Kelsey Caesar – Bitch Ass

By starrymag | October 20, 2022

By: Sammi Turano

 

 

Q) Please describe the premise for the film Bitch Ass. 

A) Bitch Ass featured an all-Black cast and cinema’s first Black masked serial killer. A 1999 gang initiation goes wrong when a group of four recruits break into a house of horror, as they’re all forced to play deadly games for their lives. Win and you live – lose and you die. I play the role of Tuck, one of the four gang members that break into the game house. He is the nephew of the gang leader with ambitions of being the leader one day.

 

Q) This film is the first all-black horror film in SXSW history. What was it like to be a part of such a historical moment in the entertainment industry? 

A) It feels great, to be honest. I always wanted to be a part of something that was bigger than me, that helps move the needle forward in black culture. It’s something I can tell my kids about one day.

 

Q) How was your character Tuck initially described to you? 

A) He was described as a tough kid looking to gain respect from his Uncle Spade (Sheaun McKinney) who will allow him to take over the gain someday.

 

Q) What made you decide to be a part of this film? 

A) I decided to do the part not only because the movie was composed mainly of black actors and actresses. Although it was a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. I would say being a part of the first black masked slasher/serial killer movie that will join icons of Mike Meyers and Jason makes it dope for me. I feel it pushes cultural norms. Something new and different.

 

Q) How did you prepare for the role? 

A) I researched and viewed several classic black urban films such as Juice, Menace 2 Society and Tales from the Crypt. I took inspiration from different characters in those films because I wanted the character to have that 1999 classic feel.

 

Q) Were you familiar with any of your costars before you began filming? 

A) Sheaun Mckinney (“The Neighborhood”), who plays my uncle in the movie. Watching him do his work was great, especially seeing his diversity in role-play, he played a totally different role (Gangster) from his TV persona (Friendly Neighbor). And also Tunde Laleye who plays Bitch Ass himself was in Black Panther. I was familiar with as well. Tunde is big it wasn’t hard to feel intimidated by his presence. He is also such a nice guy, he was a joy to work with.

 

Q) What advice were you given from the director Bill Posley during filming that you took to heart? 

A) I asked Bill about his experience being the show “Survivor.”  He told me and my castmates his story and how it really changed his life and one thing led to another and another. It was really touching to hear about his journey and how he persevered through all his adversities. It was very admirable, especially since I’m a part of that journey now for him being that this film is his directorial debut.

 

Q) Did he give you any sage career advice? 

A) I wouldn’t say he gave me sage advice. But working with him was an honor and a great experience. I’d appreciate it because he was meticulous about what he wanted. If he can make it happen, he will and that’s what I love about him.

 

Q) You also got to work with the legendary Tony Todd. Talk about your time working together. 

A) Unfortunately, I never got to work with Tony on this film or my other film Devilreaux. Our schedules didn’t line up. Tony also shot his scenes for Bitch Ass much later after we wrapped.

 

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming? 

A) The creepy house where we shot most of the movie was for sure memorable. It was so big and scary. The owner of the house had all the rooms and stuff everywhere that were scary. The worst part was that you couldn’t touch any of it. Lots of times we will be in the house staring at weird things or we find a new object in the house we missed because there were so many things in the house.

 

Q) What do you hope viewers enjoy about checking out Bitch Ass? 

A) I hope viewers just have fun! The movie is fun to watch and feels like another black classic film, like the ones we saw in the 90s and early 2000s.

 

Q) Before you began your acting career, you were an Olympic hopeful. In what ways does preparing for an acting role similar to training as an athlete? 

A) I took my responsibility very seriously as a track athlete. Having discipline, perseverance and professionalism are keys to success in both professions. Just as you have to work out to compete at your maximum levels for the track, the same is for acting. You must exercise and improve your skills to stay on top of your game. When you do not win in a race or do not get the part you audition for. In both situations, you learn from the experience and work on the things that will make you better the next time. If you don’t quit, there will be a next time.

 

Q) What are the other recent projects that you have been busy working on? 

A) Yes, I have another horror film that should be releasing this fall called Devilreaux and will be making an appearance on Hulu’s “Wu Tang: An American Saga” Final Season.

 

Q) What would you like to say to your fans who will be watching you in this movie? 

A) Thanks everyone for the support! Please have and enjoy the movie. You just watched the first movie of its kind.