Kellye interview with Jacques Lamantagne
Photo by Magestiq
JLHello, and thank you very much for doing this interview with me, I have wanted to interview you both for a long time!
K I’m happy to be a part of it.
JL Thank you also for the autographs for my wife and myself, you guys look really great!
K You are very welcome.
JL I have to ask, what was your first reaction when Christopher asked you to do the photo shoots?
K I met Christopher at my very first convention. He was suited up in his Phantom costume and I was wearing a Silent Hill nurse costume, my head completely wrapped in gauze. I remember being very impressed with his costume, as I grew up reading The Phantom in the Birmingham news and my dad was always a big fan. Christopher asked me to participate in a shoot about 6 months later when we ran into each other at my 2nd convention (and my very first Dragon*Con). I think this may have been the first time he actually saw my face. I wasn’t completely sure what the extent of the shoot would be, and actually did not understand much of how the photos would be used but I thought it would be an interesting experience to be a part of it. Plus, I thought it would impress my dad.
JL Were you nervous your first time out modeling for them?
K I’m naturally a self-conscious person. I wanted to do a good job, but never having done that sort of thing before wasn’t sure I’d be able to deliver what they wanted. It was also really cold that day. I believe it had been snowing that morning so needless to say there was a physical discomfort on top of the nervousness I was experiencing.
JL Well, you look so much like the fictional character, it is amazing! I know I have overheard some of the fans talking about your likeness to Diana, I believe they are quite taken with you! (Laughter)
K People do often tell me how much I look like Diana and that always gives me a little confidence boost. I also hear that people who have not met me in person, and have only seen my photos are surprised when Christopher tells them I am not very tall. I love to hear that I look tall in my photos. (Laughter)
JL How much research did you do for the Diana role clothing wise? I also notice you bear a resemblance to the Valkyrie character from Airboy, especially the Steranko painting. (here is another costume Christopher mentioned for you to do). Were you a Phantom phan before all this started?
K Other than what I mentioned earlier about reading the comic in the newspaper, Christopher provided me with some literature on the Phantom. Before the first shoot I took the time to read the things he provided. I also sat down and watched the Billy Zane movie, but I never got around to watching the old serial from the 1940's, though Christopher has copies of that as well. Speaking of which, WOW, those people really fought a lot in those old movies!! (Laughter).
My standard Diana outfit is very, very basic and I actually already owned 99% of the outfit. For continuity in our story I have to wear the same clothes so there hasn’t really been much need for me to come up with other outfits yet.I researched as I mentioned before with watching the movie and reading the literature Christopher provided me with. I also had multiple conversations with Christopher about what she would wear. The main thing he said was that Diana was never a “girlie-girl” (for lack of a better word) and very rarely wore dresses or skirts. My mind didn’t come up with a whole lot of options based on those guidelines so my outfit is very basic. The Valkyrie character is an interesting one. I don’t know much about her, but she would be a more likely option than the other characters mentioned above.
JL I know Christopher has said that if you ever decided to stop playing the Diana role, he would never replace you, that you ARE Diana, and it would be very hard to find someone as dedicated to the role as you are. Does that come as a surprise to you? That is quite a compliment!
KThat IS a very big compliment and he and Magestiq, our photographer, have always been very kind in showing me their appreciation for the time I’ve given to the project. They’ve both been a pleasure to work with and that makes all the difference in the world.
JL Are you more of a Phan now than you were before the picto-stories?
K Of course.
JL Ross Carter who plays "uncle Dave" is quite a character, did you two hit it off well when you first met? I thought you two were actually related when I saw the two of you together!
K Ross is super friendly and full of energy. He kept the mood light and kept us all going on another very cold day. He was a pleasure to work with.
JL Now your husband Matt not only photographs at the shoots, but plays one of the main bad guys, I have seen some of the unpublished pics of him, what a great character actor he is. Tell us a little about him
K He really does not enjoy having his picture made, but once he gets in front of the camera he has no problem hamming it up to get the best result. Although he’s quiet like me, he’s got a lot more confidence than I when it comes to this type of thing.
JL Now you and Matt do cosplay for Dragon-con, and from what Christopher tells me you and Matt plan these costumes well in advance as a couple. This must be hard.
K It doesn’t have to be hard, but I know I make it hard by over-analyzing details and driving myself crazy. (Laughter)
K I’m happy to be a part of it.
