As many of my readers know quite well, one of my nearest and dearest passions is that of highlighting positive young people in the film/TV industry, and in the case of Hannah VandenBygaart, the term “positive” only begins to describe the wonder that she is. I have only recently become aware of her multitudinous talents, and I am honored to be able to introduce her and her works to my readers today.
Photo by Megan Vincent
RH: How/Why did you get started in acting?
HV: I was always into performing when I was in elementary school (in plays and home videos). In my grade eight year, I would constantly be watching behind-the-scenes videos of filming (usually Disney/Nickelodeon) with actors I loved. One day I said to my mom, “I want an agent,” and we went to a small agency in Ottawa (kind of backwards, I know). After that, I started going to acting classes at A.C.T. Ottawa and used it as sort of a therapy in a way. I didn’t understand acting (and I kind of don’t still), but back then I was going through a lot of emotions (puberty, severe anxiety, etc.), so it was kind of my escape. I’m so thankful for that class because it gave me a grounding early on, which is rare.
What was your first professional job and what are your memories of it?
Tell the World
My first job was when I was fifteen on a period film called Tell the World; I had three lines. I remember getting the offer and the two shoot days fell right on my exams for grade ten. My mom is AMAZING and negotiated with the principal/school and got my exam date pushed (which NEVER happens). I remember filming at Upper Canada Village at the end of June and having NO IDEA WHAT I WAS DOING: First time being directed, having a mic/wire put on me, getting hair and make-up touch-ups. Amazing, but definitely not normal to me.
One of the things you are most known for is Bruno & Boots. What can you tell us about your character “Cathy”? And what did you enjoy about playing her?
Bruno & Boots
AHHH, my second role and my first ever supporting role too. I was so blessed to get that project with only one other role under my belt (Thank you, Larissa Mair). Cathy Burton is the self-appointed leader of the girl’s boarding school Scrimmage Academy, across the street from Macdonald Hall. She’s extremely impulsive, competitive and commanding. She’s also fiercely loving and protective over ones she loves and hates losing (especially to the boys across the street). Playing her was amazing, but it was the whole experience of filming that was unreal. It was the first time in an ensemble, so having that companionship was special to me. We filmed at McMaster University and our “trailers” were just rooms in the dorm, so in between scenes and on lunch we would chill in the common rooms playing pool and making music. Those summers with those people are unforgettable.
You’ve been in a few thrillers that have appeared on Lifetime and Netflix this year. Any special moments from those movies you’d like to share?
I filmed all of those thrillers almost back-to-back, with The Sweetheart being the first. That was a crazy shoot because it was just after I came back from ReBoot: The Guardian Code and between landing the role and the start of filming, I had only four days to prep. And it was only four days to prep on my FIRST LEAD OF A MOVIE. However, the good thing was that I had worked with most of the crew (and director and producers) about eight months prior, so it was easy to get comfortable. I got super close with Habree {Larratt} (playing my younger sister) and Jon Cor (playing my almost killer). Here are some videos I found on my snapchat:
You are in ReBoot: The Guardian Code. What can you tell us about your role and how that role fits into the overall premise? What do you hope viewers will take away from this show?
ReBoot: The Guardian Code
My role in the show is V.E.R.A. (stands for “virtual evolutionary recombinant avatar”) who is a bio constructed A.I., so completely human body with a computer for a brain. She comes into the world in episode one in order to help the guardians fight evil in cyberspace (as a coach of some sorts), and throughout the series, is searching for purpose and trying to fit into the real world of fascinating but complicated humans. Deep down, her personal story is about acceptance and finding where she belongs. This is something that I can deeply relate to and I hope the viewers can learn from.
ReBoot: The Guardian Code
Also, the cast was a family. Our off-screen chemistry was crazy. We would all chill in Ty’s {Wood} hotel room most nights (we called it Room 0) and would hang out at Ajay’s {Friese} house in Victoria. To get a picture of how comfortable we were with each other, I would sometimes be getting food out of Ajay’s teeth before a take and we would usually stay on set for other people’s scenes to watch their takes. I also came to set the one day I had off, and had a cameo (as a human) in the first episode (I mean, you could only see the back of my head, but still). Hint: It’s in episode one when Austin and Parker get the text about room 0 😉
Any other upcoming roles you can mention?
Right now I have a short film coming out that I filmed last year called Full Circle. Other than that, I’m in acting classes and auditioning, as well as working towards my Bachelor of Science!
As a young person in the business, how do you remain positive and stay away from negative influences?
Oh man, I could talk endlessly about this.
In order to navigate this business, I think you have to have a real hold on who you are deep down. This year (2018) has been a process of finding that out for me. When you’re basically going to job interviews constantly and getting told “No,” it’s easy to lose the love and passion if you aren’t centered deep down. For a while, I would be doubting my abilities which would hinder me even more creatively and booking-wise. Through acting classes, that are primarily about collaboration and storytelling, and friends, who are in the same crazy business, I’m reminded of why I keep doing this. Because ultimately, whether on set of a huge movie franchise, or an Indie project or even in a small audition room, I’m doing the same thing–acting and storytelling.
Also, you learn to take care of yourself. I meditate, eat healthy and take time when I know I need to take a step back. Basically, it’s about figuring out who you are and honouring that, which I think is universal and everyone can relate to. I’m just really lucky to have found it early on.
I think Hannah’s concluding response is one that immensely impresses me and demonstrates why she has experienced such unprecedented success at a tender, pivotal age. A vast majority of teenagers and young adults often have no idea who they are supposed to be or what they genuinely want to accomplish in life. They spend their time attempting to “fit in” in an effort to keep from revealing their true selves to the world around them. In the case of Hannah, she was compelled to discover her truth, and because of her extensive soul-searching, she has been spared from some of the negativity that other young people seem destined to endure. While I am unfamiliar with Hannah’s work up to the point, I believe her career is off to an auspicious beginning, and I can hardly wait to see what the future holds for this young artist. I invite everyone to check out ReBoot: The Guardian Code on Netflix and also visit Hannah’s links below. While her credits are still relatively minimal, I have a sense that as long as she continues along her current path and proceeds to hone her skills within the arts, Hannah is decidedly destined for greatness, and I couldn’t be more proud to feature her beauty, giftedness, and groundedness (plus, it’s clear she’s a lot of fun) on my site today. Fingers crossed that her career will maintain its upward trajectory, and it baffles the imagination to ponder where she might be one, two, five or maybe ten years from now!
FOLLOW HANNAH
