Dale Pierce: There was a horror film actress and model named Louise Robey in the 1980s, who made it big using only her last name as Robey. You are also using only a first name. Any reason for this?
Gwendolyn: My last name is just too difficult for people to pronounce. (Kiste, long i and silent e, rhymes with heist) So instead of constantly dealing with mispronunciations, I decided to go with just my first name, which I really love. I think that Gwendolyn is unique enough to not be confused with anyone else, yet mainstream enough. So it's perfect for my purposes, I think.
DP: You have several urls and webpages about your activities. What are these urls?
G: My film production company, Deadly Underground Studios, has its home at www.deadlyunderground.com
My clothing company can be found at www.zombieapparel.com
In addition, I host the Miss Gothic Ohio pageant (www.missgothicohio.com) and I am the editor in chief of the future online zine Mainstream Mutiny Magazine www.mainstream-mutiny.com
DP: You started as a model before going into film-making, right?
G: I actually started out in acting, then sort of got sucked into the modeling aspect. Being a model is just a different side of the same coin as acting, so I went with it. Oddly enough, the modeling probably helped me more with filmmaking and understand lighting and angles better than anything else.
DP: You also design your own line of clothes?
G: Yes, I run my clothing line, Zombie Apparel. We have done seven fashion shows in the last four months, so when I'm not making films, Zombie definitely keeps me busy. I love the fashion design as much as I love the filmmaking, so they make great complements to one another.
DP: Recently you did your first feature film. What was the title and what is the plot?
G: "Outside of Nowhere" is the name of my first feature, and it is basically about the intersecting lives of ten individuals who reside in a nameless supernatural town. In one section, you see two suicidal vampires who are living it up for one last night before they plan to walk into the sun the next morning. In another, an alternative drug dealer is haunted by the ghost of one of his former clients who died after overdosing on some of his goods. Then, you have the new kid in town who is a fish out of water as the underground leader of the town sends him out to help her with a few side projects At the end of the film, you ultimately see how each of these characters have affected one another's lives throughout, so it has fun little "Pulp Fiction" meets "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" series feel to it. For a full synopsis, go to www.deadlyunderground.com, and click on "Outside of Nowhere" under the Films section.
DP: Where did you find the actors for this? Did you run a casting call or just go with friends who would do it?
G: I found most of my actors and actresses on One Model Place, Musecube, and Extras for Movies online. The internet is a wonderful thing. In the past, unfortunately, I have had trouble getting my friends motivated to do anything, but two of the actors are actually my lifetime pals.
DP: Where was it shot?
G: It was primarily shot in the Akron area, with a few scenes shot around New Philadelphia and Canton.
DP: You had a premeire in New Philadelphia, Ohio at Kokos, a coffeehouse big on the arts. What was the reaction like?
G: The official premiere was actually at the Twisted Nightmare Weekend convention in September of 2004, but I got to finally do my DVD release party at Koko's. I feel that the reaction has always been pretty positive and for that, I am grateful.
DP: You have also been making and plan to make the horror convention routes with this?
G: Yes. I have gone to Twisted Nightmare, Dark Xmas in Warren, and Cinema Wasteland, and I plan on being at the Pittsburgh Comicon, Dark Karnival, and Dark Xmas, Twisted Nightmare, and Cinema Wasteland later this year.
DP: Future films in the making?
G: My next film, "Edge of Midnight" is slated to begin shooting in the coming weeks. It will costar myself, Lilith Stabs, Robyn Griggs, and rising stars Eddie Joseph, Tina Goldfarb, and Steff Mascaro. For more info on this, check www.deadlyunderground.com. I have info under the Films section and I am constantly updating the News section as well.
DP: You acted, directed and produced as well as writing the screenplay for your first venture. Was it harder, easier or about like youe xpected to do?
G: It was about what I expected. I had been on an independent film set just prior to shooting "Outside of Nowhere," and these individuals (who shall remain nameless) were not professional or prepared. This sort of scared me, but also got me motivated into knowing that I could make a film as well. So I think that I was pretty much ready for anything at that point.
DP: Any interesting behind the scenes stories?
G: It's been so long since I've shot the film (or seems so long; it's actually been less than a year) that I can't even remember. I'd have to look back through the footage some time to jog my memory, and then I'll just make a "Special Edition" of the film. A two-disc set!
DP: Closing comments?
G: I just want to thank you for interviewing me, and thank you for all the support!