JL Thank you also for the autographs for my wife and myself, you guys look really great!
K You are very welcome.
JL I have to ask, what was your first reaction when Christopher asked you to do the photo shoots?
K I met Christopher at my very first convention. He was suited up in his Phantom costume and I was wearing a Silent Hill nurse costume, my head completely wrapped in gauze. I remember being very impressed with his costume, as I grew up reading The Phantom in the Birmingham news and my dad was always a big fan. Christopher asked me to participate in a shoot about 6 months later when we ran into each other at my 2nd convention (and my very first Dragon*Con). I think this may have been the first time he actually saw my face. I wasn’t completely sure what the extent of the shoot would be, and actually did not understand much of how the photos would be used but I thought it would be an interesting experience to be a part of it. Plus, I thought it would impress my dad.
JL Were you nervous your first time out modeling for them?
K I’m naturally a self-conscious person. I wanted to do a good job, but never having done that sort of thing before wasn’t sure I’d be able to deliver what they wanted. It was also really cold that day. I believe it had been snowing that morning so needless to say there was a physical discomfort on top of the nervousness I was experiencing.
JL Well, you look so much like the fictional character, it is amazing! I know I have overheard some of the fans talking about your likeness to Diana, I believe they are quite taken with you! (Laughter)
K People do often tell me how much I look like Diana and that always gives me a little confidence boost. I also hear that people who have not met me in person, and have only seen my photos are surprised when Christopher tells them I am not very tall. I love to hear that I look tall in my photos. (Laughter)
JL How much research did you do for the Diana role clothing wise? I also notice you bear a resemblance to the Valkyrie character from Airboy, especially the Steranko painting. (here is another costume Christopher mentioned for you to do). Were you a Phantom phan before all this started?
K Other than what I mentioned earlier about reading the comic in the newspaper, Christopher provided me with some literature on the Phantom. Before the first shoot I took the time to read the things he provided. I also sat down and watched the Billy Zane movie, but I never got around to watching the old serial from the 1940's, though Christopher has copies of that as well. Speaking of which, WOW, those people really fought a lot in those old movies!! (Laughter).
My standard Diana outfit is very, very basic and I actually already owned 99% of the outfit. For continuity in our story I have to wear the same clothes so there hasn’t really been much need for me to come up with other outfits yet.I researched as I mentioned before with watching the movie and reading the literature Christopher provided me with. I also had multiple conversations with Christopher about what she would wear. The main thing he said was that Diana was never a “girlie-girl” (for lack of a better word) and very rarely wore dresses or skirts. My mind didn’t come up with a whole lot of options based on those guidelines so my outfit is very basic. The Valkyrie character is an interesting one. I don’t know much about her, but she would be a more likely option than the other characters mentioned above.
JL I know Christopher has said that if you ever decided to stop playing the Diana role, he would never replace you, that you ARE Diana, and it would be very hard to find someone as dedicated to the role as you are. Does that come as a surprise to you? That is quite a compliment!
KThat IS a very big compliment and he and Magestiq, our photographer, have always been very kind in showing me their appreciation for the time I’ve given to the project. They’ve both been a pleasure to work with and that makes all the difference in the world.
JL Are you more of a Phan now than you were before the picto-stories?
K Of course.
JL Ross Carter who plays "uncle Dave" is quite a character, did you two hit it off well when you first met? I thought you two were actually related when I saw the two of you together!
K Ross is super friendly and full of energy. He kept the mood light and kept us all going on another very cold day. He was a pleasure to work with.
JL Now your husband Matt not only photographs at the shoots, but plays one of the main bad guys, I have seen some of the unpublished pics of him, what a great character actor he is. Tell us a little about him
K He really does not enjoy having his picture made, but once he gets in front of the camera he has no problem hamming it up to get the best result. Although he’s quiet like me, he’s got a lot more confidence than I when it comes to this type of thing.
JL Now you and Matt do cosplay for Dragon-con, and from what Christopher tells me you and Matt plan these costumes well in advance as a couple. This must be hard.
K It doesn’t have to be hard, but I know I make it hard by over-analyzing details and driving myself crazy. (Laughter)
JL I have seen the Mord’Sith costume from "legend of the seeker" that you and Matt put together, it was amazing!! I think Christoper was worried you two might just kill each other before you finally finished it, (laughter) but the out come of it was great.
