After attracting attention in Reg Traviss’s acclaimed drama Joy Division, Katrena Rochell has re-teamed with the director for the upcoming psychological horror flick Psychosis. The actress also makes an appearance as a junkie in one of this year’s coolest movies, Kick-Ass. She tells Totals Sci-Fi about her work on these projects and what we can expect to see her in next...

What can you tell us about your upcoming horror movie, Psychosis?

Psychosis is inspired by a late 1970s Hammer horror short film by Michael Armstrong. It’s about a celebrated crime writer and fragile soul named Susan (Charisma Carpenter) who relocates to her husband David's (Paul Sculfor) native England in search of peace. They find what they long for – an idyllic, remote country house – but it is here that Susan's living hell unfolds!

How does your character, Helena, fit into the story?

Helena is David’s mistress. She’s the complete opposite to Charisma's character. She’s a professional, conservative, and very, very successful. Helena is involved in a seedy underworld and is on the prowl for success or someone who has had success.

You were also co-writer and producer on the film. How did you become involved?

I have worked with Reg Traviss on various projects in the past and he approached me with the idea of making Psychosis. We originally planned to make it a short film, with me playing the American in England. We started writing and developing the characters and sending the script out – and everyone wanted to work on it!

We decided to write more and make it into a feature. At least that way we had a shot at making our money back! Also, after careful observation of the market trends, we decided that horror was a great genre to be invested in.

How did you enjoy working on a horror movie?

We had great fun writing the script! I mostly worked on the development of Susan. Preparation was fairly straightforward, but shooting was terribly complicated and exciting. This was a film education for me. I’ve learned so much, both in front of the camera and behind it.

You obviously have a good relationship with director Reg Traviss after appearing in Joy Division and Psychosis. What qualities does he bring as a director?

We have been friends for a long time and he is someone I respect. He has taken me under his wing and taught me about filmmaking. As far as his qualities as a director, I love his attention to detail. His films look absolutely brilliant!

He completely transforms when he is working on a film and goes the extra mile. He hasn’t had an easy road to get to where he is and he keeps on making films. He loves it and that in itself is very inspiring. Also, he knows exactly what he wants, which is refreshing.

Do you have any plans to work together again?

Yes, I’ll be working with him again. I’m a shareholder and director of Kings Way films – in which Reg is the main director and shareholder – so we spend lots of time together.

Reg is about to embark on his biggest film yet, $10m, and I just love it! It’s a film about Jack Spot, who was a notorious East End Jewish gangster during and before the Second World War. I have a part as one of the gangster's girlfriends.

You also play a junkie in Kick-Ass. How did you find that experience?

Kick-Ass was unbelievable! Matthew Vaughn is a dream to work for. I was on the set for two weeks and we worked together to create my character. He gave me the freedom to play, which was a blast.

Unfortunately, I believe some of it was cut because of the running time. But the main thing is that we worked well together and maybe he will remember me when he needs another whacked-out actress. I love playing those mad crazy characters!

Are you a comic book fan?

I have become a comic book fan!

Do you prefer working on low-budget or big budget movies?

I’m more interesting in low-budget filmmaking. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to act in more big-budget films, but as far as being involved in the whole process, low-budget is definitely better. I’m interested in doing films under $2m.

I’m also very interested in the new distribution models. This way I have more control over what, who, where and when. The world has changed. With the popularity of the internet and, frankly, the lack of excess cash to put into films, the whole process is changing, and it gives people like myself the opportunity to get their stuff out there.

Could you very briefly tell us about your career prior to Joy Division?

I studied at San Diego’s Mesa Theatre Company under Mr. Juan Castro and then moved to LA to study at Meisner Center. About eight years ago, I moved to London and have studied at The Actors’ Temple under Tom Radcliffe.

While in London, I have done several smaller films, an internet TV show, commercials and theatre. Recently, I did a BBC drama with James Cromwell [The Last Days of Lehman Brothers] and a mockumentary called Finding Nina, about the absurdities of auditioning for the West End, directed by Dominic Kelly. Finding Nina has just been commissioned for more episodes. I love the character I play because she’s a nutter!

I have also loved the theatre I’ve done in London, and I’m looking to do more. I feel more at home on the stage!

What projects are you working on at the moment? We hear you’ve been cast in a new SF thriller…

Yes, Basement Jack director Michael Shelton has cast me in an upcoming sci-fi thriller alongside Michele Morrow, which I’m extremely excited about!

I’m also about to go into pre-production on a new film this summer that focuses on America's crystal meth epidemic. I play support in that, as well as producing. Plus, there’s Reg's film, Jack Spot: A Man of a Thousand Cuts.

Last but certainly not least, I’m working on a new film about the end of days in the United States, with BAFTA-nominated Richard Parry. Civil war has broken out after a natural disaster and a new economic meltdown. It’s very exciting....

Kick-Ass is released in UK cinemas on 26 March 2010 and in US cinemas on 16 April 2010. Psychosis is due for release later in 2010.

Photo credit: ClickWest