I chatted with actress Tiffany Helm about her role in “Friday The 13th Part 5” and her love of photography.
How did you get into the acting profession?
I come from a family of actors. My dad, my aunt, my cousins, my mom of course are actors. It’s kind of how we’re wired. It wasn’t something I necessarilly wanted to pursue, just because I knew the trap I would get stuck in at this age. But it’s okay because I still love it. I tried to get into something else, but I kept going back to acting. I really really love the craft. I’m constantly improving on it. I’m doing a pretty intensive acting class now. I’m not working on any productions; I do it because I love it. I guess I’m one of those nepo-babies, sort of. Just not very high ranking.
What is your take on the streaming world we live in?
We’ve gone through it with VHS to DVD and even in music. It’s a double edged sword. I’ve gotten to watch some great films from all over the world on streaming services. Studios have seen that and have started making great longform television again. It’s great to watch/
On the flip side, the residuals for actors just aren’t there. I probably get more residuals from “Friday The 13th Part 5” than the actors from “Orange Is The New Black.” That show, and particularly that cast, have won so many awards and get nothing on the back end.
I’m lucky here in Baltimore because we have The Charles, The Senator, and even some of the bigger chains will play Oscar season films. But there’s just not enough time or money in that period of time. So I’m grateful for streaming around that time.
What is your new project “Catnip” about?
It’s about a family who is attacked by feral cats at Christmas time. I act in it along with my mother. I actually moved in with her for a little while when we were shooting. I was also the Still Photographer on set as well.
What was your audition process like for “Friday The 13th Part 5?”
I get asked this all the time but I dont’ remember much. I remember the call sheet had a “Pat Benatar” type for my character Violet. I’m obviously don’t look like Pat Benatar ::laughs:: But they liked me and cast me. That’s a lesson to actors out there to not give up if you don’t fit the call sheet description to a T.
What was your experience like on set?
I have a very positive response to the time. Juliet and I would spend time together even when we weren’t working. I loved our director, our cast and our crew. I was a little scared of my producer but he ran a tight ship so that’s okay. I remember when I did my death scene, I was really tired and wanted to go home. We had to change the scene entirely so we were going into overtime. Most of the jobs I work now have produced overtime and I’m pretty happy for it. Back then I was like “God I’m tired, I want to go home. Hindsight is 20/20. Who knew that it would blow up like this into a cult thing?
Why do you think your character Violet resonates so much?
Because she’s so different. I feel like if you had any color in your hair, you were the “different one.” I was on the forefront of the archetype I guess. No you see them as a barista, or a DJ or something like that.
I feel like over the years Part 5 has went from the ugly stepchild of the franchise to being taken more seriously. Why do you think that is?
We don’t call it the ugly stepchild; we call it the “who dunnit” Friday the 13th ::laughs:: We had a screening of the film recently and it’s cray how well it holds up. It’s REALLY funny and it’s TOTALLY 80’s. The audience we were with loved it. I think audiences today are starting to recognize it’s a great slasher film. What struck me was how many of the cast members were trained actors and very serious about their work in the film.
What is it like getting to go to conventions and meet the fans?
I always have the best time. I’ve had SO much fun. It’s great to hear fans’ stories and see what weird and crazy stuff they want us to sign for them. Once a fan wanted me to sign the record of “His Eyes” by Pseudo Echo ::laughs::
I have to admit I was blaring that song when I was coming up with these questions the other night ::Both laugh::
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
So this was the question I kept going back and forth on with my husband ::laughs:: One would be to make everyone vegan because it’s healthier for our planet and for us and animals wouldn’t die. The other option was to have a rocket launcher on the tip of my index finger ::laughs:: Now that one can be dicey ::laughs:: I could be at Starbucks and the person in front of me could be like “no, you like got my order wrong, there’s too much foam” or something like that and then just take them out ::laughs:: I think I’ll stick with the vegan one? ::both laugh::
How did you get into photography?
I always had an interest in photography. I was enamored with photographers in High School and I really wanted to do that. When I lived in Seattle, there was little television or film because if something needed to be filmed there, they would just film it in Vancouver. Vancouver is and was more friendly to productions. I did a few projects there but I needed something to fulfill that creative jones. So I just picked up a camera and started shooting. I found my niche in dark fine art and had several shows around Seattle. It kind of morphed.. I don’t know how I got from point a to point b. I did this dark and surreal stuff and ended up doing very well as a family portrait photographer. I also like doing portraits of animals and kids and artists and musicians. But family portraits became my thing. I’m still here doing it.
Are you excited about being a guest at the Maryland Pop and Horror Convention?
I am! I’ve never been to Baltimore and can’t wait to see if I can explore it a little. We’re having a “Friday The 13th” Part 5 reunion so I’ll be able to be with my cast mates. I can’t wait!
Tiffany is a guest at the Maryland Pop and Horror Convention on November 8th and 9th in Baltimore! Buy tix