Leah Tipton, a fast rising talent in the independent film industry, is one of the young actresses cast in Steve Hermann’s The Legend of Tinker Hell, which is a highly anticipated film from Acrostar Productions with an impressive cast, co-directed by iconic horror actress Lynn Lowery. It recently wrapped and is currently in post-production. The film scheduled for release later this year, and is Leah’s third work with Acrostar, her first two being an episode in the Splintered Love series entitled “Interrogation,” and in the supernatural horror Perfect Soul, also directed by Hermann.
Leah will soon start to work on Josh Wynn’s Not There 2: Be Careful Where You Look in which she plays “Crystal Quinn.” As of this writing, not much can be said of this film, but it is another role that will allow Leah to showcase her talents as she brings Crystal to life. It’s one to look out for.
Learn more about this lady in what can be considered one of the early interviews in her career as she is quickly making a name for herself in the indie film industry….and no, she isn’t wearing contact lenses, that is her natural eye color. (Photos courtesy of Leah herself.)
CHRIS CHARLES: I see you first credited role was as “Lion Woman” in the 2016 short film Garden Party. Was that you first official film role?
LEAH TIPTON: That was indeed my first ever experience on a film set! I believe it was for a student film of sorts. The film was an allegory for the garden of Eden. I was essentially a background character at this “garden party” where everyone was dressed as animals. I remember thinking it was SO COOL that I got my hair and makeup done and we only filmed at night so the whole thing felt very adventurous. I was definitely hooked after that.
CHRIS: You have actually done several short films. Do you have a favorite?
LEAH: Sell with Susan was a fun one to film. I played the lead character, Missy, in that one, and she’s kind of a giant mess. I don’t always feel bad for the characters I play, but I felt bad for her! The script is so quirky and strange, it was a fun challenge bringing it to life.
CHRIS: You’re cast as “Melody” in The Legend of Tinker Hell, appearing along with some other actresses I am familiar with. Please tell me about the character you play in that one.
LEAH: Of course I don’t want to give away too much- this is a highly anticipated film after all! I will say that playing Melody was an absolute dream. She is cool, bitchy, funny, all of the most fun qualities to portray. Of course, playing opposite the incredible Ashley Hefner as my girlfriend was just the cherry on top. I can’t wait for people to see the Legend of Tinker Hell. I already know that we made something really special! The cast alone is so stacked, I still can’t believe how much talent we had on set!
CHRIS: Had you worked with anyone else in the cast before?
LEAH: Tinker Hell was my third film with the fantastic crew at Acrostar. My first project with Acrostar was about a year ago. I had an episode called “Interrogation” in the Splintered Love series. A few months later I was added to the cast of Perfect Soul. I’ve been so incredibly fortunate to be able to work with such wildly talented individuals just in the last year.
LEAH TIPTON: That was indeed my first ever experience on a film set! I believe it was for a student film of sorts. The film was an allegory for the garden of Eden. I was essentially a background character at this “garden party” where everyone was dressed as animals. I remember thinking it was SO COOL that I got my hair and makeup done and we only filmed at night so the whole thing felt very adventurous. I was definitely hooked after that.
CHRIS: You have actually done several short films. Do you have a favorite?
LEAH: Sell with Susan was a fun one to film. I played the lead character, Missy, in that one, and she’s kind of a giant mess. I don’t always feel bad for the characters I play, but I felt bad for her! The script is so quirky and strange, it was a fun challenge bringing it to life.
CHRIS: You’re cast as “Melody” in The Legend of Tinker Hell, appearing along with some other actresses I am familiar with. Please tell me about the character you play in that one.
LEAH: Of course I don’t want to give away too much- this is a highly anticipated film after all! I will say that playing Melody was an absolute dream. She is cool, bitchy, funny, all of the most fun qualities to portray. Of course, playing opposite the incredible Ashley Hefner as my girlfriend was just the cherry on top. I can’t wait for people to see the Legend of Tinker Hell. I already know that we made something really special! The cast alone is so stacked, I still can’t believe how much talent we had on set!
CHRIS: Had you worked with anyone else in the cast before?
LEAH: Tinker Hell was my third film with the fantastic crew at Acrostar. My first project with Acrostar was about a year ago. I had an episode called “Interrogation” in the Splintered Love series. A few months later I was added to the cast of Perfect Soul. I’ve been so incredibly fortunate to be able to work with such wildly talented individuals just in the last year.
