Kristina Anapau – Altergeist

Q) Please tell us the premise for Altergeist and about your character Theresa.

A) Altergeist is a paranormal thriller that follows my character, director/producer, Theresa Augland, and her team of filmmakers up to a haunted winery in Northern California to see what they can capture on film.  They discover what they were looking for and much more!

Q) What made you want to be a part of the film?

A) I was really drawn to the script.  Tedi [Sarafian] is a phenomenal writer (Terminator 3, Tank Girl) and does a great job at creating really beautifully developed characters.  I saw a lot of myself in Theresa and knew I really wanted to bring her to life after only a few pages in.

Q) Was there anything you added to the role that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

A) Absolutely, we were allowed to improvise in some scenes and the results were wonderful.

Q) What did you find challenging about the role?

A) It was a highly intense piece and there were a lot of simultaneously physical and emotional scenes. I used a lot of angry music to keep me in a very shaken, yet determined place emotionally— a lot of Marilyn Manson. (laughs)

Q) Did the cast chemistry come instantly or did you need to spend some time bonding?

A) Tedi and the producers arranged it so that the cast had time to hang out for a couple days before the shoot. We were playing a team of filmmakers who worked together all the time so it was great to be given those extra moments with each other beforehand.

Q) What piece of advice did you receive from director Tedi Sarafian that stuck with you during filming?

A) Tedi has given me a lot of great advice. He has been around this business his entire life and always seems to impart a perspective that leaves me feeling very inspired, a little nostalgic and confidant that I can do a meticulous job and still have so much fun at the same time.

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

A) There were so many! I always love night shoots and we had about a month of them. You are working while the rest of your world sleeps— in a bubble, of sorts— and it’s so much fun to be in that bubble with people you genuinely enjoy and look forward to seeing every night.  That was definitely the case with Altergeist.

Q) What do you think it is about the film that will make people want to take their time to see it?

A) I think the combination of genre elements is something people will really love. It’s also beautifully shot. Our cinematographer, Aaron Heck, did an absolutely stunning job.

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that an important way for you to keep in touch with your fans?

A) The transparency that social media allows is what fans have come to expect and it’s such a nice way for me to really stay in touch with what everyone is feeling about the work I’m creating— what they are wanting to see next.  The world has certainly changed from back when I sent a $15 money order via snail mail to join The Madonna Fan Club when I was a kid!

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters?

A)  Thank you for enjoying what we create for you. I appreciate so much all the kind words and support I have received from everyone over the years!