K Thank you. My first Mord’Sith costume was a huge undertaking and I do not think I will ever try to take on a project like that again. I hired someone to make the vinyl catsuit and we actually put together the leather armor. Having never worked with leather before and not having any patterns to go by made it quite a challenge. The people at Tandy Leather in Montgomery were vital in getting us through all that. I have since replaced that first Mord’Sith costume with a better-fitting, higher-quality one (made by others) and am much happier with it.
JL I have to ask, my wife wants to know just how uncomfortable that costume is, and how do you take a restroom break? (laughter)
K My most current Mord’Sith costume is much more comfortable than the first one, however, it is still pretty uncomfortable. Mostly you have to worry about becoming overheated, and as far as bathroom breaks go – you don’t take them. Its totally worth all the discomfort, though. I fell in love with the Mord’Sith when I read Terry Goodkind’s “Sword of Truth” series. I’d actually always thought it would be a great costume to wear and was really excited when the show came out.
JL Well you guys did a real bang up job on the costume, it looks just like the one I have seen on the show, my wife is sad that it was canceled!
K Thank you! I think for a couple of leather amateurs we did a decent job on my first set of armor. I was very disappointed when the show was canceled, but it I was fortunate enough to be able to purchase part of one of the screen-used Mord’Sith costumes from an auction. The pieces I did not have were created by a very talented lady who makes replica pieces based on her own full, screen-used Mord’Sith costume. Though I still could make some improvements on things like footwear and getting the braid just right, I’m really happy with the costume now.
JL so what do you think about the people wanting the autographs, you were very busy there for awhile signing. Did you think one day people would be wanting the signature from you on your photos?
K I’m just a regular girl with a love for costuming and its always a great surprise when someone asks for my autograph.
K Thank you. My first Mord’Sith costume was a huge undertaking and I do not think I will ever try to take on a project like that again. I hired someone to make the vinyl catsuit and we actually put together the leather armor. Having never worked with leather before and not having any patterns to go by made it quite a challenge. The people at Tandy Leather in Montgomery were vital in getting us through all that. I have since replaced that first Mord’Sith costume with a better-fitting, higher-quality one (made by others) and am much happier with it.
JL I have to ask, my wife wants to know just how uncomfortable that costume is, and how do you take a restroom break? (laughter)
K My most current Mord’Sith costume is much more comfortable than the first one, however, it is still pretty uncomfortable. Mostly you have to worry about becoming overheated, and as far as bathroom breaks go – you don’t take them. Its totally worth all the discomfort, though. I fell in love with the Mord’Sith when I read Terry Goodkind’s “Sword of Truth” series. I’d actually always thought it would be a great costume to wear and was really excited when the show came out.
JL Well you guys did a real bang up job on the costume, it looks just like the one I have seen on the show, my wife is sad that it was canceled!
K Thank you! I think for a couple of leather amateurs we did a decent job on my first set of armor. I was very disappointed when the show was canceled, but it I was fortunate enough to be able to purchase part of one of the screen-used Mord’Sith costumes from an auction. The pieces I did not have were created by a very talented lady who makes replica pieces based on her own full, screen-used Mord’Sith costume. Though I still could make some improvements on things like footwear and getting the braid just right, I’m really happy with the costume now.
JL so what do you think about the people wanting the autographs, you were very busy there for awhile signing. Did you think one day people would be wanting the signature from you on your photos?
K I’m just a regular girl with a love for costuming and its always a great surprise when someone asks for my autograph.
Photo by Magestiq
JL How was your relationship to the first meeting of the horse BUD? he is a magnificent creature, Chris really bragged on him, he said he was a very gentle horse, although a few times he was ready to take off at a moments notice!
K Bud was very gentle and patient with us even though you could tell he was ready to run off some pent-up energy. He’s beautiful creature and I’m so glad I got a chance to ride him.
JL Chris said you and he both had rode horses long ago, but had been awhile since. were you nervous when you got in the saddle again after so long a time?
K I’d not ridden a horse since I was a kid and I was pretty nervous. I hope we get some more photos with him again one day.
