Known for her role as Laurie Strode in Halloween I and II, as Stephanie Baniszewski in An American Crime, and as Lita Ford in The Runaways, Scout Taylor-Compton began her acting career in the AFI film A.W.O.L. This was followed by a role in the film 13 Going on 30. Next came a leading role as Farrah in MGM’s Sleepover. She was in Hallmark’s Audrey’s Rain, the film 7 Songs, and the Power Up Film Chicken Night, where Scout sings the theme song. She was also in a leading role in the feature film Tomorrow Is Today.
Additional television guest credits included recurring roles on Unfabulous, The Guardian, Charmed, and Gilmore Girls, plus appearances on Cold Case, The Division, The Lyon’s Den, ER, and Ally McBeal. She was nominated for a Young Artist Award for her work on Gilmore Girls and was again nominated for her lead role in Sleepover and a recurring role on CBS’s The Guardian. Scout’s voice-over credits include Disney’s Sky High, The Core, and I Am Sam. She also worked on the film The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. On stage, she has played the title roles in the musical Annie/Annie Warbucks and the drama Anne Frank.
In the action thriller Into the Deep, Scout is Cassidy Branham, a heroic diver forced to enter shark-infested waters by pirates who commandeer their boat to look for sunken drugs.
What drew you to this thriller and the character of Cassidy?
Scout: I’ve been acting since I was a kid and have always been interested in water-related films, like Waterworld and Jaws. So when this film came to my attention, it had everything I was looking for: It was a water film, it had sharks, it was a physical role, and Cassidy was a badass with a cool arc. For me, it was a no-brainer. It also had Richard Dreyfuss, who I’ve long admired.
Did you audition for the role of Cassidy?
Scout: No. I have worked with the producer on many films. It was something that he brought to me. I read the script. I had also acted in a movie with the writer. He started developing the cast. And all the pieces came together. I was kind of an easy yes.
Do you deep-sea dive?
Scout: Only to the extent that I booked a diving experience in Hawaii on my vacation. I did go through some diving training—about one day. I’m comfortable in the water. I used to be a competitive swimmer. That definitely helped. The people who conducted the training for us were with us during filming. So I felt very comfortable with them nearby. I wouldn’t have gotten the role had I a fear of being in the water with diving gear.
The location was so beautiful. Where did you film?
Scout: It was in Krabi, Thailand. It’s so remarkable. We had such a great time snorkeling and exploring the caves. We booked a yacht out of Thailand. It was very affordable. It’s funny: we were celebrating my birthday on a yacht, the same yacht we’d be filming on (laughs).
Cassidy faces her deepest fear
Was that you facing and touching that huge shark?
Scout: (laughs) Well, I was in the water, but it was a CGI shark. I was using my imagination to react to this shark directly in front of me. I did a lot of research about this incredible woman who dives with these great white sharks. She maneuvers them with her hands. I learned that if you encounter a shark, you should remain still, not splash, and make yourself as large as possible.
What was the biggest challenge you faced in filming?
Scout: Probably getting in and out of the water with that massive tank on my back. When you’re wet, you’re coming out of the water so heavy. That said, I love physical roles and the water, so I was kind of in my element with this film. It was really more fun than challenging.
Can you go into some of your favorite scenes?
Scout: Some of my favorite scenes were with John (Seda). He’s an incredible actor. I’ve admired him for a long time. He was great to work with. And working with Richard Dreyfuss was great. He’s such a legend. I’d known him for a bit. So, working with him on a shark movie was incredible. Richard shared a lot of memorable stories with us.
You’ve amassed quite a resume of work in TV and film. What have you learned about this business that surprised you?
Scout: That there are many sharks in this industry. (laughs) It’s good to push out the sharks and create a community, something I’ve done over the years. These people become your family. I’m stepping behind the camera and directing—a lot more this year than last. Having family in and out of this industry is very important. I’m very lucky to have created a family in my career.
You talked about directing. Can you reveal any projects you’re involved in now?
Scout: The first directing gig I started this year is a cop drama starring Mickey Rourke and Brendan Fehr. It also has Nikki Weiland, Daniel Harris, and a lot of cool misfits in it. It was an amazing action movie to film. It’s titled Bring the Law, and it’s very much like The Town. We’re presenting that on the festival circuit. I’m hoping we can release it by the end of the year. I also just finished directing a dramatic genre film with my co-host, Daniel Harris. I’ve developed a few more scripts and started a production company. I’ve learned from accomplished people in this business. I like acting, directing, and writing. There’s so much that I’ve learned by taking on these aspects of filmmaking. Acting helps me be a good director, and directing helps me be a good writer. I thought it was really cool that I could take myself out of the actor role and direct.
Was there a film or actor that got you into acting?
Scout: I would say, Brittany Murphy. I respected her so much. And Patrick Swayze.
Any advice for aspiring young actors eager to get into acting?
Scout: I tell them that if this is something in your gut and heart that you really want to do, believe in yourself and push through. This is a hard industry to break into and succeed in. I also tell young actors that if no one believes in you, make your own films.
What were you like in high school? The girl most likely to…?
Scout: To beat the boys. (laughs) I was a huge tomboy and always competing with boys. I played baseball, and I was a swimmer. I did perform in plays. But I really got into acting when I was just eight years old. It’s great therapy for a kid. It was either sink or swim. Acting was a release for me.
Alex A. Kecskes is a published author of "Healer a Novel" and "The Search for Dr. Noble"—both now available on Amazon. He has written hundreds of film reviews and celebrity interviews for a wide variety of online and print outlets. He has covered red carpet premieres and Comic-Con events for major films and independent releases.
