As the lead in the SYFY’s Bring It On: Cheer or Die, premiering October 8, Kerri Medders first foray into the horror genre is hilariously campy and fun. On the other side of the coin, a supporting role in the currently streaming psychological thriller Jane, opposite Madelaine Petsch and Chloe Bailey, touches on heavier topics such as mental health, cyber bullying, and loss. Between the two extremes, the actress shared the steps that make her prep for a role, including her very finely tuned before-makeup skin-care moves.
How do you prepare for a horror role like in Bring It On: Cheer or Die?
I’ve always been a fan of horror films, so it was exciting to be able to be a part of one. I think preparing for this role is like any of the projects I’ve been a part of: I ask ‘why’ am I here in this story and how does my character progress throughout this film? My favorite part of this process is creating a designated binder with the script where all these questions are answered. Also, specifically unique to this project, I watched horror films to get in the mood.
How do you unwind after playing a character like this?
Interestingly enough, “unwinding” for this character was going to boxing classes. It became something I loved to do, and it became routine for me while on this project. I would try to wake up early before our afternoon call times (because it was all-night shoots) and I would box before set.
Anything glam-wise you use on set to get into character?
I always prep my skin ahead of sitting in the makeup chair. I have combination skin, so I know what my skin needs before a full shooting day—trust me, it’s taken years to figure it out. I start with Youth to The People’s Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser ($38), followed by Witch Hazel Toner and CeraVe’s Facial Moisturizing Lotion ($19), and then I take my Gua sha stone and run it over my skin. Then, the character transformation begins whether it’s a simple look like my character in “Jane” or I’m getting fake blood put on my face for “Bring It On.”
Any favorite glam moments from any of the characters you’ve played?
I have to say, I felt powerful with the Bring It On cheer outfits. It felt like a badge of honor after going through an intense three-week-cheer bootcamp. But my favorite glam look has to be on a movie I did called Do Not Reply. The look was very polished as in a perfect winged black eyeliner, high placement of the blush to accent the cheekbones, and a strong rose lip moment.
Any must-have beauty items you love at the moment?
I’ve been using Gua sha for about two years now, and I can’t live without that beauty tool. I’m also loving Tatcha’s Water Cream ($69), which I’ve been using for a while as a night cream and I feel if I miss applying it, I can visually tell.
The film “Jane” has some heavy topics. What drew you to the role?
I’ve experienced cyber bullying, I’ve struggled with mental health, and I’ve lost someone close to me which are all themes to the film. So going into the audition, I felt I had enough experience to understand the story and where ‘Josa’ was coming from. Then, you add the thriller aspect of the movie and I’m all in; I love a good thriller!
