If you are a fan of the Hell House LLC franchise then you must know who Alex Taylor (Danny Bellini) is. The main character and person responsible for Hell House (in the film) to begin with is really a staple in this iconic film. I was fortunate enough to get the chance to ask him a few questions about the movie and things coming up in the Hell House universe. Below you can see what Danny had to say.
Interview
Q. You played the role of Alex Taylor in Hell House LLC. How did the part of the main character come to light and you being cast for it?
A. I found the casting notice on an actor site. I believe it was http://Backstage.com. I’ve always been a fan of the horror genre and of Haunted Houses in particular, I grew up going to Halloween Horror Nights in Orlando every year, so I was stoked for the audition. I remember it being hosted in Lincoln Center which added gravity to the situation.
I actually auditioned for Paul because I lean into comedic roles well. However, my enthusiasm with the content led the director to the idea that I’d be better cast as Alex. So in my call back I read for Alex and it was history after that.
Q. You made a short cameo in Hell House 2. Was there any delay in accepting the part?
A. No hesitation. I was floored by the reception the first movie received so I was happy to jump back on board. It was simple request and two to three days of filming.
Q. Hell House LLC released in 2015. Is it kind of a surreal moment for you that years later a movie you were in is trending at one of its highest rates ever?
A. Very Surreal. I’m always having to ground myself and say things like “well, if that’s the one thing I’m forever known for, then I’m cool with that.” I have a lot of things I still want to do with my career, milestones I wish to reach, so I’m hoping that Hell House is only the first thing I’m known for… and that it helps open doors for me in the future to help accomplish more of my creative goals. I know everyone involved in the film is more than grateful for the fans and our success and we all hope to deliver quality media in the future!
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 could not. I thought the trend was dead in the water. I wasn’t the biggest fan of it, but I like the gems and a few niche finds. I’ve always championed Blair Witch or Cannibal Holocaust, and I’m even down for a few of the Paranormal sequels but I was sure it was going to fade away after something like Diary of the Dead was made. Though it continues to be the perfect medium for low budget horror productions and I’ll support that every step of the way. I was excited to see the new formats being created with digital spaces like Unfriended or Searching with John Cho. I’m excited to see people push the boundaries of what could be considered “realistic”
Q. Hell House LLC was ranked fourth for greatest found footage film ever made. My personal
opinion has it at number 1. With the exception of Hell House LLC do you have a favorite found footage film? Which film is it and why?
A. I’ve already mentioned a few. I think original Blair Witch was a massive shift in filmmaking in modern times. It still holds up better than most. I think Cannibal Holocaust blends what I like about 70’s horror with what we have today. I love the Creep movies - for me they seem to be the best at establishing reality. I can believe those films actually happened, and they remind me of a short film I made years ago with my friends. There are a lot more I’ve missed, but to name a few I can think of.. I liked Project Almanac, Unfriended, Paranormal Activity 1 and 3, and REC.
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 could you have predicted that your lead role would turn 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. Yes and No? We all could feel the magic on set. It’s arguably the best part of any filmmaking experience. When you’re there and things are just clicking… our chemistry was on point, the set looked great, camera work was solid, and the story was simple. So we all knew there was something happening on set that would survive beyond us, but no way did any of us see this coming… we’re all still very flabbergasted by it’s growth and popularity and also very humbled by the fans’ dedication to it.
Q. How creepy is the inside of the hotel in real life?
A. The hotel itself isn’t so creepy… on the main floors. It’s an active haunted house attraction so you get to see all the inner workings and secrets revealed which eliminates some mystery. Though the basement is definitely creepy in real life, as well as the attic. And the hotel we actually slept in was also very creepy.
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. It’s a maze. The real haunted house attraction is very well designed. The Waldorf does an incredible job at building a maze for their attendees, keeping the fear alive.
Q. What was the most difficult part of filming Hell House LLC?
A. Sitting in the dark in the basement of the house, dressed as the Clown, waiting for actors to come down and start a 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 the lead role in the film you were near that clown several times. Were you ever in a room with that particular prop and feel scared or rattled at all.
A. Never scared by it. I don’t scare easily. But I did play the clown for a couple of scenes.
Most notably when Paul first films the head turn. I’m in the suit for that scene.
Q. Stephen Cognetti (director) seems like a great person to work with. How was shooting the
film with him as the director?
A. He was a fantastic director. Very concerned for actor’s well beings, he kept a cool head through all the independent filmmaking hiccups one runs into. He’s hilarious and he’s open to creative input. Loved working with him, it was like working with a friend I’d known for years.
Q. What is the scariest movie you have ever seen in your opinion?
A. Hard to say, I don’t get scared easily. Though I did just see Barbarian recently, and that was pretty damn scary
Q. What is your favorite non horror movie?
A. Terminator 2: Judgement Day, or Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind maybe?
Q. Favorite movie villain or killer?
A. Michael Myers all the way. Every iteration.
Q. If you could take the role in any movie released to date which movie and role would you want to have played?
A. Very difficult question considering I don’t act as much anymore. Maybe a random person in another random horror film. Or I’d love to do a super hero role, just so I could get paid to work out.
Q. It was recently release that Hell House Origins will be releasing in the fall of 2023. What are your initial thoughts about another movie being made to extend the legacy of Hell House LLC?
A. I love it! More the merrier! Extend the saga! Though I know Gore Abrams and I were talking about wanting to be a part of it again. I told Cognetti that we should be cast as the ancestors to our characters in the first movie. Also they should move away from found footage if they’re going back in time.
Q. There has also 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. I have no insight on this, sorry. They keep me in the dark.
Q. I recently spent the weekend at The Waldorf Estates of Fear for all the attractions rooms they had to offer including Escape Hell House. Have you taken part in these attractions? Do you ever make surprise appearances at the hotel while the attractions are running?
A. We did a poster signing once, and it was awesome. Great haunted house too! Haven’t done Hell House Escape room yet though. Sounds fun!
Q. There is a scene in the film that has several questions around it. You (Alex) gets into an argument/discussion with Tony about why you can not leave Hell House. There are some implied reasons as to what was said but no definitive answer. Could you shed some light on this once and for all?
A. I don’t think I can really divulge that type of information. But I will say the answer is in the sequels.
First, I would like to take a moment to thank Danny for his time. As a fan of the Hell House LLC universe this is a very cool moment for me. Hopefully, down the road, we get to see Danny return to the franchise one way or another. His character was essential for the first film to take off.
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