Identifying and relating to the most genuine and honest qualities in a character can seemingly be the most natural process for a performer. But then effortlessly translating those characteristics to the screen, and showcasing their character’s intense emotions and deepest fears in the most authentic way possible, can be the most challenging process, especially for a relatively new entertainer. But up-and-coming actress Tiffany DeMarco not only genuinely understood the caring and curious nature of her character, Amy, in the new independent film ‘Anarchy Parlor,’ but also powerfully chronicled the protagonist’s growing fears as she begah to witness the cruel nature of the story’s villains. DeMarco’s stunning chronicling of Amy is enthrallingly shown in her performance in the unique story, which is now playing in theaters and on VOD, and was written by first-time feature film directors Devon Downs and Kenny Gage.
‘Anarchy Parlor’ follows several American and English tourists, including the somewhat naïve Amy and the care-free and over-indulgent Brock (Ben Whalen), who are enjoying their vacation in a nightclub in Vilnius, Lithuania. While there, they’re offered the chance to attend an invitation-only mansion party, and they readily accept the offer, as they’re eager to further explore the city and have more fun. Once they arrive at the party, Brock enthusiastically embraces the advances of a woman who approaches him, the heavily tattooed and pierced blonde, Uta (Sara Fabel). He readily decides to go back with her to the tattoo parlor where she works, in hopes of spending more time with her. When she learns Brock’s plans with Uta, Amy decides to go with them, despite the objections from the rest of their friends, as she wants to get a tattoo before she returns home and starts medical school.
When the three later arrive at the parlor, Amy and Brock meet its owner, The Artist (Robert LaSardo), who also serves as Uta’s mentor. The tourists’ worst nightmare soon comes true, however, when the tattoo enthusiasts unexpectedly begin physically torturing them. But The Artist soon becomes protective over Amy when he emotionally begins connecting with her and appreciating her innocence. But Amy and Brock’s future becomes even more uncertain when their remaining friends begin investigating their disappearance, and begin asking questions that put The Artist and Uta’s work in jeopardy.
DeMarco generously took the time recently to talk about starring in ‘Anarchy Parlor’ during an exclusive phone interview. Among other things, the actress discussed how she enjoyed working with Gage and Downs as writers and directors, as they encouraged her and her co-stars to spend a lot of time together before and during the filming process, which helped them create a believable bond on- and off-screen; how she was adamant about performing her own stunts for the film, as she loves filming action sequences, and has had a lot of experience doing so, particularly since her father was a stuntman; and how she enjoyed shooting the horror film entirely on location in Vilnius, Lithuania, as it was her first time visiting and experiencing the city, which allowed Amy’s reactions to its beauty on screen be as authentic as her own.
ShockYa (SY): You play Amy in the new horror film, ‘Anarchy Parlor.’ What was it about the character, as well as the script overall, that convinced you to take on the role?
Tiffany DeMarco (TD): When I read the character of Amy, I saw a lot of parallels between her and myself. It was easy for me to live as Amy, because she was so similar to who I was. She’s the type of person who’s in awe and wonder of everything that’s around her. She also wanted to find a deeper purpose and meaning to her life, which is very similar to me. So Amy struck me as a person who I wanted to play.
It’s also interesting, because her circumstances are so frightening-she gets kidnapped and tortured. So I was playing a character who’s similar to me in some ways. But I was also living different life outside of my own life, and was doing things I would never do on my own.
SY: Once you signed onto the movie, how did you prepare for the role of Amy, especially since she has to contend with harrowing physical and emotional obstacles after she’s kidnapped by the Artist?
TD: What was really great about the film’s directors, Kenny Gage and Devon Downs, is that they really encouraged me and my co-stars to spend a lot of time together. There are quite a few cast members in the film, and we all met each other for the first time when we started working on the movie. So Kenny and Devon wanted us to really create a bond and friendship that was believable.
Since I spent so much time with them, it was easy for me to form such a close connection with the other actors in Lithuania, where we shot the film for five weeks. We had an entire week where we did nothing but develop our friendships, which we still have today.
SY: Speaking of working with your co-stars, how did you build your working relationships with them, particularly Robert LaSardo, since Amy and the Artist form an emotional connection that he doesn’t have with her friends?
TD: Everybody was fantastic, and we had such great chemistry together. Robert is a phenomenal actor. Not only is he amazingly brilliant, but he’s also so passionate about his work. It was easy for me to work with him, because he was so great at what he did. I learned so much from Robert on set, and working with him still inspires me today. I still see him, and continue to be captivated by him. In the film, Amy is captivated by The Artist, which is similar to how I feel about Robert. He has given me a lot of advice, and I feel like I have grown as a better actor because of him.
SY: Since Amy is one of your first leading roles, what was the overall experience of making the horror film, and showing her physical and emotional scares? Also, how did you become involved in acting?
