Cliché : You burst onto the horror stage with All Cheerleaders Die . What was the experience of filming that like ? Did you know you wanted to act in thrillers prior to that , or was there a particular moment where you thought " This is the genre for me ?" Amanda Grace Benitez : I had such a killer time ! I worked with two incredibly talented directors who had an extensive work history with the horror / thriller genre that developed a large cult following , so I knew right away that this film would look and feel cinematically awesome . All cast and crew went above and beyond and never failed to create a family environment on set everyday . I never knew that I ’ d wind up digging the idea of being involved in such a flick , because I am the biggest baby you will ever meet when it comes to the world of horror cinema . My perception has now changed , of course , due to having an utter blast . I mean , come on , who wouldn ’ t want to be covered in blood and kill people vampire-style . It definitely had its perks !
Your new film , The Ranger , is about 80s punks going up against a deranged park ranger . What ' s the intention behind setting the film in the 80s ? I believe it was to have a retro style film that capitalized on 80s punk music and lifestyle . Not to mention , it was pre-cellphone era , which helped the story tremendously in regards to the punks not being able to have the ability to phone out for help .
What attracted you to such an unusual concept ? I was given a lookbook before ever signing onto this project . After reading , my immediate reaction was that I needed to be involved in such an artistic endeavor . I was a punk kid all throughout junior high and high school . I never thought in my wildest imagination that I ’ d be able to relive those days . It was super cool !
Tell us about your character , Amber . Amber is the ultimate life of the party , complete with blue hair . She ’ s a free spirit who left her privileged background behind to try the punk scene on for size . At the end of the day , she ’ s just seeking acceptance and love , which happens to be all in the wrong places . Being involved with the punk scene back in the day , assuming the role of Amber was a natural fit . Although , she is a tad cooler than I was .
The main struggle for survival takes place in the woods . How do you think this contributes to the overall mood of the film ? The woods are definitely a symbolic motif for horror . It ’ s very interesting how the woods can be so beautiful during the day and yet such a freakish environment at night . For this style , it creates a realm of anything can happen and there ’ s seemingly no way out .
In a total acting 180 , you also have a lead role in Emerson Heights , a romance . Why the leap between horror and romance ? Do you prefer one over the other , acting-wise ? I do not prefer any specific genre over the other . If I am attracted to the story , it grabs me , moves me , then that ’ s it . As for portraying a role , it needs to challenge me .
You ' re also a professional drummer ! What did you fall in love with first , music or acting ? To be honest , my first love was dancing . This led to performing at grammar school talent shows , where I really got the bug to perform . Both my parents are set decorators , and sometimes I would fake being sick so I could ditch school and go to work with them because I loved the atmosphere on set . The actors really seemed like they enjoyed being there , and I thought if you could play make believe for a living that would be a dream . At around the same time , I began messing around with the drums at guitar center , just for kicks . Before I knew it , I was taking acting , drumming , and dance lessons . But even though I enjoy several aspects of performing , I would have to say that being in front of a camera is where I feel most fulfilled .
Who are your musical inspirations ? I am a big big fan of 60s and 70s rock music , specifically Guns and Roses , Motley Crue , and Stray Cats . Tommy Lee for drumming , hands down .
What ' s something you ' re looking forward to this summer ? Getting that nice summer tan !
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