BGG AFTER DARK: You have an amazing bio – when and how did you first get your feet wet in the entertainment industry?
SANDRA LUESSE: Thanks! I got my feet wet in the industry when I was 17. I was finishing up my last year of high school in San Diego, and I knew that I wanted to pursue acting, so I drove myself up to Los Angeles and registered at an agency for background work. They called me the next day and asked if I would be interested in being a featured extra on American Pie 2. I ended up shooting for two weeks in Malibu.
BGG AFTER DARK: Had you always been interested in being involved in film or music?
SANDRA LUESSE: Yes! I knew that I wanted to become an actress since I was 12 years old. Music has always been a big part of my family and upbringing. It’s pretty special how the 2 have now become my career.
BGG AFTER DARK: How were your parents when you told them “I want to be a DJ” or “I want to be an actor” – were they as enthusiastic for your dream as you were?
SANDRA LUESSE: My parents have always been supportive with my career. They could see my passion for both at such a young age. I was performing every chance I got.
BGG AFTER DARK: Where does one go to be a D.J? is it a matter of being trained by someone proficient in that already? SANDRA LUESSE: There’s all sorts of ways one can train to be a DJ. It takes hours of practice, passion, and dedication. For me, I had opportunity to spend some time with some of the greats while in Mykonos and Ibiza. I also shadowed a couple of DJ’s for a year straight and then put in a lot of hours practicing. I still do! I still feel just as passionate about it from when I started.
BGG AFTER DARK: What’s the best gig you’ve played?
SANDRA LUESSE: I just got back from Montreal Djing a Celebrity Bday event and shared the stage with rock legends Eddie Money and Loverboy. That was pretty epic!
BGG AFTER DARK: I imagine most of your equipment is digital? Or is there still a place for a traditional turntable?
SANDRA LUESSE: I personally play on all digital. There’s def a place for turntables still. It’s all preference. Most of the venues I spin at have the option for both.
BGG AFTER DARK: Has the DJ work led to acting – or is it something you’ve simply pursued on your own?
SANDRA LUESSE: Actually acting came first and my love for music is what lead me to DJing.
BGG AFTER DARK: Tice sounds intriguing! How fun was it?
SANDRA LUESSE: TICE was super fun to shoot. It was my first time playing a pregnant woman. Combine that with trying to save your life against a mass murderer. Having that big belly strapped to me was funny. It changes everything you do from going to the bathroom, the way you sit down, walk, and laugh!!
BGG AFTER DARK: Was it a physically-demanding movie?
SANDRA LUESSE: There were some parts that were physically demanding like being tied up in the trunk of a moving car while having the big ol’ belly strapped on!
BGG AFTER DARK: Where can audiences see it?
SANDRA LUESSE: TICE is being premiered September 27th at the Catalina Film Festival where I will be attending. Tice also just go nominated for the Wes Craven award!
To learn more, visit the official Catalina Film Festival website.