Our latest feature for Popternative Magazine is actor Verity Marks who stars in the IFC slasher Clown in a Cornfield which released in theaters on May 9 after having its premiere at SXSW in March. The film, which will soon be available to stream on Shudder, grossed over $3 million during its opening weekend – setting a new record for IFC. Verity is also known for her role in the 2023 horror film Elevator Game, which is streaming on Shudder.
In our exclusive chat, Verity discusses her character in Clown in a Cornfield, working with the cast, her love for horror movies, and working on Elevator Game.
Exclusive photos for Popternative Magazine by Jonathan Puente
Photo: Jonathan Puente
What can you tell us about your character in Clown in a Cornfield?
Verity Marks (VM): My character, Ronnie Queen, is your classic scream queen “freak out girl.” I feel like she’s just the character that says what everyone is thinking while watching horror movies. She’ll give you some tasteful, witty remarks and hopefully a couple laughs throughout the film
What was it like working with the cast?
VM: It was laughter every day. I feel really grateful to have worked with such an amazingly talented, strong, and supportive group of actors. We all pretty much clicked instantly and become so naturally close that it was so easy to make it believable that we were all friends on screen. Everyone showed up ready to work everyday and no ideas were off the table, Eli [Craig] was always super open to everyone’s thoughts or ideas creatively, so it just made us all work together that much better!
Photo: Jonathan Puente
As a fan of the genre, what do you like about watching horror movies?
VM: Probably the unpredictability and suspense of it all, as obvious as it’s sounds. I want to be scared! The feeling when you’re walking to your car after leaving the theatre and it’s the longest and scariest walk ever – and that movie is all you want to talk about afterwards. I love that!
Is there a particular aspect of working in the horror genre that you enjoy the most?
VM: I’d say it’s seeing the behind the scenes of what goes into putting crazy scenes together. It’s so amazing to watch and be a part of, from the sets, to the stunts, the effects, and the costume design, I always wanted to stay on set and just watch even if I wasn’t in the scene. We’re very lucky with the team we had on Clown in a Cornfield; everyone really put their all into it and wanted to make it amazing, and it paid off so much. Going from being there in person to seeing the final product on the big screen is so surreal.
Photo: Jonathan Puente
Do you think your previous work on Elevator Game helped you prepare for Clown in a Cornfield?
VM: Definitely. I think I take away something from every project I’ve worked on whether I was there for only a couple of days or for weeks. Each project differs so much that there’s always something to learn from the experience and the people I have the pleasure of working with. Although, I will say that Rebekah McKendry [director of Elevator Game] gave me a couple of tips on how to give a damn good scream.
_
Clown in a Cornfield will stream on Shudder soon.
Follow Verity Marks: Instagram
Follow Popternative Magazine: Instagram