Casting Director Renee Godbout lets you in on the 4 qualities that every horror movie starlet must have

It’s Halloween season and horror films are in high demand. Saw V is making big bucks at the box office and some of you are probably thinking how much fun it would be to be splattered with fake blood!

Horror movies are usually easy and inexpensive to make, which is why there are so many out there. The scripts take less time to write and they can be fast-tracked through production. Saw is the perfect example of a horror franchise being able to write, film, edit, and release five films in five years.

But the films continue to make money and employ numerous actors waiting to be mutilated on screen. Many women choose to star in horror films because it’s the opportunity to be a strong female heroine. When they are the main character fronting the film, it’s not the typical girlfriend role and gives the actress a chance to kick some butt. Think of Sigourney Weaver in Alien, Heather Langencamp in Nightmare on Elm Street, and of course, Jamie Lee Curtis in Halloween.

So what does it take to be a Scream Queen? I helped to co-write, cast, and produce a low budget horror film over five years ago. The effects might have gotten better, but the basic horror movie formula hasn’t changed much.

When I was casting my female heroines, here’s what I was looking for:

1. Facial expressions that tell a story. Horror films are all about reacting to the evil in front of you or hidden somewhere out of sight. The audience needs to feel the fear through your eyes. A good scream isn’t going to sell it. That scream has to be accompanied by a look of sheer terror.

2. Attractive actresses. The entertainment industry is always concerned with appearances, but that’s even more so in horror flicks. The females who headline horror films are always drop dead gorgeous, and the lesser stars might have a little nudity as well. Horror movies may evolve but attractive females will always be a staple requirement.

3. Athletic physiques. No horror film is complete without a girl running from someone or something. We’re not looking for Olympians, but it would help to find an actress that looks like she won’t break at the slightest touch.

4. Chemistry. Most horror films have a love story somewhere in there. Expect to screen test with actors up for the “boyfriend” role. That chemistry has to be believable and make the audience root for the couple to make it out alive together. It makes the film more sad and shocking if they don’t.

Both Hollywood and low-budget horror films are made all the time. Even if you’re not in LA, look out for opportunities to get involved with a low-budget production near you!

Renee Godbout - Freelance Casting Director. Renee Godbout recently worked on the first season of The CW's popular teen show Gossip Girl at Grant Wilfey Casting. Some past projects include 2 seasons of Law & Order: Criminal Intent, the pilot for Dirty Sexy Money, and the upcoming Jonathan Demme-directed Dancing with Shiva.

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