Since spooky season is upon us. what better way to celebrate than to have the chance to speak with Hell House LLC actress Lauren A. Kennedy. While she has been nominated for several things and has been in plenty of films I had to make the focus of this interview Hell House LLC. This is one happens to be at the top of my all time favorite horror/paranormal movies. As for found footage this one is the leader of the pack. Have a look at the trailer then dive into a very cool interview with the girl chained in the basement, Lauren A. Kennedy.
HELL HOUSE LLC Trailer
Interview
Q. You played the role of Melissa Goodwin in Hell House LLC. Famously known as the girl chained in the basement. How did the part come to light and you being cast for it?
A. I had worked with Ryan Jennifer on a short horror film about a a cannibalistic sorority shortly before she was cast as Sarah. She knew I loved horror films and that I had worked on a horror theater show called Blackout, which is part of what inspired the producers and Stephen to write Hell House LLC, so she mentioned my name when they were talking about casting for the actress in the basement. She reached out to ask me if I was interested, I came in for an audition, and the rest of history! It was all a matter of right place right time right people.
Q. You made a short cameo in Hell House 2 as Melissa. Was there any delay in accepting the role and coming back to the hotel?
A. Zero delay, all hype, couldn’t have been more honored for the cameo.
Q. Hell House LLC released in October of 2015. Is it kind of a "WOW" moment for you that 7 years later a movie you were in is trending at one of its highest rates ever?
A. I could have never predicted the popularity of Hell House LLC. My ten year old self would be so proud. Horror has always been my favorite genre and acting was my passion from a very young age. The fan base around these films is such a lovely community of horror geeks and I want to be friends with all of you!
Q. The found footage genre of horror has been around but seems to be picking up pace at light speed these days. Could you have predicted this trend back in 2015 when Hell House LLC was released that there would be a massive influx in the found footage genre?
A. I’ve primarily worked in the indie-budget world, and I’ve stayed pretty horror trendy over the years, so an influx in found-footage didn’t surprise me. Especially with social media and the accessibility to cameras via phones and lights and editing programs and anything else you may need to make an indie film. I think it took the genre a little while to find it’s place since it can be an awkward new viewing experience, but I’m so glad it’s here to stay.
Q. Hell House LLC received a ranking of 4 for the top 10 found footage films ever made. My personal opinion has it as number 1. With the exception of Hell House LLC do you have a favorite found footage film? Which film is it and why?
A. Paranormal Activity freaked me out…it made me sleep with a night light on. Host and Unfriended are fun as well because they are super accessible. Low budget, anyone with a creative mindset could have made them, and they are incredibly relatable at the moment. Hell House is up there too for me…is that okay to say? Haha which is a testament to Stephen and just the whole cast and crew for being able to make a movie that creeped me out even though I kind of knew what was gonna happen.
Q. Hell House LLC in an Indie film turned cult classic. The fan base of the trilogy is very impressive. Prior to the first movie releasing did you have any idea that you would play in a role in an indie classic that will survive the test of time and remain a hot topic years later in not only the found footage indie genre, but horror in general?
A. I could have never predicted but I’m eternally grateful and humbled to be a part of it. Every spooky season I get messages from fans of the franchise sharing how much Hell House LLC has spooked them. And as someone who loves being spooked, it makes me so happy to know I helped spook other people.
Q. How creepy is the inside of the hotel in real life?
A. With the lights on it’s actually a wonderfully cozy place! Feels a bit more like you’re backstage of a theater.
Q. The hotel appears to be a maze from watching the movie. Is that all film fantasy or was it difficult to navigate while on set?
A. Even after filming two movies there, I wouldn't be able to find my way around it. It truly is a maze, with secret hallways and doors. So fun!
Q. Was it difficult shooting the chained up scene in the basement due cast, crew and space?
A. Not difficult! It felt like a totally safe space and the extras were wonderful. Stephen was actually the shadowy figure that was walking towards me in the basement, so he was right there in the midst of it all to make sure it was all going ok. My voice was a little hoarse Last known image of Melissa Goodwin by the end, but it’s all for the craft! I loved shooting that scene.
Q. The clown from Hell House looks about as creepy as can be imagined and that is coming from a true horror fan. The scare really is the fun part. Playing a role in the film you were near that clown several times. Were you ever in a room with that particular prop and feel uneasy about it or get that scared chill down your spine?