JL As a side note put the word in Christopher's ear, I want an autographed picture of you on the horse next time, you know you have to remind him! (laughter)
KY I will certainly do that. (Laughter)
K Bud was very gentle and patient with us even though you could tell he was ready to run off some pent-up energy. He’s beautiful creature and I’m so glad I got a chance to ride him.
JL Chris said you and he both had rode horses long ago, but had been awhile since. were you nervous when you got in the saddle again after so long a time?
K I’d not ridden a horse since I was a kid and I was pretty nervous. I hope we get some more photos with him again one day.
JL As a side note put the word in Christopher's ear, I want an autographed picture of you on the horse next time, you know you have to remind him! (laughter)
KY I will certainly do that. (Laughter)
Photo by Christopher Walker
JL Christopher has said he is letting you sort of write your own destiny with the Diana character, and what she chooses to wear for the shoots. He said you project a very positive strong woman image, how do you feel about being a role model in this way?
K Christopher has given me some basic guidelines for Diana’s wardrobe and like I stated in an earlier question, I’ve pretty much had to stick to one particular outfit for continuity in the shoots. If we ever do another story one day, I believe I will try to change things up a bit but still try to stay true to the character’s personality. A role model? Wow! Christopher thinks too highly of me. (laughter) Diana is a strong woman, and I’m glad he feels I project the right image when I’m in character.
JL I know here in recent years you are seeing more and more strong women roles in novels, and in film. I have some of the Scandinavian Phantom comics, and Diana is a very independent woman, and takes charge, while still being feminine. She is definitely not a damsel in distress. Do you like this aspect?
K I think Diana has a good balance of those aspects and its what makes her a compelling character.
JL Yes I know that in discussion with christopher, he wanted you to be an aggressive woman, since the Phantom only chooses strong females for their mates.
K That’s something I’m still working on portraying in the picto-stories. In most areas of my life I’m naturally a more laid-back person.
JL I hear you are to be taking photographs also, and you were the one who shot the Throne shots of Christopher, they were very moody pictures in low light, with great effect! I have seen some of your other pictures that look like horror movie stills, what do you base your pictures from, and how long have you been shooting the pictures?
K I did take the throne shots. I like to experiment when I take pictures and sometimes if I can’t achieve what I want purely with the camera I can with photo editing software. My photos are usually just based on the emotions I’m feeling at the time and what makes me feel creative and inspired at that particular moment. Other than taking a photography course in college I’m purely self-taught and don’t own any high-end cameras or equipment. I think I started to experiment with taking creative photos about 5 years ago, and its been an on and off thing.
K Christopher has given me some basic guidelines for Diana’s wardrobe and like I stated in an earlier question, I’ve pretty much had to stick to one particular outfit for continuity in the shoots. If we ever do another story one day, I believe I will try to change things up a bit but still try to stay true to the character’s personality. A role model? Wow! Christopher thinks too highly of me. (laughter) Diana is a strong woman, and I’m glad he feels I project the right image when I’m in character.
JL I know here in recent years you are seeing more and more strong women roles in novels, and in film. I have some of the Scandinavian Phantom comics, and Diana is a very independent woman, and takes charge, while still being feminine. She is definitely not a damsel in distress. Do you like this aspect?
K I think Diana has a good balance of those aspects and its what makes her a compelling character.
JL Yes I know that in discussion with christopher, he wanted you to be an aggressive woman, since the Phantom only chooses strong females for their mates.
K That’s something I’m still working on portraying in the picto-stories. In most areas of my life I’m naturally a more laid-back person.
JL I hear you are to be taking photographs also, and you were the one who shot the Throne shots of Christopher, they were very moody pictures in low light, with great effect! I have seen some of your other pictures that look like horror movie stills, what do you base your pictures from, and how long have you been shooting the pictures?
K I did take the throne shots. I like to experiment when I take pictures and sometimes if I can’t achieve what I want purely with the camera I can with photo editing software. My photos are usually just based on the emotions I’m feeling at the time and what makes me feel creative and inspired at that particular moment. Other than taking a photography course in college I’m purely self-taught and don’t own any high-end cameras or equipment. I think I started to experiment with taking creative photos about 5 years ago, and its been an on and off thing.
copyright 2013 DC comics/Warner Entertainment/ art by Mike Mayhew
JL Have you ever met the one known as Kevo? I hear he has a talent for distorting his face, and becoming other characters, that will be in the shoot. Chris says you and he both are very allergic to everything! (laughter)
K I did hear the stories about that, but I have not had the opportunity to meet him yet.
