Star Power Vol.32 by NYOTA Magazine

[NYOTA Magazine ]

star power

Brenna D'Amico Volume 32

from the editor

HELLO THERE, READER! In this Star Power issue, we got to chat with actress Brenna D'Amico who can be seen in the new psychological thriller, Night Night. We also have a quick chat with actress Hallea Jones who can be seen in Locke & Key on Netflix. As usual, I hope you enjoy reading the issue and that it inspires you to go after your dreams.

YOURS TRULY, Carol Wright EDITOR IN CHIEF @_CAROL_WRIGHT

contents 1. Editor's Letter 3. Get to Know Brenna

4. Brenna's Playlist

5. Star Power: Brenna D'Amico

8. Brenna's Top Picks

9. Quick Chat: Hallea Jones

#StarPower

Get To Know Brenna

I’m moving to New York City in January!

I fell in love with Harry Styles when I was 12-yearsold, and I still love him. I’m very loyal.

I never attended a traditional public or private school; I was homeschooled.

Nicknames my family call me: “Sis,” “BrennaBoo,” and “Stink.”

I love taking long drives alone.

#NyotaMusic

Brenna's Playlist

Banks // Gimme Machine Gun Kelly // Why Are You Here Matt Maeson ft. Lana Del Rey // Hallucinogenics Counting Crows // Round Here Olivia Dean // Slowly 070 Shake // I Laugh When I’m With Friends But Sad When I’m Alone Bring Me the Horizon // Mantra Girl in Red // Bad Idea! The Driver Era // A Kiss Frank Ocean // Swim Good

#StarPower

Brenna D'Amico Interview by Carol Wright | Makeup by Luisa Ruiz | Hair by Reginald Drummer | Wardrobe Styling by Sky JT Naval | Photography by Hernan Rodriguez

#StarPower

Actress Brenna D'Amico rose to fame after starring in the hit Descendants series on Disney Channel. Now she is stepping into a new phase of her career and starring in her first adult role as April in Night Night. D'Amico spoke to NYOTA about growing as an actor through this project and her acting inspirations.

Growing up did you have a lot of creative family members that encouraged you to pursue the arts? Yes, my dad plays the piano and my mom sings. We always had music playing around the house. I learned to play the piano and guitar growing up, and I always loved to sing, as well. When I was 8-years-old I started a musical theater program and I knew right away that performing was going to be my path.

Who are some of your acting inspirations? Florence Pugh and Victoria Pedretti.

Tell our readers about Night Night. Why did you want to be a part of the project? Night Night is a psychological thriller about a young woman whose world is turned upside down by a few tragic events, and she quickly realizes that she has only herself to rely on to survive. I love psychological thrillers, and when I read the script I loved that Night Night had a strong, independent female lead, so I was very happy when I was offered the role.

Your character April goes through a traumatic event in the film. What did you do to get into her headspace? I started by studying April’s life and learning about the experiences that shaped her and about what motivates her, and this helped to show me how she would react to certain situations. I always want to build a relationship with the characters I play. Did Night Night have a very collaborative on-set environment? Absolutely! Our director, Niki Koss, was very open to our ideas, which I really appreciated. Collaboration is the key to making a successful film.

Do you feel you grew as an actor after working on the project? Yes! There were a lot of firsts for me coming into this project – first time traveling alone to work on a film, first time doing a psychological thriller, first time playing an intense lead role, first time playing an adult role, so I definitely grew professionally, and personally, as well. It was a great experience.

Night Night is your first adult role. Were you nervous to take on the role or excited to step into a new chapter career-wise? I was super excited! I was more than ready to take on the role of April.

#StarPower

During the pandemic the film and television industry has had to make a lot of adjustments to get casts and crews back to filming. When you work on projects now do you have a newfound appreciation for the filmmaking process? I have always appreciated how much hard work goes into making a film, and now I appreciate everyone’s time and effort even more because now there are even more challenges to handle.

Outside of acting you also create music. Do you have a particular song-making process? I’m actually really new to this whole songmaking process! Until recently, I really just played for myself and, occasionally, shared a cover on Instagram. But over the last few months, I’ve collaborated on two songs that I helped to write and I performed on both songs, so I’ve been learning a lot. I look forward to releasing more music soon.

What advice do you have for aspiring actors? Get as much experience as you can! Do school or community theatre, do student films and short films, take acting classes, create your own content, attend plays, and watch movies and TV shows!

