One Brazen Hussy: A Few Quick Questions with Helena Hussy of Horror by Owen Keehnen

To view the article on Racks and Razors: Click Here

She may have been born in Kansas, but she'll end up in HELL. Helena Hussy of Horror is the sassy hostess of a monthly web series of horror movie showings called 'Helena, Hussy of Horror'. Some of her titles in the series include 'Helena the Hellraiser's New Puzzle Box', 'Crystal Lake's Girl Friday (the 13th)' , 'Helena Trick or Treats Count Gore de Vol', and 'Gift Giving is Child's Play'. The popular web series led to an even better gig when the Washington DC dweller shot the intro to the Anthem Pictures DVD release of 'Deadlands 2: Trapped' ...And with any luck this will lead to Helena's joining the casts by acting in actual horror films. The love of the genre, the connections, and the winning chutzpah are definitely there. I say it's a given -- never underestimate the power of a hussy! So get comfortable and allow me to introduce the newest hostess with the moistest 'Helena Hussy of Horror' in this exclusive racksandrazors.com interview.

Helena, why don't you start us off with a visual and describe the place where you are answered these questions?

Well, I'm sitting in a big overstuffed arm chair with wooden arms by a little crackling fire. The walls are stone with thick red and gold brocade drapes. I have a cauldron of mulled wine steaming happily on a side table and overhead are candle lit lanterns made from iron and bleached animal bones. Ah, home.

So how does a poor farm girl from Kansas grow up to be a horror hostess?

Sheer luck, doll baby. I was walking down the produce isle, foraging for cucumbers and eggplant, and this really sexy guy comes up to me and says "You should be the next Miss HorrorFest! You're fabulous". Of course, my attention was caught! (He was really hot.) Turned out, his name was Lonnie Martin and he ran a film production company called Ningen Manga Productions and he wanted to sponsor me. My mother says he's looking for hanky panky, but I'm positive his interest is strictly in my talent. We made an entry video for the Miss HorrorFest contest last fall, and of course, I didn't win, but then he had this brilliant idea for a whole web-series of me. It's kind of like a reality TV show. Little snippets of Helena. With a horror movie twist.

You were demonically possessed at 12? What are the best and worst parts of having your body and soul overtaken by a demon?

It was an early spiritual experience for me, certainly. I equate it to an out of body experience: seeing yourself from a far and all that. I'm not as scared of death now. Its like, been there, done that. Oh, and I met my friend Marguerite in hell while I was possessed, which has turned into a nice friendship. The constant cravings for split pea soup are obnoxious though. And the migraines. Splitting, I'm telling ya.

You say Elvira is your muse...what are the greatest lessons you have learned from the Mistress of the Dark?

Never take yourself too seriously. You have to be able to laugh at life and at yourself sometimes. And never underestimate the value of a well built bra paired with the perfect neckline.

So tell me how 'Drinks with Swamp Thing' came about?

That was the first episode of the web-series! I was planning this big garden party and one day I was telling Lonnie all about it over and scotch and knishes. He thought it would be great to film me mixing one of the drink recipes I'd found. Like a cooking show! I'm always up for anything, so he whipped out his camera and presto, we did the first episode on the spot. It was a quickly shot episode, I remember. We had to finish before his wife got home. (Just between you and me, she's a bit of a tight ass and I don't think she likes me very much.) Any hoo, what was your next question, doll baby?

Okay, suppose a young lady were to come up to you and ask for advice about breaking into the horror movie world. What would you tell her?

Sweetie, follow where your heart leads you and NEVER do anything you're uncomfortable with. But, if it interests you and you're having fun, give it 110%! Screw what anyone else thinks.

You have been very savvy in using YouTube to get your name out there with films like 'A Deal With Death', 'Gift Giving is Child's Play', etc. Do you have plans in the near future of doing features as well?

How fun would a feature be? That would be a dream come true, but so far, no foreseeable plans to start a Helena project that would release as a feature. However, I am hoping that the way we structure season two will make it feel like a feature if you watch all the episodes back to back. We're trying for more of a through-line in upcoming seasons. The idea is that we'll have one huge relatively coherent larger project at the end of each season. So, feature-like. Yes.

So how did your doing the intro for the Anthem Pictures release 'Deadlands 2: Trapped' come about?

