Donna Hamblin
She played in Rob Darren‘s Dollar Baby Mute as Barb Monette.
SKSM: Could you start telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Donna Hamblin: Hi! First of all, thank you so much for having me here! I am a Las Vegas based actress, who started in theatre, did a little television, and moved on into the world on indie films.
SKSM: When did you know you wanted to be an actress?
Donna Hamblin: On my first audition for a local film, I had no idea what I was doing, but knew it was the direction I wanted to move into. So I started taking theatre workshops all over town. Going from there, I found a passion in myself I didn’t know even existed. And am so very grateful I did. I have enjoyed every bit of it, it has been a very huge part of my life.
SKSM: How did you become involved in Mute Dollar Baby film?
Donna Hamblin: I became involved in ”Mute” through the producer Rob Darren Newberger, Rob and I have known each other for a while, we were in a theatre group together, but I really got to know him on the set of ted V. Mikels ‘ film Astro Zombies M3 Cloned where Rob was the AD. We worked together after that and kept in touch. Rob had messaged me telling me he was producing movie based off Stephen King’s story Mute, and asked if I would play Barb. I felt very humbled he had faith in me to pull it off. Of course, I said YES and the rest is history.
SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?
Donna Hamblin: I think with along any other story Stephen King writes is an attraction itself. Audiences always love seeing them come to fruition. This story is the usual thrill of his work, compacted into a short story that delivers without all the long awaited suspension. In other words, the suspension is throughout the movie cut short.
SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?
Donna Hamblin: I didn’t audition, nor was the part written for me. The role I played of Barb is the character of the book already written in transcript. She was a lot of fun to play. She has two very different sides of her. That’s all I am going to tell you… Shhhhhh…
SKSH: You worked with Rob Darren in this film. How was that?
Donna Hamblin: Rob is an absolute dream to work with. He is very appreciative, considerate, and was really prepared. He was producing this movie all the way from North Carolina to be shot in Las Vegas. He had all the props ready and came early and spent countless hours location scouting for the car/desert scene. Rob’s a great guy and a great friend to anyone who crosses his path with. He gives actors room to have fun and makes it a fulfilling experience.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie you would like to tell me about?
Donna Hamblin: Oh yeah! When Doc Phineas (Pawn Stars), who plays Cowboy Bob, and I were filming in the hotel, we were privileged to get to do some improv, so we were goign back and forth where he was snorting like a bull, and I was holding lingerie like a matador saying Ariiiiba! All of the sudden, out of nowhere, Doc yells ”Here I come to you little heffer!” Well, I lost it and needed to recover after that. It continues to be a joke between the two of us to this day.
SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so, with who?
Donna Hamblin: Yes! Doc Phineas and I met while working on a previous film together, Hollywood Warriorress, a Deborah Dutch movie. So we already knew each other. Love that guy, he’s a dear, talented friend. Mark Gordon’s a dear friend of mine whom I met on the set of a ted V. Mikels’ film and we have done quite a few films together after that, and filming together again in January. Both him and I keep in contact. I just met Rob Marrocco on set this time, and he was a hoot, would love to film with him again. And Anthony Avery and I go way back. I believe we met years ago on one of Ted V. Mikel’s film set. We have remained good friends throughout the years. Anthony is a local talent that has definately made his mark in Las Vegas theatre and productions. John Ward, who did sound, is also a local producer. I worked with him on his movie ”Axemas II”. I knew Ross from may back, I believe we met on Rob’s prior movie ”White Paint”. Oh God, I am probably missing people here. I will say it was with great privilege to work among all these talented people.
SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?
Donna Hamblin: The last couple of months I have layed a little low. I am filming in January, hopefully May, and not sure what in between. I am cast in in quite a bit, hopefully the schedules don’t conflict. A few films coming up or already in distribution are Hellcat’s Revenge II: Deadman’s Hand, a Len Kabasinski film coming Christmas Day (Merry Christmas!). Another Len Kabasinski film, Challenge of the Five Gauntlets is available through Prime and gonna be distributed in a few months. Home Videos: The Complete Collection (part 1 to 3) from producer Sam Mason Bell out of the UK is now available through Amazon. Also producer Tony Newton (2 Die For) out of the UK. Last American Horror Show part 2 by producer Michael S. Rodriguez will be out soon (part 1 was completely entertaining). And Axemas 2: Blood Slay has just become available. I feel very fortunate to have these opportunities with all of these producers that have so much passion in their soul. I have more information on my website and keep it updated www.donnahamblin.weebly.com
SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?
Donna Hamblin: I love all the Stephen King’s movies Though they scare the hell out of me! I only read of of his books (The Long Walk) and it was a short story from the Bachman books. I have heard a rumor they are making a movie out of it, now that would be amazing!
SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Donna Hamblin: 1- I am not a competitive person, nor do I get jealous. That goes professionally and in personal life.
2- I’m pretty zen, but fierce with protecting myself.
3- I need alone time, and certainly appreciate when others need theirs.
4- My daughter, who was done movies and theatre as well, played my daughter in this movie.
5- I don’t hold grudges, but if done wrong, I will hold very strict boundaries. I tend to have boundaries anyhow.
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Donna Hamblin: Absolutely, I can’t express enough gratitude for all the support. I hold it very graciously in my heart. You guys rock my world! Without YOU, there would be no US, and I thank you for that. And thanks to you Oscar! Thank you for keeping this industry alive and appreciated with your dedication. Much love and gratitude to you all!
SKSM: Do you want to add anything else?
Donna Hamblin: Yes! I saved this little treasure for last. I played none other than Annie on stage in Stephen King’s playwright… MISERY!!! It ran throughout the month of October at a local theatre here in Las Vegas… What a blast that was! Muchas Gracias! Thank you so much!
