FROM BLOODY DISGUSTING
Chainsaw Sally
Star April Monique
By: Elaine Lamkin
She's 5'2” and has eyes of blue but that's about the extent of the “cootchie-coo” element that is “Chainsaw Sally”, the new horror icon-to-be who has been shaking up the Internet and now has her first movie due out soon. But the actress who plays her, April Monique Burril, IS as charming and friendly a person as you could imagine and ever-so-slightly bewildered by the overwhelming popularity of a character she originally created to help market her husband's first film, “Silver Scream”. Bloody-Disgusting recently spoke with her about the character she helped to create and the franchise which seems poised to launch as a second “Chainsaw Sally” movie is soon to start production.
BD: So, what IS The April Monique Burril Story up until you met JimmyO and became a cult heroine?
AB: Hmmm.. not asking much, are ya? Obviously, I'm into horror. Very very into it. And have been ever since that fateful day (somewhere around 4th grade) when I snuck that copy of Stephen King's “Nightshift” off my mom's bedside table and read it through. It was a hopeless love affair ever since. I've been an artist all my life. Visual art (painting, drawing, etc) has always been my main focus and is actually how I make my bread and butter these days. However, I'm in love with art in all its forms, including performing and have - off and on - been involved in the occasional play or dance theatre purely because I love it. Up until the time JimmyO and I got together, my theatre performances were rare and only when I had the spare time. I've never had aspirations of stardom. I became involved in JimmyO's plays and movies because they're fun. Lots and lots of fun! And I will continue to work with him for the same reason.
BD: JimmyO says the two of you were married on Halloween. Is that your favorite holiday and can you describe your wedding a bit (sounds wonderful)?
AB: Oh, our wedding was AWESOME!! The only complaint we had (and actually all the guests agree) was that it was too short. Everyone had a great time. Everyone, Jimmy, I, our wedding parties, the guests, even the preacher was in costume. (My parents couldn't believe all the relatives went along with it. I have a really cool family!) For the ceremony, the guests were seated in concentric circles around us. For my wedding march, the cast members from Jamo (our theatre group) hummed “Love You To Pieces” from the musical “Silver Scream.” When we kissed, we actually had fog and strobe effects. Later on, instead of physical gifts (which we got anyway, of course), I asked that those with talent (and there are just TONS of it between mine and Jimmy's families plus the Jamo cast which made up most of our friends at the time) put on a show for us. So, for awhile everyone was entertained by a variety of impromptu band performances, solo singing, a sword swallower, and the piece de resistance, a dance choreographed by Jimmy's sister, Katie Hutchinson, to a Led Zeppelin song that led into “our dance.” Pretty wonderful.
BD: How did you come up with the “look” of “Sally”? I know she is inspired by Elvira and Tank Girl, but neither of those characters immediately pops into mind when one sees “Sally”.
AB: Well, that really is where it started. Actually, there's a lot more Tank Girl in Sally's look than Elvira. But there is also a generous helping of my own personal style and way of dressing.
BD: Did you have any idea that “Sally” would take off like she did? And how did you initially feel about her popularity?
AB: Absolutely no idea whatsoever. I'm still trying to wrap my brain around that one. I'm glad she's taken off so wildly, but I still can't see what's making it happen. It's neat. I've liked the whole ride right from the get-go. Though we did have to get an unlisted number when folks started looking me up in the phone book. (but even that was highly amusing...)
BD: When the two of you met producer Mark Redfield at a horror convention, that was for “Silver Scream”, correct? How did he talk you two into bringing “Sally” to the “big screen”?
AB: It wasn't very hard. I really think he and JimmyO were on the same page with that one. After “Silver Scream”, Jimmy was searching for the next project, actually eyeing up a movie version of one of he and James's other musicals, “Attack of the Killer Space Vultures from Planet X”, when Mark asked about a Chainsaw Sally movie. Jimmy rolled the idea around and felt it really was the natural next step for a film, considering the ridiculous popularity of the character and website.
BD: How much input did you have in the script for “Chainsaw Sally”?
AB: As much as I wanted. Being in the same house as it was written, Jimmy would let me look things over as he went along and was open to any comments I had.
BD: You and co-star Alec Joseph (brother Ruby) designed and made your own costumes? Was there any specific influence for your look or Ruby's?
AB: Hmmm. You saw my influences - Tank Girl, Elvira, and myself. As for Ruby, we were going for someone seriously gender-confused, shut off from the world, except for the twisted movies he and Sally enjoyed and trying to look as if he and Sally pretty much pulled their clothes from the same closet. The only real difference being that Sally had to know how to “blend in” in the outside world and Ruby was left to his own devices.
BD: You were pregnant when you filmed “Chainsaw Sally”. I didn't notice it but it must have affected certain things you could and could not do in the film. How far along were you and what things had to be done by a double?
AB: I was just passing into my 4th month when we started shooting. In the past, I would really put myself on the line for performances (with Jamo), every physical act was full-out, bruises were ignored, sleep was avoided. Being pregnant meant really putting the brakes on. It was very hard to put my health as a priority during a show. But, of course, it wasn't really my health, it was my baby's and that's why I was able to keep it up. As to limitations, there were far fewer fight scenes than there could've been and for the running outside of the trailer, I had a double. Also, there are a couple of full body shots at the very end, where I had what I like to call a “stunt belly” ( i.e., a double).
BD: In some ways, “Sally” reminds me of a crazed Xena Warrior Princess. Did that character play any part in the creation of “Sally”?
AB: You know, I don't think I ever specifically thought about that, but yeah, now that you mention it, I'm sure she was an influence. I love that show!
BD: You didn't share any scenes with him, but what was it like meeting Gunnar Hansen? Did he teach you the “Leatherface Dance”?
AB: Gunnar is a wonderful guy. I'm so glad we've become friends with him through all of this. He was absolutely great with my stepdaughter, Lilly. Helping her run lines and keeping her from getting too nervous about being on camera. My time with Gunnar was primarily spent in pleasant conversation as he became friends with Jimmy and I.
BD: Who is the bigger “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” fan in the Burril household? “Chainsaw Sally” is SUCH a great homage to that classic.
AB: We'd have to fight for it. Of course, Jimmy saw it before I did, but he's 9 years older than me, so that's just not fair. I've had more nightmares based around that film than any other and each time I wake up from one, I love it even more!
BD: What was the most fun for you during the shoot?
AB: Probably all of my scenes with Ruby / Alec. I can be in the crappiest mood, and when Alec's around, I invariably end up doubled over in laughter about some smartass remarks he's made. He's just tons of fun to be around. Other than that, any scene where I get showered in blood is a great one for me. There's something very exhilarating and electric about it.
BD: How did you enjoy working with the great Herschell Gordon Lewis? Your two scenes with him are priceless.
AB: If chivalry really is dead, that man is the exception that makes it a rule. A more charming gentleman, you'll never meet. His wife is extremely lucky. Also, while waiting in between shots, he entertained all who waited with endless stories of his filmmaking experiences.
BD: It seems as though you and JimmyO are building a core group of actors around the “Sally” franchise, with Kristin Hudson, Alec Joseph and others. Is that a fair statement? And are any of the folks that “Sally” killed in the first film, returning in different roles in the sequel?
AB: Well, when you work with certain people and you like what they do and enjoy their company, it makes sense to keep working them, don't you think? As for returns, there's only one that comes to mind - Gunnar will be back and will play a major character this time.
BD: Tell us about Suzie Lorraine aka “Miss Busybee” and how she got mixed up with “Sally” and “Ruby”. I heard she will be back in an interesting capacity in the sequel.
AB: She's our toy. I won't explain it further, because it's much more fun for the audience to sit and wonder.
BD: Do you and JimmyO have a different “relationship” when he's directing you then when the two of you are at home with the kids? Describe JimmyO as a director.
AB: Yes. When we are on set, though we banter back and forth and have a good time, it's no different than the way we are with everyone else on set. When we are working on shows or movies, I'm a cast member and he's the director and that's it. We try to keep it as professional as possible.
BD: What can you tell us about the sequel, “Chainsaw Sally - Blood Kin”? There are rumors of some BIG horror icons showing up.
AB: Yes, there are BIG horror icons showing up. And I'll leave it to JimmyO as to whether or not he divulges any details.
BD: Are you looking forward to wielding that chainsaw again in the sequel? JimmyO mentioned that there could be as many as six “Chainsaw Sally” movies - how do you feel about that?
AB: Actually, it's more like 3 or 4 potential movies (really check with Jimmy on that - off the record). And I am very VERY psyched to get rolling again! It'll be great to play this role with my usually balls-to-the-wall all out energy instead of having to hold back and play it safe. This time the baby gets to stay with a sitter while mommy goes out and chops people up!
BD: There are also rumors that there may be a “Sally” doll down the road - does that blow your mind? That someone would make you into a doll?
AB: Yes, it does blow my mind. I won't believe it till I see it. And even then I won't really believe it.
BD: What are some of your favorite horror movies?
AB: “TCM”, of course (the original). Also, “The Exorcist”, “Halloween”, “American Psycho”, “The Devil's Rejects”, “Dead Alive”, “Riki-oh”, “2,000 Maniacs!”, all “Evil Dead”s, both versions of “The Shining”, “Salem's Lot” TV mini-series, Todd Browning's “Dracula” (the Bela Lugosi one), “Return of the Living Dead”, and many more.
BD: Do you have any particular horror writers you enjoy reading or certain horror novels?
AB: Stephen King Stephen King and Stephen King. I LOVE his books. LOVE them! I read others as well, including Anne Rice and Clive Barker and various other books by good authors whose names I've forgotten. But I'm always reading something. Always. Some people smoke, some people do crack, I have a book problem.
BD: Is there anything you would care to add that I haven't asked - something the fans might like to know about you or “Sally”?
AB: Oh, there may be stuff they'd like to know... but they'll NEVER get it out of me! Ha!
BD: What is one thing you would like people to know about April Burril that they probably don't?
AB: Nothing. If I haven't said it yet, they probably don't need to know it.
Visit the official website for more.
August 2005
by: Elaine Lamkin
Visit Bloody Disgusting