Well, that came about by accident, really. The director of Deadlands is local to the DC area and knows Lonnie. So, Gary, the Deadlands guy, saw my HorrorFest entry and approached Lonnie about the possibility of getting me to do an intro to his film for his festival circuit. I said, sure, why not! As long as I don't have to interact with any zombies. They're so drooly. So, the intro was shown with the film for the festival run and then put on the DVD as an extra feature when Anthem picked it up. Totally unexpected but, even better. This little short bit I did to help out a local filmmaker is now distributed and getting me some more exposure.

As your fame increases are you starting to get offers from horror producers?

Why? Do you know someone? What have you heard? My email is Helena@HussyofHorror.com . Feel free to pass that on if you have connections.

Do you have any other upcoming projects you want the racksandrazors readers to know about?

Well, I'm hoping I'll get to play with the ghouls over at Monster Madhouse.com soon. I'm also planning to attend some conventions in 2010. I'll keep schedules posted on my website as they develop.

Vampires, werewolves, zombies, witches, creatures, aliens, telemarketers...what does it for you horrorwise Helena and why?

I love vampires, they're so sociable and refined. Werewolves are great for a date, but not the commitment kind, if you know what I mean. They make for one memorable romp though, if you're looking for some fun. Zombies drool. I don't do zombies. Wait, what was the question?... what does it for me horrorwise... creatures. Creatures totally do it for me. They can take any form and because their appearance is out of the norm, they can have any power or attribute you can dream up and we'll buy it. They're outside our day to day reality. I prefer that.

What was the first movie to scare the shit out of you?

'My Little Pony: The Movie'. 1986.

Okay, we're pulling into the Helena: Hussy of Horror Drive In. What three horror flicks are on the triple bill for tonight and what goodies are they going to be serving up at the concession stand?

First up, 'Evil Dead 2' followed by 'Friday the 13th Part 7'. To wrap up the evening, Doomsday, with drink specials at the bar. Popcorn with extra, extra butter, Raisinettes, Milky Way bars, and fried pickles are at the concession stand. Yum. And a full bar.

What is your dream horror movie role?

I'd like to play someone who gets to wield a semi-automatic machine gun. I think that'd be fun. And kick ass in stilettos. It would have to be a comedy though.

What's the best Halloween costume you ever had?

One time, in first grade, I went as Animala from 'The Lost Skeleton of Cadavra'. Rowr.

What scares you in real life?

The color pink.

Some Holiday Videos for the Snowy Weekend- DC Theatre Scene

You – hungry for some holiday entertainment, yet suddenly housebound, thanks to this weekend’s heavy snowfall.

Us – looking for some way to cheer you up.

Idea! Share some of our favorite holiday videos made by friends of DC Theatre Scene.

Local Hussy Sends out Holiday Cheer

Landless Theater can usually be counted on for a uniquely edgy take on the holidays, so what better way to drive out the winter blahs than this mashup between Landless’ Artistic Directors Andrew Baughman and Melissa Baughman and Helena, Hussy of Horror for their three-part holiday web-isode series about a troubled production of A Christmas Carol.

Shot at MetroStage in Alexandria VA, written and directed byLonnie Martin with music and lyrics by Andrew Baughman and Melissa Baughman, “Helena’s Holiday Special” features DC area actors Cindy Marie Martin, Amy Kellett, Briana Zakszeski, Theodore Snead, and Josh Davidson.

Part 1: A Theatrical Dilemma
The fictional Lichtenstein Community Theater is set to open A Christmas Carol: A Musical Revue in six days, only they’ve lost their ‘Ghost of Christmas Past.’ Thankfully, Helena shows up to fill in and save the day, only she’s not the only understudy in town.



Part 2: A Deal with Death


Part 3: A Hussy Holiday


Meanwhile, the Baughman brothers and Landless Theatre once again deliver their slightly sideways holiday treats with a nice and naughty Christmas package: A Christmas Twist (7:30pm) and Carrie Potter at the New Moon Prom (10pm) Fridays and Saturdays thru Jan 2nd at DC Arts Center.

Helena, Hussy of Horror's Holiday Special, Part One of Three- Fatally Yours

The Lichtenstein Community Theater is set to open “A Christmas Carol: A Musical Revue” in six days, only they’ve lost their Ghost of Christmas Past!