CHRIS: Now that filming for The Legend of Tinker Hell has wrapped, what will be your next film project?
LEAH: Next up will be the sequel to Not There, a film by Josh Wynn. I am not in the first film, but my character will be introduced in the sequel Not There 2: Be Careful Where You Look! I’m not allowed to say much about it yet but It’s going to be a very fun role and I can’t wait to start bringing her to life! I’m also part of another Josh Wynn project that is still a secret! Shh!
CHRIS: Gotcha. So, I assume horror is your favorite genre?
LEAH: Honestly, I never liked horror until I started acting in films! I was cast in about three different horror films back in 2017-2018 and none of them were ever completed. It was discouraging to be a part of so many projects in a row that never came to fruition. I tucked myself back into my comfy theatre world and focused on plays for a few years until film came back into my life in 2024. Now I watch lots of horror and I’ve learned to really love the genre. However, I do find myself constantly being taken out of the realm of disbelief because my mind starts to wonder how the scene was shot!
CHRIS: Would you rather have a role in a comedic horror or a dramatic horror?
LEAH: Comedic. Any day. By the time I was even out of high school I knew that comedy was in my bones. I’d had roles in plays that were funny, and some that were serious, and I realized very quickly that being funny made me feel a thousand times more fulfilled. Growing up I was obsessed with shows like M*A*S*H. I wanted to be quick-witted like Hawkeye. I taught myself to have a retort for everything. Making people laugh genuinely fuels me. My actual dream would be to have a recurring role in a comedy series so that I could really sink my teeth into the sense of humor of my character in a more prolonged sense.
CHRIS: Shifting gears here; what was shooting Blessed: Live, Laugh, Run! like for you? I know it must have been intense.
LEAH: Oof, this is a real mood change after the last question.. “Blessed” is very much NOT a comedy! The subject matter is dark and genuinely horrifying. The film deals with the topics of rape, forced-pregnancy, abortion, abduction… it was challenging to place myself into that world. It’s a very well-written film with a massively important message. I always appreciate the opportunity to take on a role that will challenge me mentally and emotionally.
LEAH: Next up will be the sequel to Not There, a film by Josh Wynn. I am not in the first film, but my character will be introduced in the sequel Not There 2: Be Careful Where You Look! I’m not allowed to say much about it yet but It’s going to be a very fun role and I can’t wait to start bringing her to life! I’m also part of another Josh Wynn project that is still a secret! Shh!
CHRIS: Gotcha. So, I assume horror is your favorite genre?
LEAH: Honestly, I never liked horror until I started acting in films! I was cast in about three different horror films back in 2017-2018 and none of them were ever completed. It was discouraging to be a part of so many projects in a row that never came to fruition. I tucked myself back into my comfy theatre world and focused on plays for a few years until film came back into my life in 2024. Now I watch lots of horror and I’ve learned to really love the genre. However, I do find myself constantly being taken out of the realm of disbelief because my mind starts to wonder how the scene was shot!
CHRIS: Would you rather have a role in a comedic horror or a dramatic horror?
LEAH: Comedic. Any day. By the time I was even out of high school I knew that comedy was in my bones. I’d had roles in plays that were funny, and some that were serious, and I realized very quickly that being funny made me feel a thousand times more fulfilled. Growing up I was obsessed with shows like M*A*S*H. I wanted to be quick-witted like Hawkeye. I taught myself to have a retort for everything. Making people laugh genuinely fuels me. My actual dream would be to have a recurring role in a comedy series so that I could really sink my teeth into the sense of humor of my character in a more prolonged sense.
CHRIS: Shifting gears here; what was shooting Blessed: Live, Laugh, Run! like for you? I know it must have been intense.
LEAH: Oof, this is a real mood change after the last question.. “Blessed” is very much NOT a comedy! The subject matter is dark and genuinely horrifying. The film deals with the topics of rape, forced-pregnancy, abortion, abduction… it was challenging to place myself into that world. It’s a very well-written film with a massively important message. I always appreciate the opportunity to take on a role that will challenge me mentally and emotionally.
CHRIS: I see that was directed by “A Great Male Artist.” Can you shed some light on that person?