A. Haha no, I wish I had a cool story to share about how the clown totally turned its head when no one was looking, but I don’t. It felt like a big old prop, and we had so much fun shooting. It was hard to be scared or even know if what we were filming was going to be scary! But that basement….it is kind creepy.
Q. Stephen Cognetti (director) seems like a great person to work with. How was shooting the film with him as the director?
A. Stephen is so fun! It was such a no-pressure shoot. At least for me! I’m sure Stephen was stressed, but he always had such an optimistic attitude. He trusted his instincts and he trusted the people he worked with. His joy for filmmaking is contagious. 10/10 everyone work with Stephen!
Q. What is the scariest movie you have ever seen in your opinion?
A. The Exorcist. I was ten when I first saw it but it holds up.
Q. What is your favorite non horror movie?
A. The Wizard of Oz.
Q. Favorite movie villain or killer?
A. Ghostface!
Q. If you could take the role in any movie released to date which movie and role would you love to have played and why?
A. Sydney Prescott in Scream which is a selfish answer because Neve Campbell was perfect, but oh gosh I just love the Scream franchise so much.
Q. There has been plenty of chatter on line about the potential of The Abaddon tapes releasing which as you know is a mini series connected to Hell House LLC. I believe the first time I heard about this was a few years ago. I know there were a lot of fans reaching out to Shudder and other services to help make this a reality. Do you have any insight on this?
A. Ughhhh I WISH I knew anything at all but I really don’t! I’ve heard some of the forums talking about it but I’ve heard nothing outside of what you’ve heard. You might actually know more!
Q. Since I am trying to pry information on things possibly to come, I have seen some social media posts hinting towards Hell House 4. Can you comment on that or have any inside information if this may happen?
A. Same answer as before. I wish I knew something, and I’ll always be rooting for the franchise to expand.
Q. Your cat actually made a brief appearance in the short film House Near the End of the Street. How does that even happen?
A. Haha it was just a picture of her! But we did film the feature film Meme at my old apartment, so Jazzman made a real cameo in that!
Q. I will be spending a weekend near the hotel for the Waldorf Estate of Fear and escape Hell House among others attractions. Have you taken part in these attractions? Do you ever make surprise appearances at the hotel while the attractions are running? That would be a huge bonus for the guests in attendance.
A. Stephen, Danny, Joe and I did a little meet and greet with fans a few years ago at Waldorf Estate, and we did all the attractions! Angela, the director, creator, magic maker behind it all does an INCREDIBLE job operating everything. I don’t know how she does it, but she KILLS at everything she does! You’re gonna have such a great time.
Q. Your work has been nominated for awards at the Tribeca Film Festival, Philadelphia Independent Film Festival, Rhode Island International Horror Film Festival, and many others. You have won awards such as best actress at the Berlin Indie Film Festival, the New York International Film Awards, and Zedfest Film festival. You always won Best Scream Queen at Scared For Your Life Film Festival. Is there one award that you are most proud of and why?
A. The Physical Education award my senior year of high school! I was such a theater nerd that no one saw it coming. And I’m decently athletic/competitive, so it was fun being recognized for something other than acting haha.
Q. Your award for best scream queen may be one of the most unique I have ever seen. Have you seen or received a more unique award than that one?
A. It’s a fun award! I’ve actually won two scream queens. It’s just a quirky way to say best actress at horror film festivals.
Q. I know you are an avid gamer. Where can people watch you stream? What game are you currently playing? What is your favorite game of all time?
A. I have a YouTube channel for some Let’s Play content I made over the pandemic with a friend/producer- Games with James and Lauren. I also livestream some Dungeons and Dragons playtime on twitch with Level1Adventuring. Both links can be found at my website (shameless self plug) LaurenAKennedy.com. I’m not playing anything at the moment- open to any suggestions! But my favorite game of all time is either Zelda Majora’s Mask or Resident Evil 4.
Q. There are some super fans out there and this question is for them. Did you take the infamous cuffs from the set when you were done filming?
A. Haha unfortunately. To be honest, my hands were never actually chained up. I could easily slide in and out of the cuffs. If only they could have let that be the case opening night….
I can not thank Lauren enough for taking some of her time to do this interview. It was my pleasure to be able to ask questions about a movie that I seem to keep watching, and noticing something I had not seen before every time. You can see other work and things Lauren is involved in by visiting her website at LaurenAKennedy.com. Also, give her a follow on Twitter @LaurenAKennedy. I promise you will not be disappointed. Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more content.
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