Issue date: Aug 22, 1999

In this article:

Interview: Heather Donahue

By Michele Hatty

hen actress Heather Donahue, 24, trekked into Maryland's woods for eight days with a heavy backpack, a scant script outline, camera equipment and two co-stars to make The Blair Witch Project, she had no idea how this super-creepy sleeper hit would play out.

Your scariest moment during filming? "Being in the house. That's a house where if someone double-dog dared you in broad daylight, there'd be no way you'd go in - let alone at night."

Biggest challenges during the shoot? "Being filthy all the time; not having any other girls around. But it gave me an insight into how guys behave when there's no women around."

How do they behave? "Just like women think they do. Guys have a strange 'pack mentality,' and they laugh at anything."

Any advice for people heading into the woods? "Bring a good, easy-to-read map, a compass and a cell phone."

Describe the film in four words. "Brilliantly acted horror fiesta." (Laughs)

Ideal theme song? "Witchy Woman."

Will you ever camp again? "I've actually become a very active camper - which surprises people, because they get so scared watching the movie."

What is the scariest movie of all time? "The Shining. It's that little 'redrum' kid. He freaks me out."