In this exclusive interview, Ayvianna Snow delves into the challenges and rewards of playing two vastly different characters in the indie horror scene.

From her portrayal of the feral, unpolished vampire Mary in Bogieville to the emotionally charged role of Anna in Derelict, Snow opens up about the physical demands, the importance of authenticity, and the creative freedom that working with visionary directors like Sean Cronin and Jonathan Zaurin allowed her. Known as “the British Queen of Horror,” Snow reflects on her attraction to the genre, the visceral nature of fear, and the unique risks and rewards that come with working in independent horror. Join us as we explore how Snow transforms herself for the screen, tackling both animalistic creatures and raw human emotion with nuance and intensity.

Nicolle: Ayvianna, how did you prepare for your role as Mary, a vampire in Bogieville, and what aspects of the character intrigued you the most?
Ayvianna: Mary was a very physical role so that was challenging for me, as I'm not first and foremost a physical actor, and the extensive prosthetics (including scolera contact lenses which obscured my vision) added to the difficulty. Bogieville's vampires are animalistic and feral, rather than the suave, sophisticated vampires we often see on TV- Sean told me Mary hadn't changed her clothes since she had been turned, and she's living outdoors, so she's dirty. In the end, I just had to give it my all and trust Sean and his team.

Nicolle: Your role in Derelict as Anna seems like a departure from your previous work. How did you approach portraying such a raw, emotionally charged character?
Ayvianna: I did a lot of reading, and also watched documentaries about real-life drug addiction; I was keen not to play her as a stereotype. I was very aware that this is something real people go through, and I wanted to honour that and not reduce her to simply playing a “bad girl”. In reality, having a drug problem doesn't automatically make someone a bad person, and I felt that Anna had a good heart- the circumstances of her life had simply brought her to a difficult place. I tried to play it with nuance and respect.

Nicolle: Sean Cronin and Jonathan Zaurin are described as visionary directors. How would you compare working with each of them, and what did you learn from these experiences?
Ayvianna: I enjoyed working with both directors as they both allowed me the freedom to have my own creativity within the roles. Inexperienced directors often micromanage your every move, which is draining, but both Sean and Jonathan had the confidence to allow me to bring something of my own to it. This was particularly the case with Anna, as all of her dialogue was improvised. But I have worked with the team at LBS Films before so I felt very comfortable with the other actors, and we have developed a shorthand for working together which helps.

Nicolle: You've been described as 'the British Queen of Horror.' How do you feel about that title, and what attracts you to roles within the horror genre?
Ayvianna: I don't feel remotely deserving of the title, but it's very kind of you to say! I think horror can tap into a very raw, primal part of us as human beings- fear is one of the most visceral emotions and takes us back to when we were living in caves afraid of the dark, so it hits parts of us you can't hope to access with a period drama.

Nicolle: What do you hope audiences take away from your performances in Bogieville and Derelict, especially given the contrasting themes of the two films?
Ayvianna: I hope fans enjoy the films and maybe take it as an impetus to discover Sean and Jonathan's back catalogue- Sean has made several wonderful films about working-class communities in the north of England, and Jonathan has made a previous psychological horror film about an older lady being gaslit. I hope it brings these films to a wider audience.

Nicolle: Both Bogieville and Derelict explore dark and intense themes. How do you mentally and emotionally manage the transition between such complex and demanding roles?
Ayvianna: Preparation is different for every role, but I guess you just have to be willing to give all of yourself to it and not shy away from it. Also, don't be concerned about looking pretty- horror isn't pretty.

Nicolle: As an indie horror actor, what do you think is the unique appeal of independent horror films, and how do they differ from mainstream horror in terms of creativity and storytelling?
Ayvianna: I think indie horror can afford to take risks that a big-budget movie with millions of dollars riding on it can't afford to take- they have to pay back their investors and make a profit, which is why you see the same ideas over and over again (Fast & Furious number 8!!) long after the franchise has lost any true creativity, and the same actors- all to minimise risk. But an indie made for £40,000 hasn't got the same need to mollify investors- you can maybe afford to take a risk, be experimental, make something a little less commercial, cast an unknown actor...it's more exciting!

Be sure to follow Ayvianna Snow on Instagram at @ayviannasnow for behind-the-scenes content, updates on her latest projects, and a closer look at her journey in the world of indie horror and beyond. Don't miss out on exclusive glimpses into her creative process and upcoming roles!

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Nicolle Knapova is a little bit of everything. She is a freelance translator, content creator and social media executive for The C Word Mag. She loves indie music and is always browsing through Spotify to find the next amazing artist to obsess over. Her love for storytelling means she’s always writing something and she’s not afraid of any genre. Her biggest dream is to be a published author. If she’s not writing her fan fiction, she’s writing her poetry and sharing it on her Instagram @elisecaverly.