LEAH: Katie Madonna Lee (listed as “A Great Male Artist” on IMDb) is in fact a great female writer/director that I worked with on Blessed: Live, Laugh, Love! and also Sell with Susan. Her reason for the IMDb name is that she feels the industry is biased towards men particularly in the directing arena. Katie is definitely not one to shy away from making a point – so she changed her name to A Great Male Artist as a show of defiance to the sexism in the industry. Honestly, I’m here for it.
CHRIS: In indie films, it’s very common for the cast to also pull double duty and work behind the camera as well. What are some of the behind the camera roles you have done?
LEAH: I’ve said before that this is one of my favorite parts about indie film! I’ve helped with makeup and costuming, held the boom mic, crouched in a bush to hold a light at the perfect angle… it’s all part of what makes movie magic! The collaboration on a film set is the fuel of the project, and it literally keeps the wheels turning! I also firmly believe that learning more about the process of everyone else’s tasks helps you be a better actor. Just showing up to set and saying your lines will only get you so far.
LEAH: Katie Madonna Lee (listed as “A Great Male Artist” on IMDb) is in fact a great female writer/director that I worked with on Blessed: Live, Laugh, Love! and also Sell with Susan. Her reason for the IMDb name is that she feels the industry is biased towards men particularly in the directing arena. Katie is definitely not one to shy away from making a point – so she changed her name to A Great Male Artist as a show of defiance to the sexism in the industry. Honestly, I’m here for it.
CHRIS: In indie films, it’s very common for the cast to also pull double duty and work behind the camera as well. What are some of the behind the camera roles you have done?
LEAH: I’ve said before that this is one of my favorite parts about indie film! I’ve helped with makeup and costuming, held the boom mic, crouched in a bush to hold a light at the perfect angle… it’s all part of what makes movie magic! The collaboration on a film set is the fuel of the project, and it literally keeps the wheels turning! I also firmly believe that learning more about the process of everyone else’s tasks helps you be a better actor. Just showing up to set and saying your lines will only get you so far.
CHRIS: Would you rather play a well-know person or a completely fictitious character?
LEAH: Playing a well-known person is a lot of pressure. If I was a perfect fit to play someone, then I’m sure it would be a really amazing challenge. That being said, there’s something about taking a fictional character and literally BECOMING them that’s just unexplainable. These people stay with you, teach you lessons about life and about yourself. It’s a totally unique aspect of fiction that I personally love.
CHRIS: I notice you have striking blue eyes. Would you say your eyes have ever been the deciding factor for you being chosen for a role?
LEAH: My eyes are definitely my trademark. I can’t say for sure if they’ve ever GOTTEN me a role, but they have helped me along the way. It’s by far the most common compliment that I receive, and I know that they really pop on camera too so I’m grateful for the advantage! (laughs) I would hope that my real advantage is my talent, but hey, I’ll take what I can get!
CHRIS: Have your eyes gotten you any modeling offers for eye makeup, eyewear, or …?
LEAH: I actually have done a commercial for an eyewear company! I haven’t done any modeling in years though, aside from fun little creative shoots with my photographer friends.
LEAH: Playing a well-known person is a lot of pressure. If I was a perfect fit to play someone, then I’m sure it would be a really amazing challenge. That being said, there’s something about taking a fictional character and literally BECOMING them that’s just unexplainable. These people stay with you, teach you lessons about life and about yourself. It’s a totally unique aspect of fiction that I personally love.
CHRIS: I notice you have striking blue eyes. Would you say your eyes have ever been the deciding factor for you being chosen for a role?
LEAH: My eyes are definitely my trademark. I can’t say for sure if they’ve ever GOTTEN me a role, but they have helped me along the way. It’s by far the most common compliment that I receive, and I know that they really pop on camera too so I’m grateful for the advantage! (laughs) I would hope that my real advantage is my talent, but hey, I’ll take what I can get!
CHRIS: Have your eyes gotten you any modeling offers for eye makeup, eyewear, or …?
LEAH: I actually have done a commercial for an eyewear company! I haven’t done any modeling in years though, aside from fun little creative shoots with my photographer friends.
CHRIS: If you were offered a good role in a film by a prominent director, but you saw in the script that your character had a nude scene, would you consider it?
