Skylan Brooks

Interview by Carol Wright | Photos by Jeff Vespa | Grooming Alexa Hernandez | Styling by Erica Cloud

You’ve been acting since you were a kid. When you were younger, what about acting sparked your interest?

I really liked the idea of going to these different places unbeknownst to the world and the fun in booking a role was a challenge that I enjoyed. Getting to experiment and find comfort in new things.

What drew you to Chubs in The Darkest Minds? Was it interesting to delve into a scifi role?

I've always wanted to do a Sci-fi thriller. Being an integral part of one was definitely exciting to say the least. I enjoyed Chubs’ sense of humor and I felt in different ways my personality helped contribute to portraying him on screen.

What was your favorite scene to shoot?

I gotta say the chase scene was by far the most crazy stunt I've ever done. I'll go with that for sure!

You also rap, which we got the chance to see in Netflix's The Get Down. Do you hope to continue to find roles that allow you to also explore your love of music?

Yeah. I would love to be a part of more films, tv, etc. that involve music, dance and performaning. I had a ton of fun. I'd really like to score or eventually leave my mark on a film musically even directing. I'm always open to creating.

It is well known that actors continually have to face rejection. Has it become easier to cope with that and how do you keep yourself motivated to try again after hearing numerous no’s?

I think there's a very distinct line between keeping yourself relevant and making a business decision which can lead to a yes or no. In this business, it weighs heavily on your ability in making the tough choices without fear which involves remembering who you are first. What are you willing to do and not do? Not compromising yourself for the sake of a role while still evaluating and taking advantage of what opportunities are in front you are crucial. Actors should have a strategy, guidelines and definitely boundaries for themselves. Knowing all of this will help minimize the amount of no's or what I call "misses" because you will only go after what you know you’re good at. In the meantime, you build on your skills for the projects you desire. The key is never lose sight of you. Staying grounded in who I am has helped me solidify my qualities. I learned that not getting that role is never personal. There's always something for you that will come back around. It works itself out, always!

Outside of acting, what are some of your other creative outlets?

Music is a big one. I find that I can get more feelings out in a three-minute song than in most conversations I have. I create art either Abstract or Design. I like weapon art and drawing logos just to name a few strokes lol!

How has your faith played a role in your career? Has it influenced which projects you get involved in?

Faith has played an integral part in all of my decisions in life. When it comes to roles, I put my all to manifest the character. But at the same time, I always have to check in with myself to make sure it doesn't change or challenge my integrity and barriers that keep me grounded. That's when my faith comes in. I have to make it a priority to not compromise what made me who I am in the first place because it is one of the main reasons why people like and appreciate me as a person and an artist.

Your career kicked off with The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete. How have you changed as an actor since that movie came out?

I've gotten stronger and more knowledgeable as an actor. I've learned a little bit about not only being in front of the camera but behind the camera as well as I develop my craft and myself. Although I hate time restrictions, I can learn material so much faster. I surprisingly work well in those circumstances. But I can definitely do so much more because of challenging roles and circumstances like in The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete. I was 13 and a half; I've come a long way. By now I'm probably considered a veteran in my old age- that's a plus.

Can you tell us about any upcoming projects?

I'm working on a TV show with Fox and I'm collaborating with Nate Parker on an upcoming film as well. I'm in the studio working on my first album. You can sample some of my music at Skiez 7 on SoundCloud.

What advice do you have for aspiring actors?

Don't let the hype get to your brain. If you want to be successful do what makes you happy with yourself. Don't compromise who you are just because you've booked the job or want that job and you need money. Formulate a plan. There are so many intricate details that you have to stay focused and have no distractions. Have a support system and don't go it alone. Anyone who can't support you now won't be there long enough to see you succeed. So clear out the riff-raff. Know that as long as you do the best you possibly can and never hold back, you nor anyone else can ever say "I didn't give it my everything". Cause in the end that's all that really matters.