JL So what are your plans for the future as Diana,and what are your upcoming plans for other characters? A certain purple bird told me he is trying to get you to do the 1970'swonder girl, and the earth 2 huntress characters from DC comics. Any comment?
K I’m not certain what the future holds for Diana, other than a couple more photo sessions and perhaps a booth at next year’s Phoenix festival, and Play On Con. As of now I have no definite plans for any comic characters. I admire many of them, but it takes bravery and 0% body fat to do some of those costumes justice. Haha! I haven’t really given more than some passing thoughts to my next costumes, but I do have a lot of ideas.
JL (laughter) Well, I believe you could very easily pull those costumes off!
K I might could pull them off, but it wouldn’t be easy by any means. It would require a lot of work and dedication to brave that much spandex.
JL I would like to add that you do great "Steranko" hand poses (laughter), Chris has bragged on how proud he is that you throw that in during the pictures!
K After our first shoot I was able to gauge more of what Christopher and Aron were looking for in the photos.
JL O.K. so tell me about the bugs that love you so much during the shoots! (laughter) Chris says you are his little gladiator!
K In the summer I can barely walk outside before I’m swarmed by mosquitoes. During one of our shoots, the mosquitoes (and everything else) were biting non-stop. The weather was also very random that day. One minute it was sunny and hot and the next minute it was raining and overcast. This went on throughout the entire shoot that day.
JL Is there anything else you would like to comment on before we come to an end of the interview?
K I would like to say how much I appreciate Christopher and Magestiq and how hard they’ve worked to give me the opportunity to take part in this project.
JL Well, it has been a great pleasure for my wife and I to have met you finally in person! Thank you very much once again to having this interview with me, and btw, my wife loves your boots! (laughter)
K It was nice to have met you as well. The boots were a great find on eBay. I actually bought them a few years ago for my Gabrielle costume (Xena Warrior Princess).
JL We hope to see you both again at Dragon con next year!
K We plan to be there!
JL May God bless you, your family, and your endeavors with the Phantom project!
K Thank you and God Bless you as well.
END OF INTERVIEW
K I did hear the stories about that, but I have not had the opportunity to meet him yet.
JL So what are your plans for the future as Diana,and what are your upcoming plans for other characters? A certain purple bird told me he is trying to get you to do the 1970'swonder girl, and the earth 2 huntress characters from DC comics. Any comment?
K I’m not certain what the future holds for Diana, other than a couple more photo sessions and perhaps a booth at next year’s Phoenix festival, and Play On Con. As of now I have no definite plans for any comic characters. I admire many of them, but it takes bravery and 0% body fat to do some of those costumes justice. Haha! I haven’t really given more than some passing thoughts to my next costumes, but I do have a lot of ideas.
JL (laughter) Well, I believe you could very easily pull those costumes off!
K I might could pull them off, but it wouldn’t be easy by any means. It would require a lot of work and dedication to brave that much spandex.
JL I would like to add that you do great "Steranko" hand poses (laughter), Chris has bragged on how proud he is that you throw that in during the pictures!
K After our first shoot I was able to gauge more of what Christopher and Aron were looking for in the photos.
JL O.K. so tell me about the bugs that love you so much during the shoots! (laughter) Chris says you are his little gladiator!
K In the summer I can barely walk outside before I’m swarmed by mosquitoes. During one of our shoots, the mosquitoes (and everything else) were biting non-stop. The weather was also very random that day. One minute it was sunny and hot and the next minute it was raining and overcast. This went on throughout the entire shoot that day.
JL Is there anything else you would like to comment on before we come to an end of the interview?
K I would like to say how much I appreciate Christopher and Magestiq and how hard they’ve worked to give me the opportunity to take part in this project.
JL Well, it has been a great pleasure for my wife and I to have met you finally in person! Thank you very much once again to having this interview with me, and btw, my wife loves your boots! (laughter)
K It was nice to have met you as well. The boots were a great find on eBay. I actually bought them a few years ago for my Gabrielle costume (Xena Warrior Princess).
JL We hope to see you both again at Dragon con next year!
K We plan to be there!
JL May God bless you, your family, and your endeavors with the Phantom project!
K Thank you and God Bless you as well.
END OF INTERVIEW