Calleigh Kearns has long been a fan of Angry Orchard Hard Cider and the Friday the 13th franchise. Little did she know that her intense fandom would lead to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, specifically the chance to get killed by Jason Voorhees. She's one of Jason's victims in the new vignette/short film Sweet Revenge.
Sweet Revenge heralds Jason's return after a long absence. The vignette, directed by Mike P. Nelson, was created in partnership between the Jason Universe and Angry Orchard. We spoke with Kearns about her experience on set and how it felt to get all kinds of bloody.
First, can you tell me how you became involved with Sweet Revenge?
Calleigh Kearns: Me and the Angry Orchard Instagram are long lost besties. I’ve always been an Angry Orchard fan and have consistently tagged them and interacted with them on social media. I truly am a huge fan of the brand. I literally have “Angry Orchard enthusiast” in my Instagram bio. I had been reposted by them a few times and featured on their “mad at Monday” posts and eventually received a very nondescript DM from the official Angry Orchard Instagram talking about how they were looking for a “fearless fan” and wanted to “fly me out to a secret location” to be “featured in their next big campaign." I joke about how that alone sounds like a plot to a horror movie, but I obviously said yes and that big campaign was Sweet Revenge.
Are there any specific memories you have of watching the Friday the 13th movies?
Calleigh Kearns: As a native New Jerseyan, October baby, and lover of slasher films, the franchise has always had a special place in my heart. Knowing that Camp Crystal Lake was based in New Jersey made all the camping trips just a bit spookier. You never knew if a maniacal serial killer in a hockey mask was waiting around a corner somewhere.
What was it like knowing you would be killed in a Friday the 13th film, especially considering Sweet Revenge marks Jason's return after 16 long years?
Calleigh Kearns: This literally is the coolest thing about me. Getting killed by Jason? A horror fan’s dream! I am literally still bursting-at-the- seams excited. Once I agreed to the trip and was slowly getting more details about it, I remember sitting on my couch and putting the pieces together and thinking, “Is Angry Orchard partnering with Jason Universe? Am I going to get killed by Jason? Did they know that this is like a literal dream come true? Did they pick me because of my love for scary movies?” Then I convinced myself that I was wrong until I wasn’t and that’s exactly what it was: Angry Orchard killing a fan through a partnership with the Jason Universe. I swear, once it was all laid out for me and I realized I was right, I was over the moon excited.
Regarding your kill and the slit throat, can you describe the makeup process?
Calleigh Kearns: It was incredible to see what goes into all of those kills we see on screen and it surprisingly didn’t take nearly as long as I thought it would. The special effects artists, Ryan and Beki, were so cool. They made the time pass by so quickly and calmed any nerves I had. They even entertained all of my “I’ve never been on a movie set before” questions. I truly couldn’t believe that I was getting my makeup done by people who have worked on some of my favorite movies. The process was fast— they put the prosthetic on and worked their magic so it looked totally gross but totally awesome and then Gio [Contreras] and I waited for our shot. Once it was shooting time, Beki and Ryan came back and covered us in fake blood. That was my favorite part. It truly made me feel like I was dead and ready.
What were some of your favorite behind-the-scenes or on-set moments?
Calleigh Kearns: There were so many. After shooting the scene, someone on set looked at me and said, "You play a really good dead girl,” and I will quite literally never forget it. I’m still trying to figure out a way to work that onto my LinkedIn page. Mike, the literal director of the film, asked me and Gio for a picture and I just remember thinking, "Why is he asking me for a picture? He’s a famous director."
Before the shoot, the Jason team and Angry Orchard team had a little fire out back where we were all staying. I was going around getting introduced to everyone and I’m shaking hands with this big guy and I hear them say, “Oh that’s Schuyler [White]. He’s our Jason," and I’m pretty sure my jaw dropped to the floor. I don’t even remember what I said after that, but I totally didn’t play it cool. The Angry Orchard team was absolutely wonderful and made sure that I was taken care of and prepared for everything. It was truly the coolest experience of my life so far and I couldn’t be anymore grateful.
Sweet Revenge is currently streaming on the Jason Universe YouTube channel.