Thankfully, Helena shows up to fill in and save the day, only she’s not the only understudy in town.

View Here

10/27/09 - Horror Asylum

The introduction I filmed for the Deadlands 2: Trapped festival run is an optional introduction on the Anthem DVD release, out today in stores.

From Horror Asylum's Deadland's 2 Review:

At the beginning of the movie we get a good old fashion Elvira / Rhonda Sheer type introduction from Helena the Hussy of Horror. It took me a little by surprise in a good way. Took me back to when I was younger and stayed up late watching some of the now cult classics. Helena doesn't disappoint either. Hot goth girl in a skimpy outfit holding a chainsaw is a great way to introduce a movie. It was really fun seeing the into, and, gave a great feeling of nostalgia while leading us into the main feature.

Horror News for 10/26/09- HorrorNews.net

The last two videos of Helena, Hussy of Horror's October Spec-Tac-U-Lar are now LIVE!

First up, since it's been a whole year since she last trick or treated, Helena decides to get some practice. And whose door should she knock on than that of Washington, DC horror hosting legend, Count Gore De Vol!

Helena Trick or Treats Count Gore de Vol

In addition, Helena is a guest this week on Count Gore's Weekly Web Program. Check it out at http://www.countgore.com

Finally, Helena gets stuck babysitting on Halloween night when her ex-boyfriend, Michael, calls her up for a little old times sake booty call.

Helena's Halloween Blues

Lots of cool plans are coming up for Helena, including our big December season one finale! Be sure to check www.HussyOfHorror.com for all the latest.

10/15/09 - Horror Society

New Hussy of Horror!

on Horror Society

10/11/09 - Horror-Fanatics

Helena is back with another episode of Helena, Hussy of Horror. This one
is a PSA in honor of National Pet Wellness Month. If you enjoy the video,
be sure to subscribe to the youtube channel. That way you'll know when
the new episodes are released.

See the full article here

10/5/09- Fatally-Yours

All of us here at Fatally-Yours love our furry friends, so we were delighted when Helena, Hussy of Horror shared with us her latest PSA on National Pet Wellness Month, which occurs during everyone’s favorite month, October!

In the video below Helena shares her love of animals as well as the importance of regular veterinarian checkups for your pets (with a little help from clips of Pet Sematary)!

For more info, please visit the National Pet Wellness Month website!

Watch the PSA and help spread the word!


See their post here.

October Press Release

Dread Central recently said "While it looked like our beloved Mistress of the Dark, Elvira, was to be a curvaceous cap to decades of tradition, ... there still could be some life left in the occupation after all."

And things are certainly looking lively over at www.HussyofHorror.com, home to Helena, Hussy of Horror. In celebration of her favorite month, Helena’s ramping up production on her monthly web series this October, giving fans one juicy video dose per week rather than the one per month they’re used to. Videos will post each Monday in October on her website as well as her YouTube and Vimeo channels.

“I think it’s important to speak up about issues you believe inso week one is dedicated to a cause that’s dear to my heart,” says Helena.“October is National Pet Wellness Month and we’ve done a PSA, Helena style. In week two, I’vepartnered up with a very “Spirit”ed Halloween franchiseto help me find the perfect Halloween costume. I'm honored to be teaming up with some local Horror Hosting royalty forweek three. And in week four, I’m staying mum, but I will say it's been teased in a previous video. You’ll just have to drop by and check it out. Hint: It involves the best day of the year.”

September was also a good month for Helena as she was featured as the September scream queen of the month on www.ScreamQueen.com. “It was an honor to be listed beside those ladies. Debbie Rochon, FelissaRose, Linnea Quigley, Asia Argento, Brinke Stevens…, how exciting for a little hay seed like me. My friend Marguerite was absolutely dying with envy.”

Recently, Australia’s DVD Resurrection said, “It's just a matter of time when Helena… carves a new notch in online entertainment as one of the sexiest and most outrageous characters in horror entertainment of today." It seems she doesn’t intend to go away anytime soon. Perhaps we should all get in the Spirit with her!

Horror-Fanatics- 9/15/09

Last week we teased this on Myspace. Now it's finally here. The new episode of Helena, Hussy of Horror is now online. This time Helena heads off to bed with her doll collection...

September 2009 Scream Queen of the Month!

