By Samantha Blackwell (Twitter)
Actress Victoria Guthrie is not so mysterious when it comes to her talents. Originally from Holt, Michigan, she made her way to New York to study fashion. The modeling industry took notice of her natural beauty and sent her traveling around the world before she entered the acting arena.
Since then, Victoria has amassed over 100 film, TV and theater credits. She is recognized by millions for her role as Claire Tilghman in the multi-award winning noir soap/sci-fi hybrid series Milgram and the Fastwalkers. A regular on the festival circuit, she has earned awards and nominations for her roles in Origami Gate, Tales of Creation, Stationary, Dunes Atlantic, Master Cleanse, and Wallabout among others.
Currently, Victoria is racking up accolades, including a Best Supporting Actress nod at the London International Filmmaker Festival (London IFF), for her role as Mrs. Stevenson in the whodunnit murder mystery feature film One, Two Guess Who’s Who.
indieactivity: How did you get into acting?
Victoria Guthrie (VG): I was a model for many years and was searching to branch into other things. At first it was simply amazing therapy! I learned how to become neutral and developed a great understanding of myself. After that my interest grew to justifying how other people think and the overall art of acting.
What helps you create a character?
Victoria Guthrie (VG): Mostly I make choices about their goals and obstacles, weaving similarities from my own life and/or my fantasy life. If it’s a specific era, accent, etiquette, etc. I will study that time period, culture, and dialects by watching films, listening to tapes or reading books. Sometimes, I may study an animal and incorporate some of their movements, posture, etc.
Is there a specific moment when you know you’re fully prepared?
Victoria Guthrie (VG): On some level, I feel I’m never prepared and I always want to add more. Sometimes I feel the character so well that once the lines are down, I’m ready to go. Having said that, no matter how well I am doing a particular role I am always open to new discoveries and always find that the character deepens.
Briefly explain your role in the new film “One, Two, Guess Who’s Who.” ?
Victoria Guthrie (VG): Mrs. Stevenson is a spurned woman, tired of being lied to and played. She wants revenge. I don’t want to say more than that and risk giving away too much of the movie
What was your first impression of Mrs. Stevenson?
Victoria Guthrie (VG): I’ve always enjoyed dark characters. I’m a complete goody two shoes in my own life. The “villain” roles give me a chance to act out without repercussions…its great fun.
How do you keep your performance fresh during long hours on set?
Victoria Guthrie (VG): Focus, focus, focus on my scene partner and react to what he/she is giving me. The other thing I do is I bring my own food. I am also a fitness competitor/professional bikini athlete, so my body is accustomed to eating clean foods every two and half hours. Most indie sets serve one meal in eight hours and it’s often Chinese or pizza. There is no way I could keep up my stamina on one meal in eight hours and/or eating processed foods which cause sugar crashes. I also bring multiple bottles of alkaline water which is an antioxidant and I drink at least 100 oz a day.
What’s the best advice any director ever gave you?
Victoria Guthrie (VG): To listen and react to my partner, and be in the moment. To never push an emotion. If you understand the circumstances and prepare the internal yin and yang of the situation, the emotion will be there.
Any other tips for actors you’d like to share?
Victoria Guthrie (VG): When it comes to show business, there are more letters in business than in show. Spend a significant amount of time on the business or you could be the most talented person on the planet performing in your garage. I believe in building a social media empire. Fans increase your value as an actor. Fans also want to know who you are, even if it’s dealing with a personal struggle. It makes you more human and relatable. I have booked jobs from social media without ever having met the producer or director because they knew my work by seeing it on my social media pages.
What do you want to change about the business?
Victoria Guthrie (VG): I feel that uploaded auditions have become too prevalent. It’s important to see how an actor takes direction and interacts with you. This is lost with a straight upload. I spend a lot of time preparing for an audition and I feel it is more reciprocal when the director spends a little personal time with me…even if it’s via Skype.
Who is your creative idol and what do you love about their work?
Victoria Guthrie (VG): I like Meryl Streep for her mastery of …well everything. I love Laura Dern, Nicole Kidman, Charlize Theron, and Robin Wright Penn because they make powerful choices and don’t appear to be afraid of being raw and/or ugly. These women have intelligence that shines through in their work. I always want my characters to be intelligent and somehow inspiring and larger than life…never typical.
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ACTOR INTERVIEWS
Actress Victoria Guthrie Demystifies Her Work
By Samantha Blackwell (Twitter)
