MIA Rose Frampton may already have credits in films such as Bridesmaids and Tammy to her name, but the 22-year-old is only just getting started.
Now set to star in Matty Beckerman’s sorority slasher The Row, Mia Rose stops by on Close-up Culture to chat about the film, working with Randy Couture, her time in a sorority and much more.
Q: The Row – out in theaters and on iTunes 27 July – is very different to the projects you have worked on in the past. How did you find the experience of stepping into a sorority slasher?
A: WHILE the role is definitely new territory for me, I was still able to bring my penchant for comedy to the role. I was very lucky that director Matty Beckerman gave me free reign to improvise and room to play with my character.
As a huge fan of the horror genre, I was very excited to be a part of this project. My favourite memory from being on set was watching the makeup crew make a fake body look like it was going into rigor mortis.
Q: Can you tell us about your character Becks? What we can expect from her and what you enjoyed about playing her?
A: I WAS able to improv and really personalize my character. Becks is very inappropriate and it was nice to be someone completely unlike myself. I am also saying that knowing my mother and father will be reading this article [smiles].
Q: Have you ever been part of a sorority? If so, did this film bring back any of those memories?
A: I WAS actually an Alpha Phi at Chapman University. I was very hesitant towards joining a sorority due to the negative connotations surrounding Greek life. Especially with certain chapters exhibiting completely unacceptable and ignorant behaviour that has put them in the spotlight and can ruin an entire sorority’s reputation.
I am happy to say my experience was nothing like what you will see in the movie. No deaths but maybe a metaphorical death by hangover. Sororities can create friendship and a sense of comradery unlike any other – as well as gives a group of women the opportunity to give back to the community through various philanthropies. I am lucky to have been a part of such an organization.
Q: Was the atmosphere on set as tight-knit as we might expect a sorority to be? Somehow I cannot picture Randy Couture joining in!
A: RANDY Couture was so sweet and I was so lucky to work with him. I just hope I did not offend him with my inappropriate lines. It was great to work with a female driven cast especially in the current climate. It was nice to work with a group of women that really tried to build each other up and support one another.
Q: Hereditary is currently making a big splash over here in the UK and Toni Collette actually admitted to not liking horrors while doing press for the film. Can you tell us more about your relationship with the genre?
A: I AM obsessed with the horror genre. It started when I saw Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho while I was in my film studies major. After taking a class on the Master of Suspense, I have such admiration for the way that horror films can affect an audience.
I know a horror movie is good when I have to sleep with the television on and my bedside lamp on the brightest setting. I also had the privilege of interning with Blumhouse Productions. It has produced amazing films such as Get Out, Whiplash, The Purge and the Insidious series. The environment at the company was so inclusive and enlightening. I can definitely say I am now well versed in the horror genre.
Q: I believe you graduated from Chapman University this summer – so a huge congratulations to you. Do you see yourself moving into a new phase of your career now that you have finished school?
A: THANK you so much. It definitely was not easy! I would have to drive from Orange County to LA and then back for auditions. It was about a 3 hour round trip by car, but I honestly would not have had it any other way. I learned so much while I was at Dodge which is Chapman’s film school. I think the past four years have not hindered my career but set me on a more clear path for how I want to shape it.
My college experience helped show me how I am not only passionate about acting, but I love to write scripts and make a million short films on final cut pro. I have Chapman to thank for moulding me into the person I am today. As well as my parents for giving me the ability to attend the school of my dreams. I cannot wait to see what the future holds.
Q: Music is in your blood and you have a musical theatre background. Do you plan on doing more stage work? We would love to see you on in the West End.
A: IT has been a while since I belted out “Tomorrow” while donning a curly red wig, so I would not mind doing more stage work. While my focus is on film, my dream would be to do Shakespeare in the park. So many actors and actresses I look up to have done it and I would love to follow in their footsteps.
Q: Do you have any upcoming projects you can share with us? What lies ahead for you?
A: BESIDES learning to become a real adult, I have another film, HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL, that is going to have a limited released in theatres on August 10. It will also be released on iTunes and On Demand streaming services. I play the title character who is trying to navigate high school while struggling with a terminal illness.
Q: Lastly, give us one last sell on why UK audiences should check out The Row?
A: IT IS a chilling take on the classic sorority slasher film and who would not want to see Randy Couture kick some ass on the big screen!
The Row is out in theaters and on iTunes 27 July.
Title image by Adam Hendershott