Something fun about the fest circuit is I often meet people long after we’ve seen each other’s films and/or established e-mail correspondence. Shannon Lark is one of those people. Active in all aspects of horror with an emphasis on female-produced horror art, Shannon is a force with which to be reckoned. I was thrilled to finally meet her and members of her mafia in person aboard the Queen Mary last Spring at the Paranoia Film Fest. Checkout her website the Chainsaw Mafia, see her films and read her work.
Now, here’s Shannon…
Q:Who are you?
A: Shannon Lark
Q: What do you do?
A: I’m the CEO of The ChainSaw Mafia, Fangoria Entertainment’s 2009 Spooksmodel, and Director of the Viscera Film Festival. I act, dance, produce, direct, and write within the confines of the horror genre.
Q: What were the circumstances under which we first met?
A: Oh boy. I contacted you over email regarding your film Confederate Zombie Massacre because I screened it at the 2006 World Horror Convention Film Festival. It was such a fantastic film (and still is). We met in person at the Paranoia Film Festival, where they were sponsoring the 2007-2008 Viscera films and playing your recent film Death in Charge. You were incredibly quiet and you wore a really cute hat. I got up to lead the Q & A and I think I pronounced your name wrong.
Q: What were you working on then?
A: Performing for Fangoria’s Weekend of Horrors, and a few short films. Right after we met I ran into a ditch in the 2nd largest snowstorm Oklahoma has ever experienced.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: Releasing the latest Viscera DVD (with Devi’s film Confederate Zombie Massacre included!), editing my demo reel, writing a feature, doing a photo shoot with Dean Karr, expanding my website, talking to lawyers, and finishing up commentary work for “Ludlow,” which is directed by Stacie Ponder.
Q:What do you think about film festivals and conventions?
A: I love them. They are a great way to meet people who are just as weird and artistic as you are. It opens up opportunities for people to work together. Fests and conventions is how I make friends, otherwise I’m just too busy. It’s a great social experiment.