If you don’t know who Christa Campbell is, it’s time to start paying attention.  Early in her career, Campbell, pictured on the right above with her producing partner Lati Grobman, started out as an actress in a variety of films, but in the last couple of years has transitioned into work behind the camera.  She has worked on numerous films in a variety of genres, but she’s known in the horror field as the co-producer behind Stonehearst Asylum, The Taking of Deborah Logan, and Texas Chainsaw 3D.

I recently got the chance to interview Christa about her career and some of the projects she has on the horizon.  It’s an exciting time for her.  I hope you enjoy this conversation with a fascinating woman who’s taking the industry by storm.

Waylon at iHorror:  First off, I just want to say thanks again for agreeing to this interview.  Everyone at iHorror was super excited when I let them know you were on board.  I first noticed you in Tim Sullivan’s 2001 Maniacs.  I still shudder when I think about that wicked giggle you had going on as your co-star’s body was slowly reduced by the acid pouring through his system.  You’ve since made the transition from just acting to producing with your business partner, Lati Grobman at Campbell Grobman Films.  How did that transition take place?

Christa:  Lati had been producing movies for many years, and we were friends. I acted in a movie called “Finding Bliss” where I helped bring an actor on, get post production money and product placement. Lati yelled at me that I deserved a credit, but I said no, I just wanted to act in it. Long story short,  we came together to produce Texas Chainsaw and she convinced me that this is what I should focus on. I’ve discovered this is where my passion is. From there we started Campbell Grobman films and that’s where we are now.

Waylon at iHorror:  You produced two of my favorite films last year.  The Taking of Deborah Logan and Stonehearst Asylum were both amazing, but very different films.  How did the experiences differ for you?

Christa:  First of all, thank you for the kind compliments; you’re very sweet. Each film that Lati Grobman and I produce is unique in its own way. Every film is a different experience. We started the negotiations for The Taking of Deborah Logan while I was in Bulgaria on set of Stonehearst Asylum and Jason Taylor from Bryan Singer’s company was in Montreal filming the X-men franchise. Lati and I have huge passion for the films we produce; you have to, as it’s very hard to get films made.  In the end we are both really happy and excited about both these films.

Waylon at iHorror:  Deborah Logan really came out of nowhere and ended up on a lot of lists for the top horror hits of 2014, including several here at iHorror.com.  As a producer, how does it feel to see a project taking on that kind of momentum?

Christa:  It’s absolutely amazing. Like I always say, horror fans are very critical, if you can please them than you’ve done something right.

Waylon at iHorror:  Going back a little farther, you were also an executive producer on Texas Chainsaw 3D.  Was it daunting taking on a project with that kind of pedigree, especially when it was a direct sequel to the original Tobe Hooper film?

Christa:  Carl Mazzacone was the main producer of the last film so the pressure was pretty much on him. We are starting Leatherface soon and Lati and I are the main producers. We hope the genre will embrace this film as it’s our baby.

Waylon at iHorror:  I loved Texas Chainsaw.  It had a gritty feel that was very reminiscent of the original.  I’ve seen some of the early press on Leatherface.  The idea of going back to this character when he was a teenager going through his formative years is a very cool idea!  I can’t wait to see it.  Now, you’ve also done a lot of work on the other side of the camera.  Do you have a preference for one or the other?

Christa:  I do what comes. Lately I’ve been producing much more than acting and I never mix the two in my own films.  Friends sometimes call and ask me to do something in their films. I don’t audition anymore but if someone wants to hire me as an actor, sure, I love it.

Waylon at iHorror:  Do you have a favorite role you’ve played in your career thus far?

Christa:  It’s too hard to pick.  All the roles I have played have been my favorite as they all have given me such amazing memories.

Waylon at iHorror:  I can understand that.  Switching gears to the future, 2015 is looking to be a big year for you.  Campbell Grobman Films have several new films releasing this year in a variety of genres.  Can you walk me through some of the new titles?

Christa:  “Criminal” is our big action film directed by Ariel Vromen starring the great Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman, Ryan Reynolds, Gal Gadot, Tommy Lee Jones, and Michael Pitt.  “She’s Funny that Way” is a fun comedy starring Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson.  “Shut In” is our horror film, produced by Steven Schneider from the Paranormal Activity franchise and directed by Adam Schindler.   We have a few more in different stages that we cannot talk about yet, but the ones we have made we are very proud of.

Waylon at iHorror:  What draws your attention to a new project?  What kind of stories are the most compelling?

Christa:  Sometimes it’s a certain actor we want to work with who’s attached, sometimes the Director, sometimes the script.  Usually, it’s a gut feeling.

Waylon at iHorror:  I also saw on IMDb that you’ll be appearing in a film called Things That Are to Die.  I love the synopsis, but I’m a sucker for a psychological thriller/slasher film.  What can we expect from this one?

Christa:  It’s a fun horror film directed by Bryan Baca. He’s going to be big one day so keep your eyes on him. I haven’t seen the finished film yet but I love working with up-and-comers as they have huge passion and are hungry for success.

Waylon at iHorror:  Well, thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview.  I can’t wait to see the new projects and I wish the best of luck.

Christa:  Thank you so much! I love the genre and hope to keep making films forever!

With films like Deborah Logan and Stonehearst Aylum in her resume, I hope she keeps making films forever, as well.  With that kind of quality, I’ll certainly be watching!