MORE THAN A SCREAM QUEEN

From singing and dancing to modeling, Pamela Sutch took on a number of different gigs before finding a niche as an actress in low budget horror films. Titles like “Snuff Perversions: Bizarre Cases of Death,” “Deli Hell,” “Zombie Holocaust” and “Rana - Queen of the Amazon” make up most of her acting catalog, which began in 1994 with “Sorority Slaughter.” Ryan Cavalline of 4th Floor Pictures has gone as far as calling Sutch, “one of the greatest scream queens out there.” But for her, playing a screaming victim just wasn’t enough. Determined to have more control of her career, Sutch learned the craft of filmmaking and started her own one-woman company Siren Tales Productions. Now she not only acts, but also produces, writes, directs, photographs and edits no-budget movies that are a blend of exploitation, sexploitation, martial arts, horror and comedy. Her excellent recent release “Transformed” is hopefully a good indication of things to come from her as a filmmaker. Nevertheless, she still finds time to get involved as an actress in indie releases like “Curse of the Wolf,” a best horror feature winner at this year’s Great Lakes Film Festival and Cavalline’s “Dead Body Man 2: Separation Anxiety.” Despite her busy schedule, the woman with the sweet, but menacing smile like Rebecca DeMornay and a punch like Cyntia Rothrock, opens up to Pollystaffle.com. Sutch discusses being a female in the male-dominated world of directing, her thoughts on nudity and violence in films, why you won’t be seeing her on a game show anytime soon and more.

Pamela Sutch

CCF: Ok, why don’t we start off with you telling us a bit about who Pamela Sutch is?

PS: She’s just a woman who spent her entire life wanting to be happy on a daily basis doing the things she loves to do. Siren Tales then emerged.

CCF: With Siren Tales, is there any certain agenda or umbrella theme that all the films fall under?

PS: Probably all the qualities that attract people to the indie b-movie genre combined. Including sci-fi, horror, comedy, ridiculous characters, sexy women, martial arts, action and anything that make these budget movies marketable. Also, I want to put something out there that has some type of depth or message to the viewer. And just what comes out of me from the flicks I write or co-write.

CCF: Before actually getting involved with acting, what were you doing career-wise and where did you see yourself heading?

PS: I’ve always been involved in art forms of every type starting from childhood. When I grew up I sang in bands and knew I was never going to be that 9 to 5 person. So I followed my dreams in a practical way. A bit conservative with making choices but always moving forward, I’m a slow climber and true Capricorn! I found ways of making a living throughout the years including jobs in the performing arts. I spent most of my time dancing, acting, singing, then later production, shooting and editing.

CCF: So essentially, you were a born entertainer. What is it about entertaining people that you enjoy so much?

PS: Not necessarily an entertainer. You could put me in a room alone for 10 hours and I could be perfectly happy just doing something creative like designing a movie box cover or working with effects. I’m left handed, so I’m a true artist. But don’t put me on “Jeopardy!” or ask me history questions. This is where I fall way short. But I do have a mathematical mind.

“I, as a woman, would like to break new ground and be successful from just making something unique and entertaining to watch.” - Pamela Sutch

CCF: I see... At what point did you decide you wanted to get more involved with the production aspect of film?

PS: It’s tough to make a living at anything within the arts. As time goes by, you think of your future. I wasn’t going to give up my dreams. Also, I would never quit doing the things I love to do each day and fall into an unwanted grind. So about five years ago, I redirected my career path so I could be sure I would be able to make a decent living and still do the things I love to do.

CCF: And which aspect do you enjoy the most of those you do?

PS: The finished product. And when it turns out like you envisioned it in your mind.

CCF: Being a female filmmaker, do you ever feel sort of like an outsider in any way? Even though the number of women directors has grown tremendously in the last decade there really aren’t that many of you.

PS: I don’t feel like an outsider. Maybe more of a leader. Also, when it comes to producing these budget movies, many will go all out with violence and nudity. I, as a woman, would like to break new ground and be successful from just making something unique and entertaining to watch. With the capabilities we have these days, you can go a long way with very little money. It’s mostly hard work and knowledge.

(Continued - Click to read Part II)