"Get as much experience as you can! Do school or community theatre, do student films and short films, take acting classes, create your own content, attend plays, and watch movies and TV shows!"

#StarPower

brenna's Top Picks

Book: You Are Not So Smart by David McRaney

Fashion Trend: Oversized sweatshirts and platform sneakers

TV Show: Barry

Movie: Good Time

#QuickChat

Hallea Jones Interview by Carol Wright | Photographer: Nick Merzetti

NYOTA got to chat with actress Hallea Jones about the newest season of Locke & Key and working on music with her brother during quarantine.

Who are some of your acting inspirations? Maybe it’s the Canadian girl in me, but I love Rachel McAdams’ versatility. I mean, she filmed Mean Girls AND The Notebook in the same year? Truly a legend. I’m also a huge fan of Zendaya, of course. She’s an incredible actress, but she’s a fashion icon and seems like one of the coolest and most down-to-earth young actors in Hollywood.

For this new season of Locke & Key did you prepare for the role of Eden differently? It’s funny because I don’t feel like I really “prepared” for Eden, beyond listening to an Eden playlist I religiously put on every day of filming, I felt like Eden was just there, and when on set filming she would just come out and play. Of course, I left Eden between “action” and “cut” but she came out when called upon.

Do you have a favorite moment from filming season two? I have a lot of favourite moments but one that frequently comes to mind is the day we did the big fight scene with the Lockes’ at KeyHouse (Episode 2x06). It was so exhilarating and really got the adrenaline pumping. While it definitely bruised me up a bit and was one of the most exhausting days on set, I remember laying on the floor of KeyHouse, completely out of breath, with the biggest smile on my face, marveling at how incredible my “job” is. That’s only one of my favourite moments...but truly, every day on set was my favourite day. It was such a pleasure working on the set of Locke & Key.

Now that you and your castmates have two seasons under your belts do you feel that working together and collaborating on how a scene should go has become easier over time? Filming season two was the biggest acting lesson of my life. There were so many huge revelations and challenges that could never be taught in an acting class. The confidence I gained in my own abilities throughout the season definitely made aspects of filming a lot easier, which translated to easier collaboration while filming with my other castmates. I really enjoyed working with Griffin because he has such a confident cool air to him, but he’s one of the nicest people and so naturally talented. It was a joy to work so closely for so many months and I have no doubt that collaborating with Griffin made me a better actor.

#QuickChat Outside of acting you also make music. Have you been working on anything new? I go through my ups and downs when it comes to music. I’ll go weeks without making a single song, and then in a week, I’ll pump out 5 in a row. That’s a big reason I’m hesitant to put any of my music out and develop a music career alongside my acting career because I fear the pressure of putting out new music consistently. I really believe that all the time I spend not making music is for a reason and that’s why when I get back to writing it all comes pouring out. The time in between is meant for living life, gaining experiences, and overall reflection. My brother, August Jones, and I wrote, recorded, and produced 15 songs over the time we spent with our family during quarantine. He’s a multiinstrumentalist producer who would take my little song ideas I call MiniMuses and turn them into full songs. So, when will they come out? No idea. I’ll keep everyone updated on Instagram! What advice do you have for aspiring actors? Use every negative comment to your benefit and if you truly love acting, never give up on it. The beauty about acting is that, contrary to popular belief, there is no age limit. There will always be roles for different ages. We need the Moms, the Aunts, the Grandmothers, the Bosses, the Best Friends! There’s only an age limit to acting and “making it” if you allow traditional ideas of the industry to convince you that when you reach 25 you’re “too old”.. That’s just simply not true. It’s the people who continue to pursue acting because they love it, who are the ones who have a higher chance of actually making it in the industry. And if that means you have to get a job while you’re doing it, do it! Bills need to be paid, but so does the soul. If you find your soul soaring free when you’re acting, continue to chase it no matter how old you are. It’s when you give up all hope that all chances of living that dream are lost. Keep dreaming, and work hard. Luck only comes to those who are prepared for it.

"Keep dreaming, and work hard. Luck only comes to those who are prepared for it."

NYOTA Magazine STAR POWER TEAM EDITOR IN CHIEF

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

CAROL WRIGHT

WWW.ISSUU.COM/NYOTAMAGAZINE

CAROL WRIGHT

HTTP://NYOTAMAGAZINE.COM

COVER ACTRESS

Brenna D'Amico

CONTRIBUTORS PHOTOGRAPHER PHOTOGRAPHER

PUBLISHING

Hernan Rodriguez Nick Merzetti

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