VICTORY VAN TUYL

GN: What was the moment you knew this was the career past for you?

VV: From the moment I did my first play in middle school, I was hooked. I immediately knew that I would want to act forever.

GN: What's been the biggest reward to come from being in this industry so far?

VV: There’s so much, but the most rewarding part has to be connecting with people, whether it’s castmates who become lifelong friends or someone who watches a project and feels something as a result. It’s a wild, unpredictable industry, but those little moments of connection are so worth it.

GN: How do you prepare for your role/project behind the scenes?

VV: It often depends on the role, but overall I love getting into the details. If there’s source material, I’ll read it front to back usually more than once. Before starting production in Black Dagger Brotherhood, I found it helpful to journal as Marissa, nothing crazy. just little day-to-day thoughts or memories in her voice. It helped me get out of my own head and into hers. As important as the preparation is, I also like to leave room for surprise and authentic moments that are created on set.

GN: What advice would you give to someone trying to break into your field of work? VV: Try to enjoy the process, not just the outcome.

GN: Who has been a major influence or mentor in your career?

VV: My mom has been the most consistent support in my career and my life as a whole. She has done everything and anything to support my dreams. I’m very lucky to have her.

GN: Is there a genre or role you haven't done yet but really want to explore?
VV: I’ve been dying to work on a period piece for years now. I love the idea of stepping into another time and exploring how people lived, spoke, and existed in a completely different world. On the flip side, I first started out in independent films, and I would love to return to them eventually and explore stories that are raw, grounded, and centered around real, complex characters. The intimacy and creative freedom of indie projects is special.

GN: Traveling and wonderful destinations can be a part of your projects, what have been your favorite locations?

VV: Shooting Black Dagger Brotherhood in Atlanta was amazing since most of my family lives there. It had been years since I lived there full time, so getting to see them on weekends and days off felt like a luxury. I felt very lucky to be able to work on a project and a character I absolutely love while also getting the chance to spend extra time with the people who are most important to me.

GN: Are there locations that you hope to work in?

VV: I’ve never shot anything outside of the U.S., so I’m really hoping to get the chance to work on something internationally.

GN: During your journey what has been a big life lesson that you can share?

VV: Gratitude shifts everything. Taking time to appreciate the little wins and the people around you is key!

GN: What does the term 'Goodnight' mean to you?

VV: “Goodnight” feels like a little exhale at the end of the day. It carries a quiet kind of care. Even if nothing went according to plan, at least we get to crawl into bed and start fresh in the morning.

Photography: KIMBERLY GOODNIGHT Styling: VENK MODUR Makeup: AKINA SHIMIZU represented by A-FRAME AGENCY  Hair: TANYA ALIAN using GHD, represented by A-FRAME AGENCY Location: AE STUDIO Production: MEDIA PLAYGROUND PR