Life & Work with Chelsea Beller of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Beller.

Hi Chelsea, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up as a small town girl living in the Bay Area and moved down to Los Angeles to go to school for acting. From acting to improv to writing to standup, I’ve lived many different lives – creatively and professionally. About three years ago, I started a YouTube channel and podcast called Horror Babe Show, which has fulfilled me more than anything. On the show, I review horror movies and interview independent horror filmmakers. I’ve been to the FilmQuest Film Festival in Provo, Utah two years in a row to interview filmmakers and indulge in indie horror short films. It’s such a blast.

Not only that, but I’ve also written, produced, and acted in three short films: “The Industry,” “Through the Trees,” and “Roommates.” You can find “The Industry” on my @chelseabeller YouTube channel. The other two are still in post, but those are my first horror short films that I produced last year within 5 months of each other. I’m extremely proud of them and I can’t wait to share them.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The main obstacle that comes to mind is probably the most obvious: MONEY.

Not all of us independent filmmakers have a Spielberg budget. (I actually have a Horror Babe Show episode all about filmmaking on a budget!) It’s extremely difficult when you’re the writer AND the producer, because as a writer, you want to create to your heart’s content – but as a producer, you have to think outside the box (but inside the budget).

My first short film, “The Industry,” is about two young women navigating the dating scene in the service industry. Originally the film took place in a restaurant, but it quickly became apparent to me that that was not going to happen. When you want to film in an active workplace, you have to pay for everyone who would be working there that day. So, I had to switch gears. I decided to make the characters caterers instead of servers. I was working in a production office at the time and they graciously allowed me to film there over the weekend. I didn’t have to spend a dime on location and I ended up liking the changes more than the original idea.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have a few achievements I take a great deal of pride in. Starting Horror Babe Show, for one. I remember watching YouTubers when I was supposed to be doing my homework back in the 2000’s and I remember thinking back then: I could do that. Just starting anything is an achievement in my book. However, I also reached over 1000 subscribers earlier this year, which marked an even bigger achievement.

When I started Horror Babe Show, I was in the process of producing my first short film and I was working in a film production office. My whole life was television and film at that time. Sadly, that production company no longer exists, or I’d still be there. I believe I’m a well-rounded film critic because of that time in my life and not a lot of other YouTubers/armchair film critics can say the same.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
The people who know me for my love of horror probably don’t know how much of a Gilmore girls fan I am. I’m a hardcore Gilmore girls fan. It’s funny because it’s the complete opposite of horror, but first and foremost I’m a lover of good writing and compelling television. Gilmore girls is my morning routine and my escape when I need it. I think it also comes from growing up in a small town – there’s that strong feeling of comfort and nostalgia. Plus, it’s a show that feels like autumn all the time – and I love autumn.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.horrorbabeshow.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/horrorbabeshow
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@horrorbabeshow
• Other: https://www.chelseabeller.com

Image Credits
Mike Monaghan (@mike_monaghan) took all of these photos with the exception of one. The photo of me in the mirror was taken by Johnny Call (@johnnycallme).