TD: My interest in acting started when I was very young. I was always around it, as my dad was a stuntman in the business, and has been working for a very long time. I got into acting through him, but didn’t realize until high school that I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. So I went to college for film and television production, and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree. I then got a job at a production company, and wrote, directed and produced. I realized that I love being in all aspects of film, both behind and in front of the camera.
I worked with Zoë Bell and Rachel Nichols in the move ‘Raze,’ which is a horror film that has a lot of stunts in it. Since my dad was a stuntman, I had already done a lot of my own stunts. That process helped me train for ‘Anarchy Parlor.’
I never thought I’d be the lead in a film, so this was definitely a shock. But it was the best experience I have ever had. Filming in Lithuania was really fun, but also very trying. I spent two weeks in a dungeon, where I would cry for 12 hours straight. It was intense work, but I’m really glad I did it. It was an amazing learning experience.
SY: Speaking of the fact that ‘Anarchy Parlor’ is an action-driven horror film, did you perform many of your own stunts for your role of Amy? How did performing the physicality of the character influence the way you emotionally related to her?
TD: Yes, I absolutely love performing stunts, and have a lot of experience in it. So I was very adamant about me doing my own stunts on the film. If I could choose a dream role, it would be like Kate Beckinsale in ‘Underworld’ or Scarlett Johansson in ‘The Avengers.’ I would love to do something physical and fun, but also requires you to do a lot of acting, as well.
SY: What was the process of collaborating with ‘Anarchy Parlor’s writers and directors, Kenny and Devon, who you mentioned earlier, especially since they were first-time helmers?
TD: Kenny and Devon were amazing to work with. I’m sure they were faced with problems on the set, but they never let them compromise the film. They inspired the cast and crew everyday. We all wanted to be better for them, because we realized and appreciated their vision. They were so great at working with each other. I definitely think they’re going to do more great things soon, and hope I can be a part of whatever they do next.
SY: ‘Anarchy Parlor’ was set and shot entirely on location in Vilnius, Lithuania, like you mentioned earlier. What was your experience of filming the movie there independently? How did it help create the characters’ and story’s authenticity?
TD: Vilnius is such a beautiful and nice city, and everyone there welcomed us with open arms. Since the city is so grand, we were taken aback in awe. So that response was easy for us to have on camera. We were able to act like our characters were seeing everything for the first time, because we were witnessing it for the first time ourselves.
But there are those moments in the film when we were in the dark alleys. But when we turned around, we were looking at the beautiful city. The film makes it seem like it’s scarier than it actually is, but when you turn around, it’s really beautiful. So it was interesting to see these big, well-lit places before we went into the dark dungeons. but I think the locations worked really well well in the film. Everything was beautifully shot by Edd (Lukas), our DP (Director of Photography).
SY: ‘Anarchy Parlor’ premiered at the 2014 Screamfest Horror Film Festival. What was your experience of bringing the movie to the festival? How did audiences react to it there?
TD: It was something I have never experienced before, but it was really great. I’m actually very shy, so when I went up to take pictures, my heart was pounding so fast. (laughs) It was so surreal.
The fact that ‘Anarchy Parlor’ ended up headlining the festival was amazing. The theater where the film played holds about 400 seats, and it was sold out. It was interesting to see all these people who were so excited to see this film. When I went to the premiere, I hadn’t seen the film yet, so I was very excited, but also nervous, to watch it. But it was a fantastic experience, and everyone I spoke to loved the film.
SY: Speaking of horror fans being so passionate towards the genre, have you always enjoy watching horror movies? Are there any particular horror filmmakers who have inspired you as an actress?
TD: Well, I get scared easily, so it’s not my favorite genre. But I can appreciate horror films and actresses who have starred in them, from Jamie Lee Curtis in ‘Halloween’ to Jessica Biel in ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.’ They’re awesome scream queens, and I love how their careers started in the genre.
I also really love Wes Craven, and think his movies are very funny, particularly since they have a little satire in them. ‘Anarchy Parlor’ actually reminded me of a Wes Craven movie, which is why I was so excited to work on it. It’s very serious with Robert’s character, The Artist, but it’s also very satirical with the kids. They serve as the film’s comic relief, because otherwise it would just be horrific. I thought it has a great premise, so I couldn’t wait to work on it.
SY: Like you mentioned earlier, you also have experience working behind the camera, including directing an episode of the television series, ’20s vs. 30s’ and producing the short film, ‘A Grail of Two Idiots.’ Are you interesting in further pursuing acting, directing and producing in the future?
TD: Absolutely-I’m actually working on a few ideas, and am collaborating with a couple people in the business. I’m working with Andrew Pagana, who’s one of the producers of ‘Anarchy Parlor,’ on a few things, and I can’t wait to see what we come up with.
Written by: Karen Benardello