Which scream queen is quickly paving the way for women of horror? Shannon lark, that's who! This girl is building her own horror empire, and fast! We would waste time listing a bunch of credentials..but the sooner you get done reading this interview, the sooner you can check out Shannon and her 'chainsaw mafia'!

DamnedSociety: First off Shannon, thank you for taking the time to give us this interview.

Shannon: Yay! Thank you for having me!!

DamnedSociety: How did you first become involved in the horror industry?

Shannon: Oh boy….it was a lifetime of getting myself slowly involved, from the time I was 4, and all the experiences built on them selves to take me right where I am. There was a 2 year span where I acted in my first feature, did a few shorts, wrote several scripts, and started my company The Chainsaw Mafia. That was about 7 years ago.

DamnedSociety: When I personally first got involved with the horror/goth modeling bit. my family thought I was some crazed satanic cult member...how did your family react to your interest in horror?

Shannon: Hah! My Father flipped out at first, since we was a minister, but he has come around since then and finally understands that I got my morbid sense of humor from him. The scariest thing for my family has been that they didn’t want me to be exploited or used in any compromising way. I was really goth, depressed, and quiet in High School, so they are all wonderfully relieved now that I’m doing work that thrills me.

DamnedSociety: That chainsaw seems to have become your own personal trademark, how did that happen? Why a chainsaw?

Shannon: I started modeling with Mr. Chain Saw in 2004, and it just took off for me. I was a part of a play troupe and we used him for 2 straight years in *Evil Dead: Live*. Everyone fell in love with him. It just clicked for me: a feminine woman with a phallic oversized weapon. It simply speaks personal power.

DamnedSociety: You have starred in quite a bit of movies, which did you enjoy working on the most?

Shannon: The most enjoyable so far has been *Walking Distance*, which is directed by Texas filmmaker Mel House. I loved the people and the vibe. I also got to star alongside Adrienne King and Reggie Bannister. It blew me away. I was also living in an RV at the time, so taking off to Texas for 11 days to work and swim in a pool was amazing. I’m not sure if I have *ever* had a vacation as good as that!

DamnedSociety: What do you enjoy most about working in the horror industry?

Shannon: The people. I have never met a more sincere, open minded group of people.

DamnedSociety: How does it feel to be Fangoria's first spokes model?

Shannon: Wonderful! I never win at anything, not even bingo. So it’s been surreal, to say the least. I take the position very seriously.

DamnedSociety: Speaking of which, your reigning is coming to an end, how do you feel about giving up your title?

Shannon: It will be bittersweet. I feel incredibly proud of the ladies stepping out of their comfort zone and trying out for it because they love Fangoria. I get emails all the time from wonderful women who are asking for my advice on the contest. I’m kinda like a mom: birthing bloody wonderful fantastic women who just want to kick ass and get into the genre. That’s what it’s all about!

My time of power doesn’t end until 2010 though. Waha!

DamnedSociety: We realize that horror is a die hard passion of yours, but is there anything outside of the genera that sparks your interest?

Shannon: Anything off the wall. It’s gotta be weird, strange, esoteric. I love all kinds of entertainment, and I don’t think horror is all about film. I also enjoy reading, riding horses, long sunsets on the beach, red wine, booty dancing in a club where guys don’t grab my ass, stretching, yoga, swimming, Pilates, dancing, and hanging out with my dalmation, Lou Dog.I spend every second of the day creating, so it’s hard to relax. I have to leave my laptop to rest and let my mind slip away.

DamnedSociety: Alot of women see you as a role model for female scream queens, is there anyone that has been an inspiration in your life?

Shannon: Wow! That’s awesome! My Mother has been wonderful. She is incredibly career minded and strong. A little obsessive, but usually in the right places.:) Lula from Lynch’s *Wild at Heart* is a fictional character whom I looked up to. Such a free, fiery spirit!The other mentors I’ve had are filmmakers and artists with whom I’m friends with. I wish I could like celebrities more for all the work they do, but I don’t feel like there are many strong female role models in main stream media (although Christine Ricci is doing wonderful things through RAINN). It’s amazing what you can do for society with the connections you make. If you get famous it better be worth it, for everyone.

DamnedSociety: And what advice do you give these women who wish to someday reign as a professional Scream Queen?

Shannon: If you don’t feel comfortable doing it, don’t do it. Never compromise yourself, or your beliefs, to get a role in a film. Always be humble and patient, your time will come if you keep working your butt off. Listen to advice even if you already know it: there might be something you didn’t know that can help you. Never wait for some Director/Producer to give you the role you want, make it yourself. Learn every position on a film set, it will make you a better actress and much easier to work with. Dear Lord don’t ever be a diva! Play both parts: the victim and the killer. Don’t be afraid to scream.

Also, get yourself a chain saw.

 [all photos copyright: Ernie Manrique]