Exclusive Interview: Horror Comedy ‘Detention’ Star Shanley Caswell Talks Movie, Character and More

by Americ Ngwije · April 13, 2012

Have you ever been sent to detention when you were in high school?

If so, did you have to survive a slasher film killer and save the world in time for prom?

Yeah I didn’t think so.

You know who has some experience in the matter though? Shanley Caswell who plays Riley Jones, a character who is facing that exact challenge in Detention, the latest movie from director Joseph Kahn (Torque).

Film Equals had a chance to ask with Shanley about the movie, her character and much more. Check out what she had to say below and don’t forget to check out Detention which is released in limited theaters today Friday April 13th.
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Can you briefly describe what Detention is all about and the character you play?

Shanley Caswell: Detention is a fun, multi-genre film about a group of teenagers who have to go back in time to catch a serial killer and save the world. I play Riley Jones who is a social outcast and kind of a loner because she doesn’t fit in with anybody. Riley is in love with Clapton Davis (Josh Hutcherson) who is in love with Ione (Spencer Locke) who used to be my best friend. It’s just your normal fun, fast paced, sci-fi, slasher, comedy, romance, time traveling, body swapping movie.

What attracted you to the character of Riley?

Shanley Caswell: I really felt I had a lot in common with Riley actually. I related to her high school experience to a certain extent.

Would you qualify this movie more comedy than horror or more horror than comedy?

Shanley Caswell: I would definitely say it’s more comedy than horror, but I guess that depends on who is watching it.

Are you a fan of horror movies? If so, which ones do you enjoy?

Shanley Caswell: I’m definitely a fan of horror movies. I thought Insidious was really freaky and I really actually like the “I Know What You Did Last Summer” films.

You have experience working both in TV and movies. Which medium do you prefer?

Shanley Caswell: I definitely love both for different reasons but right now I really enjoy the films I’ve worked on; you really get to explore a character for an extended amount of time and it’s a lot of fun and a great learning experience.

You are currently going to college while also working in TV and movies. How do you balance both worlds?

Shanley Caswell: It’s not easy to balance both worlds but I tend to sacrifice my social life a little bit in order to get all of my school work done and be able to film at the same time. Going to college is really important to me though and of course so is my job so I just find ways to make it all work!

Are there any upcoming projects you can talk about?

Shanley Caswell: Yes! I just wrapped filming in North Carolina on a movie called The Warren Files which I’m really excited about. It’s going to be really scary. And now I’m back in LA and reading a bunch of scripts and preparing for the next one.

If you could work with any director or actor you want, who would it be?

Shanley Caswell: I’ve always wanted to work with Natalie Portman. I just really admire her career and would love to have the opportunity to work alongside her; I know I’d learn so much.
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Check out the trailer of Detention below: