Being an educator myself, I relish discovering and highlighting young talent, and I will invariably assert that almost without exception, Vancouver has some of the finest young actors in existence today. Earlier this year, I happened upon a young actress named Vanessa Przada, and I realized I was familiar with much of her work (even though she has yet to do any Hallmark movies or shows). Moreover, Vanessa has appeared in several well-known works, and recently I had the opportunity to virtually chat with her. It is my pleasure to share our conversation with my readers today.

Photo by Russell Baer

RH: How/Why did you decide to become an actress?

VP: Well, I got in the business by accident actually. An old friend of my mother had posted a casting call for a commercial on Facebook and asked me if I wanted to try it. Being so young, even the thought of going to the “big city Vancouver” was so exciting, so of course, I said “yes.” My first audition was for a Mattel commercial, and it was an absolute blast! Casting seemed to respond well to my energy, so I continued auditioning for commercials. I quickly fell in love with the camera and the craziness that came with it, and here I am today!

What are your memories of this early career in commercial work?

Commercial for Nature Valley

It was by accident, as I mentioned above, and I had no agent, no headshot or resume, and absolutely no clue what I was doing. After two years of auditioning with no success, I booked my first commercial for Sonia! It was so much fun. We filmed in Casa Mia – also where DC Legends of Tomorrow and Supergirl has filmed – and it was a dream come true. I was so excited to simply be on a set with all the people and setups. I had no idea what was going on; all I knew was I was so grateful and beyond thrilled to be there.

What prompted you to officially enter the world of film and TV? What was your first professional on-screen role and what are your memories of working on that job?

Maternal Instinct with Marcus Rosner & Laura

About four years ago now, I met with an agent at one of the biggest children’s agencies – Premiere Talent. Again, by accident. It seemed that the universe kept opening doors for me that I was beyond ecstatic and thankful for. The woman I met with worked side by side with another agent who specialized in TV and film. The two agents signed me and began submitting me, and within months I booked a lead in a Lifetime movie {Maternal Instinct}. It was life-changing. Being on a set of that size for the first time, I looked to my co-star, Laura Mennell, to lead me, and who I still look up to as a role model today. That was four years ago and I’m still in contact with the cast and crew from that movie. I learned so much from that set and am eternally grateful to have had the opportunity to have worked with those people.

Legends Of Tomorrow

You have been on some very popular shows–Supergirl, Legends of Tomorrow, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Any special memories from booking and/or being on those shows?

I remember getting the audition for DC Legends of Tomorrow, and at the time I was in Saskatchewan for my uncle’s wedding. We were in an old house with my whole family in the middle of nowhere. And when I say nowhere, I mean there were three stores, one grocery store, a pizza place and a laundromat. We were so far out of the way I had to get a special app to call people because the signal was so weak. It was the night before the wedding when I got a text from my agent that I got an audition. The following morning I filmed my audition as Young Ava. Meanwhile, my whole family was getting ready for the wedding. There were hairdryers going, people yelling, phones beeping. I didn’t have anything I needed for a self-tape with me either. So I pulled out my suitcase, my ten-year-old iPad and stacked it on top of a bookshelf and a couple suitcases. Given all the noise and paper-thin walls, I somehow managed to get my family to work in five-minute intervals, five minutes for me to tape, five minutes for them to get ready, and so on. Finally, I finished my tape and got ready in the nick of time. Ding. It’s my agent. I had braided my hair for the wedding before my audition and she wants me to take it out and retape my entire audition, but we didn’t have time. I made a quick compromise and reshot my slate with my hair down, then rushed off to the wedding. The next day I got a call, I booked it.

I probably first saw you on The College Admissions Scandal movie. Remind us of your character in that movie and tell us what it was like to be involved with a project based on a well-known news story?

I played the role of Taylor Slade, Bethany Slade’s daughter, who was involved in the scandal. Being cast in a movie loosely based on not only something so widely known but also so close to home was a challenging line to walk. On one hand, I have many friends and coaches who have worked with Lori Loughlin for years and know her to be a good, kind-hearted individual. That being said, she is also facing criminal charges for crimes she may or may not have committed. I’ve had to remain as unbiased as possible. The truth is I don’t know her side of things or the truth, so I can’t exactly make an accurate statement. I will say though being on a project for something based on a story without a conclusion was interesting as the writers gave it their own ending.

You also were part of the blockbuster film Good Boys. Please tell us about your experience in that movie.

I filmed Good Boys two summers ago and it was a blast. We were on set with all the main cast for two days, laughing and talking between takes. The kids were exactly what you’d hope they’d be. I was really fortunate when it came to who I was in the scene with Jaiven Natt and I go back about four years. We share the same agent, and if you look back, you can see photos of us together at award shows and how he just kept getting taller. Jaiven is a really sweet guy and I couldn’t have asked for a better scene partner.

2019 Joey Awards Presenters

Currently, Netflix is airing season one of The Healing Powers of Dude (which I am enjoying). Please tell us what you enjoy about your character and why this show was so fun to be a part of.

Oh my gosh, I don’t know where to start with this project. It means so much to me as it not only to be a part of such a great show but something that talks about extremely important topics such as Social Anxiety Disorder, disability, even as far as gender equality. Destiny was a blast to play. She had so much fun with her lines, constantly bothering and poking fun at Noah and Simon. Not only was she a great contrast to our protagonists, but she also had a twin brother, Dale, played by Ethan Farrell. From the moment we met at the director/producer callbacks, we hit it off. We somehow fell into perfect sync even after only knowing each other for a few minutes. Quickly, the duo became iconic. On set, they’d ask for the twins, and we’d always be found at each other’s side. We spent so much time together that we’d laugh the same way, move at the same time. The show aside, the cast made a massive impact on each other and is probably the closest I’ve gotten to actors on a set. I’ve made lifelong friends that I wouldn’t trade the world for.

The Healing Powers of Dude

Any other upcoming projects you can mention?

Due to COVID-19, there is nothing filming so I do not have any upcoming projects, unfortunately. One upside though to this tragedy is it allows us for creative time! Now is a perfect time to create our own content and tell our stories. I’m currently playing with one storyline that talks about the dangers of social media and body image while taking on more of an art form to show thoughts and feelings. I can’t wait to share more of that soon!

Since you’re a young person, what is it like to balance the film industry with your schoolwork?

The Healing Powers of Dude “Twins”

Finding a balance between school and acting can definitely be tricky. When we get into pilot season, I can have as much as four or five auditions a week. With that going on, I found it hard to be in school full-time, so I moved to an online school, which I’ve found to be a fantastic compromise. I can go to my school two days a week or simply do it from home in my busier times. This system works great for me, but it definitely can become overwhelming at times.

What is the best part of being a young person in the industry? What is most challenging?

The best part of being a young person in this industry I would say is the creative leeway. For starters, I find a lot of the content for younger actors is a lot more diverse and creative compared to the standard shows and roles most adult actors get locked into. I can one day go out for the role of a dead daughter of a lawyer who he made a deal with the devil and the next a bully to a boy seeing me as a giant ogre. I also have found that in this day and age we are in some ways the most open and culturally diverse we’ve ever been. It allows us younger creators to write, star, or direct something so original and clever without such drastic judgment or repercussion.

On the other hand, we are also the most judgemental about other things such as looks, social media presence, or the added pressure of acting and sounding adult while still being a kid. All things considered, I am so fortunate to a young artist with all the opportunities given and support from my fellow acting community.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I really like to garden and plant. I counted the other day, and I have over eighteen indoor plants and at least ten outside. I’m constantly moving them around or starting new ones. I’ve also been playing the ukulele for almost a year now. I’m self-taught, thanks to YouTube–ha-ha! Although I’ve stopped learning songs and started riffing about absolute ridiculousness that almost turns into an improv stand-up routine with my ukulele. I enjoy going to the gym and getting outdoors to stay active. Unfortunately, the gyms have been closed due to our situation in the world so I’ve set up an outdoor home gym, two birds with one stone!

First of all, isn’t Vanessa absolutely delightful? And the fact that she is friends with one of our Hope Valley kids, Jaiven AKA Robert, makes her even more appealing to the Hallmark audiences. Until we connected, I had no idea I had actually seen her very first movie (I mean, it is with Marcus, and I never miss one of his movies), and her career has continued to soar as the years have passed. If you have not had the opportunity to look up The Healing Powers Of Dude, you DO NOT know what you are missing!! Stellar Vancouver/Hallmark talent, middle school romance and drama, and vital messages to boot! I am more than thrilled that she and Jaiven had the awesome opportunity of presenting at the Leo Awards last year. Even though I have only just begun following this gifted young lady’s career, I tend to think we will continue to see more of her as the weeks, months, and years pass because there is no doubt that this skilled artist is destined for a dynamic career. I invite all my readers to check out all of Vanessa’s links below, follow her on social media, and then check out some of her past works (I am positive there is something there for all tastes). I greatly anticipate the day that she shows up in a Hallmark Christmas movie (I mean, that’s always the Vancouver dream, right?). But until that auspicious day, I am perfectly content to support her burgeoning career as her beauty and talents continue to blossom and mature into what I know will be one phenomenal industry professional!

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IMDb

2017 Joey Awards

With Jaiven

2019 Leo Awards

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