LEAH: There is a very very minimal, almost non-existent, chance that I would consider it. The circumstances would have to be very specific in order for me to feel comfortable with that. I’ve always believed that there are roles for everyone, and the nude roles are just for someone else. Just to be clear: I admire and respect ANY actor who is comfortable in their skin and who doesn’t put limitations on themselves. Boundaries are meant to be pushed sometimes and I never say never, but I also know myself and I know where my comfort zones are. I really look up to people who can just say “yeah I don’t care, I’ll do that.” It’s a level of courage I haven’t discovered yet!
CHRIS: Is there anyone in indie films, on either side of the camera, you particularly want to work with, but haven’t yet?
LEAH: That’s a fantastic question! I did actually meet some really cool filmmakers named Zach and Mike at a horror convention in Milwaukee a few months ago. They won the Directorial Debut award at the film festival for their short film Don’t Call Me Baby (I HIGHLY RECOMMEND! It’s on YouTube!). I would love to work with them at some point!
CHRIS: Do you have any skills or hobbies only those close to you know about?
LEAH: I have a few hobbies. I’m very into fashion and personal style. I sell clothes on Depop. I love a random art project that just appears in my brain. As far as special skills go, not many people know that I’m very good at learning accents. I absolutely LOVE playing a character with an accent and really working on getting the voice perfect. I’m also a pretty great director – I don’t think anyone outside of my theatre circle knows that about me. I haven’t been given many opportunities to direct, but I have an eye for details. I’ve been told before that I have the knack for spotting the difference between good actors and GREAT actors. I love reading people, and I’m rarely wrong.
CHRIS: With that, I’ll thank you again for doing this, Leah. In closing, any shout-outs to anyone?
LEAH: Thank YOU, these were great questions and I really enjoyed answering them! Thank you to Mel Heflin who became like an instant mentor to me. And I’d love to give a shout out to my Acrostar fam! I love S.J., Ann, and Ash so freaking much!! I’m just so grateful to be a part of this incredible indie film community!
LEAH: There is a very very minimal, almost non-existent, chance that I would consider it. The circumstances would have to be very specific in order for me to feel comfortable with that. I’ve always believed that there are roles for everyone, and the nude roles are just for someone else. Just to be clear: I admire and respect ANY actor who is comfortable in their skin and who doesn’t put limitations on themselves. Boundaries are meant to be pushed sometimes and I never say never, but I also know myself and I know where my comfort zones are. I really look up to people who can just say “yeah I don’t care, I’ll do that.” It’s a level of courage I haven’t discovered yet!
CHRIS: Is there anyone in indie films, on either side of the camera, you particularly want to work with, but haven’t yet?
LEAH: That’s a fantastic question! I did actually meet some really cool filmmakers named Zach and Mike at a horror convention in Milwaukee a few months ago. They won the Directorial Debut award at the film festival for their short film Don’t Call Me Baby (I HIGHLY RECOMMEND! It’s on YouTube!). I would love to work with them at some point!
CHRIS: Do you have any skills or hobbies only those close to you know about?
LEAH: I have a few hobbies. I’m very into fashion and personal style. I sell clothes on Depop. I love a random art project that just appears in my brain. As far as special skills go, not many people know that I’m very good at learning accents. I absolutely LOVE playing a character with an accent and really working on getting the voice perfect. I’m also a pretty great director – I don’t think anyone outside of my theatre circle knows that about me. I haven’t been given many opportunities to direct, but I have an eye for details. I’ve been told before that I have the knack for spotting the difference between good actors and GREAT actors. I love reading people, and I’m rarely wrong.
CHRIS: With that, I’ll thank you again for doing this, Leah. In closing, any shout-outs to anyone?
LEAH: Thank YOU, these were great questions and I really enjoyed answering them! Thank you to Mel Heflin who became like an instant mentor to me. And I’d love to give a shout out to my Acrostar fam! I love S.J., Ann, and Ash so freaking much!! I’m just so grateful to be a part of this incredible indie film community!
See more of Leah at her IMDb page, Facebook, and Instagram.
About the author
Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Chris flirted with the music business there and in Nashville before joining the U.S. Army and serving in South Korea. He remained in Asia for several years afterwards, teaching English, traveling, and covering the regional entertainment scenes. A former Xanga blogger ("Xangan"), Chris is still in a mindset between Seoul and San Francisco. Besides Idol Features, you can also catch his writings in the print edition of the monthly magazine, Effective.
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