Ella Dixon stars alongside McKenna Grace in the upcoming film The Bad Seed Returns, which premieres on Lifetime on September 5.
Photo Credit: Unit cr. Allister Foster, Mackenzie Walker // Courtesy of Lifetime
The film is a sequel to the movie The Bad Seed, the Rob Lowe remake of the iconic Oscar-nominated 1956 horror film starring Nancy Kelly and Patty McCormack, upon which both films updated concepts are based. The movie follows Emma, played by Grace, who portrays herself as an innocent high schooler but, in reality, is the opposite. Dixon’s character Kat is new to the school and seems to know Emma’s secrets from her past, which causes Emma to take care of her enemies by any means necessary.
Photo Credit: Unit cr. Allister Foster, Mackenzie Walker // Courtesy of Lifetime
From a young age Dixon always had a passion for storytelling, and at the age of twelve, she knew that she wanted to start working in the tv and film industry. She has studied acting in various locations, attending the famed Cours Florent in Paris, Railtown Actors Studio in Vancouver, and Cynthia Bain’s Young Actor Studio in Los Angeles. She has extended her talents to screenwriting and has credits for a completed limited series and several short films.
Dixon spoke with our correspondent Rebecca Eugene about her recent role and what it was like working alongside Grace in The Bad Seed Returns.
Photo Credit: Unit cr. Allister Foster, Mackenzie Walker // Courtesy of Lifetime
The Knockturnal: What about the film are you excited for fans to see?
Ella Dixon: I’m excited for fans to see the relationship with Kat and Emma, and how that plays out throughout the movie. Kat challenges Emma in a way that she’s never been challenged before. I think she’s really met her match with Kat, so it’ll be fun for fans to see what comes of that relationship and conflict.
The Knockturnal: Without giving too much away, what was your favorite scene to film?
Ella Dixon: There’s a scene towards the end of the movie, where the conflict between Kat and Emma comes to a head. It was such an interesting scene to film, partially because both of our character’s vulnerabilities came to the surface. Louise, our director, really encouraged Mckenna and I to play around with it. We got to explore what worked and what didn’t.
The Knockturnal: What was it like working with the cast? Did you have any memorable moments together?
Ella Dixon: Working with this cast was so much fun! Everyone was so welcoming and gracious, Mckenna especially. She’s such a gifted actress, so to have her as a scene partner really helped raise the bar. Behind the scenes we all got along really well, too. I think that was really important that we were able to laugh together, seeing as the movie has, at times, such a heavy tone to it. I remember between takes we would make faces across the room to each other and do little dances…we were just always having a laugh at something. It was a really fun set.
The Knockturnal: How does it feel being a part of the sequel that is based on the Oscar-nominated remake of the iconic 1956 horror film?
Ella Dixon: It’s definitely an honor. When I look back on the history of The Bad Seed, and how it’s grown from a novel to a play, then to Patty McCormack’s classic, Academy-Award nominated portrayal and now Mckenna’s version… It’s incredible to be part of such a rich legacy of story.
Photo Credit: Unit cr. Allister Foster, Mackenzie Walker // Courtesy of Lifetime
The Knockturnal: What was it like to study acting in numerous places around the globe?
Ella Dixon: It’s been invaluable, really. Every place I’ve studied has had something different to offer, and even though I have so much to learn, because of these experiences I feel like I’ve gained so much perspective both in terms of my acting and myself as a person. I love to travel, so hopefully I can continue to learn and train in different places for the rest of my life.
The Knockturnal: What was your favorite thing during your time spent in Paris? Favorite meal or restaurant? Any specific memory?
Ella Dixon: That’s a tough one! I think my favorite thing was just being immersed in that culture, being able to walk around the city by myself on the weekends and having that sense of freedom to learn more about myself. The food was incredible, too. There’s this one restaurant I was obsessed with, this little cafe/bookshop called Merci. Absolutely phenomenal food.
As far as memories go… I remember I was in an acting camp during one of the school breaks, and during lunch time we had an hour or so to just go off and do whatever we wanted. We just had to be back by like, 2:15. So I grab my lunch, and I just start walking. I have my earbuds in, I’m daydreaming… I have absolutely no idea where I’m going, I just keep taking random turns. So I’ve been walking for a while now, and I’ve reached the 7e (the neighborhood of the Eiffel Tower). I go to sit down, take in the view… I check my phone and- It’s 2:05. I have absolutely no idea how I’m supposed to get back, but I’m so determined not to be late I end up sprinting through the streets of Paris like a madwoman, somehow trying to follow directions on my phone as I run. I think I made it back with like, two minutes to spare, but I was done. So so tired. Everyone must have been so confused, they all were strolling back into the classroom, casual as can be… needless to say I’ve gotten a lot better at constantly checking the time now. (Although my sense of direction is still an absolute disaster).
The Knockturnal: Your passion for the arts extends past acting and into screenwriting. You even have credits for a completed limited series and several short films. At what age did you know you wanted to work within the tv and film industry? What was the motivating factor that made you want to expand your talents past acting?
Ella Dixon: I knew I wanted to work in the industry when I was around 12 years old. I’ve always loved anything to do with story, whether it be reading, writing, or watching movies. As a kid, making up stories was a part of everyday life for me. Now when I write, I write the stories that I want to see. It’s a cathartic experience more than anything else; I get to create worlds that interest me and hopefully will interest other people as well.
The Knockturnal: What would your advice be to other young people who have a passion for film and tv, and don’t know how to go about their interest?
Ella Dixon: I would say just keep telling stories. Keep your imagination and your curiosity fresh, and don’t be afraid to fail. I think the less afraid we are to fail, the more possibilities there are in the world, and the more creative we can be. And honestly, you don’t have to wait until you’re professional to start making movies. Whether you’re an actor or a filmmaker, you can take your phone and a group of friends and just have fun with it, get your hands dirty, and see what you can make.
The Knockturnal: If you could star in a tv show or film with any actor past or present, who would it be? Why?
Ella Dixon: Jodie Comer. Without a doubt. She’s incredibly intuitive and playful. Her work is always so grounded, fresh and alive, not to mention exhilarating. I know she would be such an inspiring scene partner. And I’ve heard she’s great at karaoke, so time off set would be pretty fun, too.