I'm ScreamQueen.com's September Scream Queen of the Month!! I'm so excited. Go check it out here. How cool is that? My mother would be so proud... I've never even made the monthly honor roll before.

Horror-Fanatics- 8/28/09

"Helena, Hussy of Horror is back with another episode! This time Helena went shopping and found a neat puzzle box. This puzzle box looks very familiar. Personally I think this is the best episode yet..."

See their post Here

Dead Harvey- 8/5/2009

"This new web series, “Helena, Hussy of Horror”, was recently brought to my attention. As for the content of the series, it's a cool throwback to that 80's style of horror commentary and, in my opinion, it's very well produced and looks great. However, what I really like about this is how they put it together."

Read the whole article on Indie Horror's New Media Landscape HERE

DVD Resurrections - 7/14/09

"Horror Hostess Helena, Hussy of Horror (actress Cindy Marie Martin) is making a storm over at YouTube.com. As thousands of YouTuber's flock to see her new monthly web series... It's just a matter of time when Helena/Cindy carves a new notch in online entertainment as one of the sexiest and most outrageous characters in horror entertainment of today."

View their article here

www.Scabboy.net - 7/2/09

"Someone sent me this YouTube channel and thought it was appropriate to plug here since she will be doing a series of Friday The 13th related reviews."

View his link to Helena Here

Horror-Fanatics: 6/29/09

"Helena, Hussy of Horror is back with another episode. This time she tells us about her new summer job at Camp Crystal Lake. The video can be viewed here on this article or directly on youtube. If you enjoy the video, be sure to subscribe to the youtube channel. That way you'll know when the new episodes are released."

View the Article Here

Horror Host Graveyard- 6/29/09

"The latest episode of Helena, Hussy of Horror has Helena out in the woods telling us about the movie Friday the 13th."

Get the links to the episode's teaser and the video here.

Fatally Yours - 6/25/09

"Helena, Hussy of Horror got this great summer job at a camp for kids on a gorgeous lake. She starts on FRIDAY THE 13TH. If only she could find the place."

Their link to Helena

Horror Society - 6/24/09

"There is a new episode of the delightful Hussy of Horror up now... So who is the Hussy of Horror?"

Read the Article Here

Horror Host Graveyard- 6/4/09

"Helena, Hussy of Horror is a new monthly internet based horror host show staring Helena. In her short episodes, she shows select scenes from a movie and gives us her comments on them."
~Horror Host Graveyard

Read full article here.

The Graveyard Show Podcast #24- 6/3/09

"After a week off I've reopened the doors to the graveyard, and on this podcast I will introduce you to a brand new member of our horror community- Helena, Hussy of Horror. She just launched a brand new website, and we'll discuss a little bit about her past, women in horror, what inspired her to audition for Miss Horrorfest 3, and what it's like to be a horror hostess. It'll be a scream, doll baby!"
~Caretaker, The Graveyard Show

Listen to Caretaker's interview with Helena here. It's Podcast #24.

Pretty-Scary.net- 6/3/09

"Recently there's been a surge in new online horror hostesses. This renewed love of all things women and all things horror has given us Ms. Vampy, Miko Macabro, and now there's Helena - Hussy of Horror!"
~Pretty-Scary.net

Read the full article here.

Zombo's Closet of Horror Blog- 5/29/09

"Helena the Hussy of Horror Strikes"
~Zombo's Closet of Horror Blog

See full press release here.

Horror-Fanatics- 5/28/09

"It's not so often that we get to talk about new web shows. Today is
different, because we've stumbled upon an awesome web show on youtube.
There's a new horror hostess in town."
~Horror-Fanatics

Read the full article here.

Horror-Society- 5/27/09

“Helena, Hussy of Horror” Launches New Web Series
~Horror-Society

Read the full article here.

Pulp Movies- 5/26/09

"Hey there, doll babies! There’s a new horror hostess in town."

Read the full press release here.

Bastards of Horror- 5/26/09

"Helena, Hussy of Horror" Launches New Web Series.

Read full press release here.

Dread Central- 5/26/09

"Horror hosts are, unfortunately, a staple belonging to the genre’s yesteryears. And while it looked like our beloved Mistress of the Dark, Elvira, was to be a curvaceous cap to decades of tradition... there still could be some life left in the occupation after all."
~ Dread Central

Read the full article here.