Ayvianna is a British actress known for her roles in horror films, including Bogieville and Derelict, which premiered at FrightFest. Trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, she is praised for her nuanced performances and passion for working with strong creative teams in the horror genre.

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1. How did your time at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama influence the way you approach your roles

I think the most important things I’ve learned didn’t come from a formal school setting. When I was younger, I would always try too hard to please—I’d go to the hairdresser before an audition and spend money on a new dress. Nowadays, I try less hard, I wear what I like, and I tend to get a better response. People react well to confidence; they don’t react well to desperation.

2. What is it about the horror genre that really pulls you in?

It’s the most primal genre; it takes us back to when humans were living in caves, afraid of the dark.

3. How do you think horror has changed since you started acting in it?

It’s finally being treated with a bit more respect. When I started, it was hard to be taken seriously as a horror actor. Horror films rarely won acting awards, and horror was seen as schlocky, almost one step above pornography. Now, with the advent of A24 films, which feature big budgets, glossy production values, and A-list actors, horror is being taken more seriously.

4. What’s been the toughest role for you so far, and how did you get into character?

Playing Anna in Derelict was a challenge. She’s a young woman struggling with drug addiction, which leads her into prostitution. I did a lot of research, reading, and watching real-life interviews with women. It was important to me to honor that and try to play her authentically, as a real person—it would have been very easy to play a stereotype. But I felt a responsibility to real women who’ve been in that situation to get it right.

5. What advice would you give to a teenager who’s dreaming of getting into the film industry?

Develop a very thick skin! You’ll mainly be sidetracked by the voices and opinions of others. Learn to drown them out and listen to your own voice.

6. What are five things you like to do on a day when you want everything to be perfect?

Nothing will ever be perfect; I accept this and don’t try for perfection. Perfection is the enemy of the good.

7. How do you decide which roles to take on—what makes a character or script stand out to you?

I’m interested in good writing and having a strong creative team around me. My first questions with any project are: Who is the director? And who is the DOP? The quality of the team is of utmost importance. If I like the team, I generally trust them enough to say yes to the project.

8. What upcoming projects are you super excited about, and what should we keep an eye out for?

I star in two highly anticipated new British independent films, Bogieville and Derelict, which both premiered at this year’s FrightFest 25th Anniversary event in London. I play Mary, a vampire, in Bogieville—an intriguing tale set in a derelict American trailer park. Derelict is a harrowing and violent thriller of revenge and empowerment. Both Sean Cronin and Jonathan Zaurin are visionary directors, and I’m thrilled to be part of this new wave of independent British talent.

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