Anna Camp Navigates Frights and Filming on HGTV's 'A Very Haunted Renovation'

Anna Camp has taken on a new role as host of HGTV's "A Very Haunted Renovation," a competition series where designers renovate one of America's most haunted mansions, Bihl Manor in Fremont, Ohio. The show premiered on September 15 and features six renovators living in the historically haunted house for the duration of the competition, vying for a $50,000 prize.

Camp, who admits she would not stay in the manor herself due to its reputation, recounted experiencing paranormal activity during filming. "Every time I would mention the ghosts or mention hauntings, we would lose power. The control room would lose power," she told DECIDER. Producers noted the unusual occurrences, which Camp believes were the spirits interacting with the production.

While Camp was not a resident of Bihl Manor, she did interact with the contestants and observed their experiences. She noted that some contestants brought tools like dowsing rods and a REM Pod to communicate with spirits, and she heard about paranormal events, including objects moving across rooms. Camp expressed pride in the contestants' willingness to live in the manor.

Camp's interest in the show stemmed from its unique concept, which she found compelling enough to host, unlike previous hosting offers. "I’m a firm believer in ghosts and spirits. I own multiple Ouija boards. I love Halloween. I totally believe," she said. Her familiarity with design, while not extensive, includes an appreciation for architecture, particularly mid-century modern homes, and she is a fan of HGTV shows like "Rock the Block."

"A Very Haunted Renovation" features design expert Michel Smith Boyd as a mentor and judge, alongside celebrity guest judges including Eli Roth, Jack Osbourne, Lulu Wilson, Billy Porter, Cassandra Peterson, and Hannah Beachler. Camp found Billy Porter to be a particularly enjoyable guest, praising his taste and energy on set.

Beyond her hosting duties, Camp has also been busy with other projects. She is returning to the stage to perform in "2:22 – A Ghost Story," a play she previously starred in. "It’s such a great experience for an actor to get to be able to play the same role again and to revisit the character," she stated, noting the intimacy of the West Village's Lucille Lortel Theatre compared to the larger Ahmanson Theatre where she previously performed the role.

Camp also recently fulfilled a horror fan's dream by playing the Ghostface killer in "Scream 7." Keeping the role a secret was challenging, but she described the experience as surreal and a significant career moment. She expressed a strong preference for working in horror, citing the creative freedom and emotional challenges it offers actors.

Additionally, Camp garnered praise for her role in the fifth and final season of the Netflix series "You." She expressed enjoyment in playing twins and admired the dedication of her co-stars. While the show concluded, Camp hinted at the possibility of a future movie or related project.

Looking ahead, Camp is open to further hosting opportunities, particularly for "A Very Haunted Renovation," and suggested potential future locations for the show could include New Orleans or Charleston, South Carolina. She also recently completed filming a family drama titled "Salt and Honey," directed by Amy Redford, which she compares to "Little Miss Sunshine."

The first episode of "A Very Haunted Renovation" is available on HBO Max, with new episodes airing on HGTV.