If you’ve been waiting for David Lynch to make a web series, wait no longer and check out Ragged Isle, a gorgeous scenic Lynchian horror series from Maine, created by the husband and wife team of Barry and Karen Dodd. The show centers around Vicki, a young newspaper reporter, who moves to secluded island Ragged Isle, and finds herself in the midst of a series of murders and an ensemble of odd residents all capable of wigging out and doing some bodily harm. With the Season Finale almost here, DCTV Creative Director spoke with lead actress Meghan Benton about her role in the creepy show.
DARYN: First things first, as someone who has a slightly unusual name for a girl, I have what I call my “Starbucks” name, which I use when ordering food. How often do you have to tell people to pronounce your name “Mee-in”?
MEGHAN: All the time! I don’t think a day goes by that I haven’t had to do the name spiel.
DARYN: Most importantly, congratulations of the success of Ragged Isle, which I would describe as a Lynchian horror series. How did you get involved in the series?
MEGHAN: Thank you so much! I’ve been so thrilled with the great response to Ragged Isle. We had such a blast making it, and I’ve had a blast watching it all unfold online! I had worked with the director Barry Dodd and his wife Karen before. A number of years ago we made a short soap called “Criehaven.” There’s a few actors in Ragged Isle that were in that first project. I’ve been told we may see bits of it in Ragged Isle season two!
DARYN: Ragged Isle takes place on a remote island and has some of the most beautiful cinematography and locations in web series. Where did you guys shoot, and did the weather affect your shoots at all?
MEGHAN: We shot all around Maine. We filmed on Casco Bay Lines, around Portland, Gorham, Cape Elizabeth, at the lobster festival in Rockland, as well as Great Diamond Island and Peaks Island in Casco Bay. We are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful state. As far as the weather is concerned, we raced against the rain a few times but overall we were very lucky. Around here people say, “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.”
DARYN: The first lesson in survival in a horror film is DO NOT MOVE TO AN ISLAND IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE! There is a great legacy of strong female characters in horror films– like Rosemary’s Baby, The Ring, even Scream. Are you a fan of horror/scifi? What are some of your favorite horror movies and series?
MEGHAN: I have always been a huge fan of horror films! I love the old classics like Halloween, and Texas Chainsaw Massacre. More recently I enjoyed The Others, and Paranormal Activity. I could make a very long list. As far as sci-fi, X-Files would have to be a favorite. I have an honest fascination with ghosts and places that are haunted.
DARYN: As the murder mysteries within Ragged Isle unravel, the show has this undertone of psychic phenomenon and mysticism. Does psychic phenomenon interest you at all? Have you ever had your birth chart done or your fortune told?
MEGHAN: Haha! Did Barry [Dodd, co-creator and director] have the idea for this question? I bet he did. Only because, when we were filming Criehaven I told him a story about a time I saw a psychic and they told me I would get my big break on a soap opera. So, could it be Ragged Isle? I hope so.
DARYN: Barry so didn’t have the idea for that question! I thunk it all on my own. There seems to be an attraction between Vicki and Paul building. Can we expect them to act on this at all?
MEGHAN: I can tell you that Vicki’s relationship with Paul is going to grow a lot in season two. It’s tough to find time for romance in the midst of a murder mystery, but sometimes events like these can bring 2 people even closer together.
DARYN: So far, the deaths have occurred off-camera, but the tension is building. When is the Season Finale? Will any of the characters be in direct physical danger?
MEGHAN: The Season Finale takes place at the Ragged Isle lobster festival, and something BIG happens to a major character. Thats all I’m going to say! You can watch it next Wednesday.
DARYN: Lastly, how can fans stay in touch with you? Are you facebook or twitter?
MEGHAN: Fans can always send me a message on the Ragged Isle Facebook page HERE. I’d love to say a HUGE thank you to all the wonderful folks who are coming back week after week to see what happens to Vicki and the rest of the crazy characters on our island. Stay tuned. You haven’t seen anything yet!
SEASON 1 FINALE GOES ONLINE WEDNESDAY MAY 11.
Ragged Isle is now available exclusively at http://www.sfntv.com/.
Yay Meghan! Great job! Very proud!
Daryn, thank you for all the wonderful words about our series too. I hope your readers get a chance to check out our series. Lots of spooky fun!
I agree with Daryn when she says, “some of the most beautiful cinematography and locations in web series.”
I will add that the music is great too!
Thank you very much for covering our show. The coverage is much appreciated. Great site!