From the fan-favourite and longest-running superhero series Smallville, the ABC science fiction series V, the blockbuster feature Jigsaw, Ted, Netflix series VWars to the supernatural series Bitten, Laura Vandervoort is a versatile actress who can easily and flawlessly embrace the essence of every role she plays. Born in Canada, Laura has built an international fan base from her extensive resume and has been consistently working as an actress since she was thirteen years old. Laura has been wearing the Producer hat as of late and broadening her career by developing projects.
(Beyond Fashion Magazine): What was your most memorable role and why?
(Laura): Memorable to me personally, would likely be my time on the series ‘Bitten.’ It was the most family-style environment I have ever experienced on a set. We worked for three seasons as a family unit. The cast was close, the crew was so kind and generous and the producing/writing team made things feel both safe and challenging for actors to explore their craft. EOne truly supported the show and actors. I am forever grateful for the experience I had on that set and with that team here in Toronto.
What inspires your recent moves in the last few years to produce and develop your own content after 20+ years in front of the camera?
I think a lot of actors who have been at it for years get to a certain point where they want to be more in control. Where they want to tell their stories in their own way. We spend so much time as actors hoping we are good enough, hoping the timing is right. I was lucky enough to develop and produce my first short, ‘Age Of Dysphoria’ last year with an incredible team. Directed by Jessica Petelle, written by Zoe Robyn, produced by Brad Turner and an all-female producing team, Film Coop. The experience was so incredible and seeing my vision come to life really gave me the bug to develop more content. The need I feel to be growing, changing, adapting and moving forward in different capacities in this industry is great. Over the 20+ years, I have been lucky to make incredible friends who are willing to help guide me on this new path. We have a few features in development. I just wrote my first short film and hope to direct it in the new year.
What projects are you currently working on?
During Covid, we saw a complete shutdown of our industry, much like many others. Only recently are things beginning to pick back up again in Ontario as we have entered Phase 3. I went back to work on a film, which wrapped 3 weeks ago. We haven’t announced it yet so I won’t spoil it. In September, I will be joining an incredible series for an episode. I am thrilled about this one but also can’t say what it is at this time… haha sorry. In the meantime, I continue to try to develop projects and build momentum for them. It is tougher than I anticipated to try to put all the pieces of the production puzzle together. Without a doubt it has been a huge learning curve for me, however high functioning anxiety seems to help, haha.
How has your Industry changed with Covid?
Covid has truly changed the landscape for everyone. The entertainment industry and set life included. As we all enter into the ‘new normal,’ actors, producers and crew alike are learning to pivot and adjust. Close, intimate and personal relationships are crucial as a part of the storytelling process on camera. Many safety measures are being taken to protect the performers and crew. It is hard to know how it will affect things in the long run, however, we see many productions moving to Canada from the US. Our union (ACTRA) has gone to great lengths to see to the safety of every person on set. We are seeing a flourish of new/returning series and features in Ontario due to our safety guidelines and numbers.
If you weren’t an actor/producer, what job do you think you’d go for?
I would likely be a psychologist which (when typing that answer) makes me laugh because artists (myself included) can often be some of the most insecure, emotionally all in, intense people, which makes their art so relatable and real to watch/see. I went to York University for Psych and English. At first, I thought I would want to be a writer but psychology really pulled me in.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
You know, had you asked me that 10 years ago I would have given you an answer that I wouldn’t have lived up to. It would have been an answer I truly believed would be a reality. However, we can’t predict the future, nor what roadblocks will pop up and redirect our lives. The last 10 years have been eye-opening in many ways, especially the end of 2019 to this very moment. I have had to learn that life lessons can come in cruel packages with pretty promising bows. I think I’ve found that the key to chaos and uncertainty is to try to accept the present. Have ambitions, yes! But don’t assume things will ever go as planned. With that said, I’m hesitant to give you a prediction of where I’ll be in the next 10 years. The honest answer is, I just don’t know. A lot can happen. I do know what goals I’d like to achieve and that I’ll work my hardest to do just that. After all, that’s all we can ask of ourselves, right? Do our best.
How would you describe your fashion style?
Oh gosh, I don’t really have one. It changes based on my situation/environment/mood/season/location. So, can we call it ‘adaptable?’
What are some beauty must-haves you cannot live without?
I am a huge fan of a company called Skin Ceuticals. I have finally found a skincare routine I can stick with. Honestly. As we get older the skin needs obviously change. Their products (for me) are ones I can’t live without.
What’s one thing people don’t know about you?
I eat cereal in bed every night? Haha, not really breaking news but there you have it!
What advice would you give to someone who’s trying to start a career
in the film industry?
You are enough. Chin up and fasten your seatbelt. It’s going to be a bumpy ride.
What’s your life motto?
I actually don’t have one. Well at least, I’ve never thought about it. Perhaps it would be ‘Just do your best because your best is all you can do?’ I’m pretty sure I’ve heard that somewhere so I guess I’m just stealing it.
Creative Director/ Photographer: Lindsay Anne Delaney
Stylist: Cynthia Florek
Hair & Make-Up: Neil Silverman
Assistant: Alicia Churilla
