VanCamp Emily

On Miranda’s Victim and working in TV/Film

Thank you for taking the time for this interview. Miranda’s Victim is an immensely powerful film. What drew you to the role of Ann Weir?

go through those very difficult scenes, which she handled incredibly well. It was beautiful to watch how she performed those scenes.

Photo by Women’s Health Australia

By Alex A. Kecskes

Known for her lead roles on the WB series Everwood, the ABC dramas Brothers & Sisters, and Revenge, Canadian-born Emily VanCamp also starred in the hospital drama, The Resident. She later starred as Sharon Carter/Agent 13 in Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Captain America: Civil War.

VanCamp is the third of four daughters born to Cindy and Robert VanCamp. Her father is an animal nutritionist and her first job was working for her father, delivering food to clients in and around her hometown. VanCamp started studying dance at age three, and at 11, attended a summer training program in Montreal. A year later, she was accepted at the l’École supérieure de ballet du Québec, the training program of Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, and moved in with a local French Canadian family. In 1998, VanCamp took acting classes, found an agent and, after working on a few commercials, was cast in the Canadian children’s horror anthology television series Are You Afraid of the Dark?

In the gripping historical crime drama Miranda’s Victim, VanCamp is Ann Weir, sister to Trish Weir who was kidnapped and raped by Ernesto Miranda. Trish endured the gauntlet of two trials where her attacker was initially set free for evidence gained without first being ‘Mirandized’—the Miranda Rights Law, which grants specific rights to any arrestee being questioned by police.

Emily VanCamp: Well, first of all, I’m one of four girls in my family. I just can’t believe this story has never been told. You hear about the Miranda Rights law and most people have no idea where it all stems from. For me, it was a very powerful story, one that was bravely told. Abigail (Breslin) did such an exceptional job portraying Trish. It felt like such an important story to tell and the Miranda Law was such an important element of the story. It was just something I wanted to be a part of and a wonderful experience all around. You look at the incredible cast they assembled and Michelle (Danner), who is such a wonderful director to work with. It was quite difficult on Abigail but Michelle created such a safe space to tell this story. We were all very grateful for that.

What did you draw from to play the sister of a rape victim? Do you know someone who was a victim of sexual assault?

VanCamp: Unfortunately, we all know someone that was assaulted in some way. I drew from stories and hearing experiences of tragedies. You draw from the bonding experience with families, which is something that I know very well.

What did you find most challenging about the role and being in this important film? VanCamp: I looked at it as being there for Trish (Abigail) and Michelle. Abigail did all the heavy lifting and I just wanted to be there to support her. It was not an easy role to play for her and I wanted to support her if it all became too much. But she got through it and she really shines.

Do you believe the judicial system still places an excessive burden on the victims of sexual assault?

VanCamp: I think there are many flaws to the judicial system, even to this day. But hopefully, a film like this can shed some light on that. Through art and film, we can create reform and change.

Aside from some of the life and death scenes in The Resident, was acting in Miranda’s Victim as emotionally draining for you as it was for viewers to watch?

VanCamp: I wouldn’t say for me, but it was difficult for Abigail. It was really remarkable to watch her

In the film, both Trish’s husband and her mother fell far short of supporting Trish’s courageous act to come forward. Do you feel this is a societal problem? That shaming is still an issue for some people?

VanCamp: I do. Back then, it was deeply controversial, especially for Trish’s mom. She was just so cruel to her daughter. It was also a journey for Ann in that she was the one in the family supporting her journey. And having Trish go through her story twice in her life. Those were really hard scenes to watch. And Josh (Bowman) who played her husband Charles—and who is actually my husband—was a strange thing to see, doing those scenes with Abigail. That was challenging and hard to watch.

What do you see as the core message in Miranda’s Victim?

VanCamp: OMG, there’s so many. But more than anything to support in every way possible those who suffer assaults and abuse. At its core, the film is about survival, strength, and courage. Those were the feelings I was really drawn to.

You’ve amassed an impressive and varied body of work. What have you learned about this business that surprised you?

VanCamp: Oh my. It’s so many things (laughs). It’s a really funny business. And it can be an incredibly difficult one. It’s all about working hard and at the end of the day, not taking it too seriously. You have to enjoy the work. That’s’ really what it comes down to, for me anyway. A lot of it is managing people. It’s certainly my passion and my great love.

I have to ask you about Revenge. What was that series like for you?

VanCamp: Oh, I became so close to the cast. It was a very special time. We were all young and without families. I have very fond memories of it. And, obviously, I met my husband on that show.

Any advice for young actors eager to make it in this business?

VanCamp: First of all, you really have to love it because it’s not an easy business to navigate. Keep your head on your shoulders. Stay strong and make sure you love it.

Director/Filmmaker

By Alex A. Kecskes

Founder of the Creative Center for the Arts and the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory, Michelle Danner is wellestablished as a film director and acting coach/mentor.