess that’s all that matters right?”

Rebekah and Justin Baric, who plays her little brother, in a scene from Midnight Movie.

 
Was there a different atmosphere on set with Midnight Movie than in the lower-budgeted horror you’ve done? 

“It was wonderful though to be working on something in which I was never at any point asked politely if I wouldn't mind making out with another girl during the next take just to ‘try something new’. Not to mention I didn't somehow end up drunk and in a bikini when the killer decides to strike. My experience filming Midnight Movie was one of the best of my life. The director, Jack Messitt and all the producers were so excited and passionate about the project. Everybody had a great vision for the movie and everyone wanted to be on set making it come to life. I took my part seriously, and found a great opportunity to learn and grow as an actress. I also got to work and hang out with some very talented and interesting people. So yes, I am very happy to be part of something that actually looks good, and after seeing it screened I'm even happier to be part of something that actually is good!"

And how does an actress make the leap to higher-budgeted work? (I mean, I’m like, not asking for myself, just, like, you know, in case someone else is reading this)

"My only advice is this: keep your priorities straight, if you're out here to act then do it, no excuses. Submit yourself to everything and audition as much as you can. DO read everything very thoroughly and DON'T be afraid to turn something down if you aren't into it. As far as horror goes, double that last part. Don't allow discouragement to enter into the equation, failure is just a word, it’s the way you live your life that matters, not the end result."

Rebekah, with the director, on the set of Midnight Movie
 

 

Rebekah, like other actresses, feels the sting of getting typecast only in horror films. Like Cerina Vincent, Tiffany Shepis, Debbie Rochon, Brinke Stevens, and hundreds of other women, it can be really difficult to land roles in other films without horror elements.

“The horror genre is a two headed beast,” says Rebekah. “It offers pretty consistent work, a large fan base of people who contain a sense of passion about their favorite movies. That’s great. The nudity, gore and general disturbia that usually exist in a typical horror film are not per se my favorite things to do or watch. I love scary movies, but I prefer psychological thrillers and ghost stories. I think in the future I will be a little bit choosier about which horror scripts I do, but I would never rule out the genre.
 
Since the most talented person Rebekah has ever worked with must clearly be Heidi Martinuzzi, in Slaughter Party and Evil Ever After, it wasn’t a question I needed to even ask her. Without prompting, Rebekah volunteered, “I would have to say the most talented person I ever worked with would beee..... Probably Heidi Martinuzzi. She was a person I could really respect, look up to and learn from. I remember one scene during Evil Ever After, in which she starred; she had to slap my character. Poor Heidi was so wrecked up about having to hurt me; she seemed to almost channel the energy into her acting and ended up slamming my head into the wall. It was one of the most valuable, albeit painful, lessons of my career. If you’re going to do something, do it all out. “
 
After Midnight Movie, Rebekah’s next acting stint will be in Bellflower. Which is not horror.

“Bellflower is not horror, that is true,” admits Bekah, “but I think any fans that may or may not exist will be interested in knowing that there is plenty of gore, special effects, flame throwing and fist fights. There also happens to be a tragic love story, a spurned friend, heart ache, revenge and some sweet times. I'm really excited to be working on it, as its being directed by a very creative and hardworking independent filmmaker who makes very unique movies. The plan for Bellflower is the festival circuit, and I think it has the potential to become a cult film. My character is a sweet girl who gets herself entangled in a sadistic world of pain.”
 
Rebekah is a terrible person and here’s why: “I'm actually a horrible person and I haven't even registered to vote. l attempted to once but it didn't really happen…I kinda gave up.  Yeah i know I'm going to hell. Sorry. Someone vote double for Obama for me."

Despite how horrible she is, Rebekah is an upcoming talent that you should get to know now so that when she is famous she will be forced to acknowledge you and you’ll feel cool. That’s what I’m doing.

Check out the website for Midnight Movie: