Genre staple Lisa Coronado – best known for her roles on ground-breaking genre efforts “Z Nation” and “Twin Peaks” – talks about her latest horror venture, “Holiday Hell”. The film, an anthology in the vein of “Creepshow”, premieres in L.A theaters this weekend before airing on Tubi on the 15th.
Lisa, audiences likely remember you best as Dr. Merch on “Z Nation”. Do you miss the show?
LISA CORONADO: Yes! I loved that show! It was my first-time doing TV. I’d worked with several of the crew on a film in Spokane a few years prior and it was such a warm atmosphere. The cast were just the best. And the storylines were outrageous and so entertaining.
Where did Dr. Merch end and Lisa Coronado begin?
LC: I always try to bring as much humanity to my characters as I can so I enviably bring some of me. Dr. Merch was complicated. I believe she was always trying to do the right thing, which I can relate to. And when she finally made the decision to stop being controlled by everyone else and sacrifice herself to stop what she thought was a terrible situation, I felt really proud to have been able to play her. But I definitely am not a doctor so it took some work on my end!
Between the emotionally-gruelling stuff you had to do on “Z Nation”, and then later, “Twin Peaks : the Return”, I’m guessing you’re a pro when it comes to relaxation techniques?
LC: Ha! Yep! I’m such a nerd really. So, getting home with a cup of tea or a glass of wine and watching a movie or playing a video game is my idea of heaven. I equally love going full throttle and totally relaxing. I’m at my best when I have a good balance of both.
But do you find it hard to switch off at the end of a day?
LC: Sometimes. I can be really amped when I get home. But if it’s been a long day and an emotionally draining one, it’s not hard at all.
Is it any easier when working on something lighter, like a drama or comedy?
LC: Yes! Comedy especially. Laughing all day on set with your buddies is the best. Although sometimes comedy is not funny to the actor going through the situation so it can be equally as tough.
What drives you as an actress?
LC: To tell complex, important stories. To connect. I feel most alive, most tuned in when I’m acting. It’s a hyper awareness of everything around you. And especially to your scene partner(s). And a lot of the time, it’s just so much fun.
And how do you choose your projects?
LC: A couple different ways. If it’s a friend I trust and respect that’s making the movie, I’m almost always in. If I’m auditioning, I look at the character and the story. And I write scripts as well. Stories/characters that I’d like to be involved with. Right now I’m into doing things out of my wheelhouse. Things that scare me. There’s no room for ego in those kinds of parts.
What was it about “Holiday Hell” that appealed to you?
LC: Honestly at first it was Jeff Ferrell reaching out. I’ve done several projects with him and I am always down to work with him. I love his writing style and the way he runs a set. It’s super safe and lovely and just pure creation. Then he told me it was a mom part, but not a super sweet loving mom. I read the script and went what?! What is wrong with her? And then I was like, ok let’s do it. This will be a challenge for me.
And did the script change much between the draft you received and the shooting script?
LC: I don’t think so. I’m pretty sure it stayed the same.
Did you have any suggestion for the directors?
LC: Nope! It was pretty straight forward. I did have questions of course. Jeff is great about talking things out.
Holiday Hell, I can only imagine, would’ve been a bit more of a lighter set than that of “Z Nation” or “Twin Peaks” – not only because of the independent nature of the project but because tone isn’t as dark?
LC: It was definitely smaller, but the tone was similar. Lots of chatting and catching up between setups. One thing I’ve experienced is that no matter the budget or size of a project, the overall feeling is the same. Everyone working hard to make a great show/ film.
Have you seen the finished film yet? Did you have a favorite of the stories within it?
LC: I haven’t seen it yet! Still waiting on my copy [Laughs].