My First Time Dying on Camera!
MUA Applying Fake Blood
The first time I "died" on camera was one of those unforgettable, unexpected moments that come with working on a set. To be fair, it wasn’t even in the script originally. The scene was supposed to be intense, but no one had planned on going as far as killing my character off. It wasn’t until we were on set, talking through the scene with the director, that we realized a dramatic death would add exactly the kind of punch it needed. And just like that, I was dying on screen for the first time. No preparation, no research—I was just thrown in!
Although I hadn’t specifically practiced the art of dying on camera, I was up for the challenge. I quickly discovered I had a hidden talent: I’m actually pretty amazing at keeping my eyes wide open for long periods of time—almost like a superpower. Maybe I missed my true calling as a professional staring-contest champion!
Kylee and the Producer Olivia Dunkley
And here’s the kicker: we only had one take. That’s right, *one take* to make it look authentic because we were working with fake blood, which—once in my hair—would turn me into a sticky, red mess with no easy way to go back for a second shot. But I was all in. I realized I’m the kind of actor willing to do *whatever* it takes to get the shot. Even if it meant drenching myself in blood and, sadly, ruining my $500 hair extensions.
Once I was lying there, drenched in fake blood and “dead,” I realized how much I actually loved horror. I’d been drawn to it ever since I was a kid, when I used to make DIY horror movies with my acting friends. My mom used to let us borrow her old camcorder, and we’d film all kinds of spooky scenes. I never wanted to be something pretty or princess-like for Halloween; my goal was always to find the scariest, grossest costume possible. I loved creeping people out and getting a reaction. My friends and I even had a game where we dressed up in black cloaks like the Grim Reaper and would pretend to chase cars with plastic knives. Yes, I was that kid—a little weird and very much in love with Halloween.
So, lying there on set covered in blood and doing my best “final” stare, I felt like I was living out a dream I’d had since I was that creepy little kid making horror movies in the backyard. As it turns out, I was made for moments like these.
You can watch *Slay Ride*, the movie where I have my first on-screen death, now available on Google Play, Apple TV, Fandango, Amazon Prime, and YouTube! IMDB.COM
