A relatively new actor to the scene Lily Donoghue has landed one of the four prime roles in the new horror pic BLACK CHRISTMAS arriving today in theaters. Eager to work and see the world Donoghue jumped at the chance to play plucky MARTY, one of the four main leads in the film and the only one who lugs her boyfriend around during sorority activities. How was it that Donoghue landed a plum role in a new Blumhouse picture? What was it like filming a Christmas movie in New Zealand of all places on the 4th of July? Learn all this and more as the friendly, Donoghue opens up to us here.

HB: What is it that made you say yes to Black Christmas?

LD: Well I had a director’s test with Sophia (Takal) and at the time it was just “horror,” and I wanted to work with her, I wanted to be molded by her. Originally we all auditioned for Riley (the lead), the four of us. A few weeks I got a call back for Marty and I was like “Yeah man!” I mean, it filmed in New Zealand, the script was really good, and it was a new opportunity.

HB: It filmed in New Zealand?

LD: Yeah!

HB: Wow. It does not feel like New Zealand. Movie Magic. Are you a big fan of horror?

LD: Not initially because I am already scared in real life. But after seeing how it’s done I think I have a greater appreciation of it now. But I love movies like Silence of the Lambs, you know, the psychological stuff and I thought Halloween was amazing.

HB: Well, it’s that you like a particular type of horror. Your new movie sort of plays into that with a lot of it being suggested. There’s a building dread. Have you seen the original film from 1974?

LD: I did, I loved it. It was so scary, the phone calls all being so cryptic.

HB: Tell me about your character Marty.

LD: Yeah Marty is the lead girl, Riley’s best friend. She’s very protective of Riley. They have been bullied together a lot.

HB: How did the four of you leads develop such great chemistry?

LD: We are all strangers to each other. But Brittany and I are from Texas so we got close really fast. Then rehearsals started and we had to get together, go to this room and do exercises and rehearsals and we really got close through that process. There wasn’t a lot of wi-fi where we were filming so we only had each other. That gave us time to talk, get to know one another. You know, when you are there for three months and living with people it’s really interesting. Luckily they are really fun and funny.

HB: When did you shoot?

LD: We were there for the 4th of July so we had a 4th of July party. Then Aleyse and I and Simon and Caleb took a day trip through New Zealand.

HB: Being that it was a college movie were there any practical jokes on set?

LD: Uh well, not on set, but definitely when we were not filming. But Caleb and I one time tried to scare Aleyse by singing out her window. I mean I don’t know. When you are filming in the middle of nowhere things just start happening.

HB: So even though you guys were there in July, I guess that would mean, in the southern hemisphere, that it was cold.

LD: Yeah it was freezing!

HB: Do you have any other projects that you are excited about or want to talk about?

LD: Yeah I am currently filming the second season of Dirty John. It’s 6 months later and Christian Slater is my father and I am such a fan of him. Tru Romance is one of my favorite movies. I just sit and stare at him. He’s so smart, so different.

HB: What was it like working with Blumhouse and Jason Blum?

LD: It was really fun! We were given a lot of freedom with the project. I got to meet Jason Blumhouse, he was so nice. They were so generous, willing to share their experiences. It was a great working environment.

HB: Was it a trip working with Cary Elwes?

LD: SUCH a trip. Yes. So nice, and he is such a good father. Such a good man. He does such a good job in his role too. I don’t want to give anything away, but he is perfect for it. He added such a fun element to the film.

HB: Fruitcake. Are you a fan or not?

LD: Uh, sure why not? I mean, you are doing a reference, but I think, why not?

BLACK CHRISTMAS releases today nationwide. You can read our review here.