Brinke Stevens is a familiar name to fans of b-movies and low-budget horror. The star of such genre classics as Nightmare Sisters, Teenage Exorcist and Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-o-Rama, Brinke is also an accomplished journalist, screenwriter and producer. Along with frequent co-stars Linnea Quigley and Michelle Bauer, Brinke is considered one of the original "Scream Queens", back when the title was first coined.

A long-time friend of American Nightmare writer and director Jon Keeyes, Brinke's involvement in the movie extends well past its inception:

"I already had a long history with Jon Keeyes. I wrote some features for his magazine and website. A few times, we met in person at sci fi conventions. Later, he pulled me into a fabulous book collaboration on B-Queens. Jon has remarkable qualities ­ honest, driven, and creative ­ plus he's an enthusiastic 32-yr. old with a wise, ancient soul. We just always clicked.

"On a summer visit to Los Angeles, Jon revealed his plans to me for American Nightmare. I was awed that he pulled it all together so quickly and efficiently. [Making a feature film is no trifling task, as I well know. For the last two years, I've been a co-producer for my own script (Buried Nightmares) and have yet to shoot more than the trailer.] It's a tough, uphill battle, even under the best of circumstances.

"In the early stages, Jon asked me for practical advice on casting calls. Gratified, I put my two decades of personal experience to good use. Via e-mail, he also kept me up to date on all his pleasant surprises and wins ­ like, finding talented actors or ideal locations.

"I was delighted to be offered a small movie role ["Lisa"], as well. (After all that build-up, I had to be a part of it!) It was a solid horror script, youth-oriented with an unapologetic female serial killer on an eerie Halloween night. Good commercial potential, in other words. I've known his leading lady, Debbie Rochon, for many years ­ a supremely capable actress who's long deserved a showcase vehicle such as "A.N.".

"I flew to Dallas in early September. Shooting would start the following day. Jon picked me up, and we made the last-minute rounds to crew homes. I was amazed to see so many Celtic altars, and thus to meet Jon's extraordinary friends ­ spiritual, dedicated folks who gave it their all. Business done, we sat on a nearby river bank and chatted about the task ahead. It was so perfect to be there at the onset I felt rather like Jon's muse, lending moral support and good tidings.

"On opening night, we shot my scenes at a lovely old mansion in the Ft. Worth Historic District. Prior, Jon had asked me to wear a Halloween costume that resembled one of my own past movie roles. We agreed on "Evila", a recognizable covergirl and mascot for MONSTERLAND magazine. My "husband" was Michael Price, a genial man I'd had the pleasure to meet years ago. In the script, we were heading off to a party, leaving our young daughter with the babysitter. (Naturally, terror and mayhem would soon ensue.)

"It was certainly an ambitious first day. The passing train whistles were a constant nuisance, and the late hours (5 PM till 9 AM) were tough on everyone. Despite the complex camera set-ups, Jon pulled it off admirably. And not too far behind schedule.

"The second night, I worked as Debbie's body double (since she hadn't yet arrived from New York City). I merely wore her clothes and stood menacingly in the shadows. We shot my first scene at 6 PM, my second one at 3:30 AM, and my third one at 9 AM. In between, I tried to steal little catnaps on the sofa. Everyone was pretty zombie-fied by dawn, but nobody complained or gave up. Jon was so good as a director, and he inspired our dedication.

"I was only there for five days I got to go home and sleep, while they all kept it up for over two weeks longer. I was so proud of him ­ he really did it. And even though I haven't seen the film yet, I suspect Jon did it incredibly well. I think it's going to be a great movie, and I can't wait for the premiere!"

Look for Brinke in the upcoming Horror Vision, a Full Moon production helmed by JR Bookwalter, and the eagerly-anticipated Victoria's Shadow. Brinke is also hard at work on "Over the Edge", her latest screenplay collaboration with author Ted Newsom. Her official website is www.brinke.com.