We caught up with rising star Sophie Nélisse on how she became an actress, the people who inspire her, and how she truly feels when one of her films is released.
When I was a gymnast, I started auditioning as a way to earn extra money to fund the competition meets I attended outside of Canada. I ended up getting more roles than I expected, so I decided to stop gymnastics and to devote myself to cinema because I saw more of a long-term career in this industry.
While shooting films, I saw my audience grow on social networks. I was getting more and more subscribers on Instagram and thought it would be a great opportunity to share more about the brands I love, the things I do day-to-day and to get positive messages across.
I made my first steps in films when I was 9 years old, so I didn’t have anything other than gymnastics in mind at the time. That said, I already had an interest in cinema at the time in a way. I used to watch Jean Coutu’s ads and say to my mom: “Hey mom, I wish I was in that ad.” It’s a funny thing because later on I did do an ad for Jean Coutu.
I’m a film student. I don’t necessarily do it because I’m an actress but because I want to have a plan B. As part of my course, I’m taking math classes and could continue on to study finance or communications in university.
I love the idea of directing one day, as well as doing things beyond the world of cinema. This is something I haven’t had the opportunity to do so far. I think that being an actress is where my focus lies, but I’d still like to try my hand at making a film from A to Z by myself one day.
Among recent ones, I would say Bohemian Rhapsody with Rami Malek. He was so good! I wasn’t even a fan of the band, but I’ve become a fan since watching the movie. I thought it was excellent and I really admire actors who can change so much to play a role so that they become someone else for a film.
I also loved A Star is Born, even if it made me cry. Every time I watch it on the plane, I cry and my mom tells me: “Come on, Sophie, you’ve seen it 6 times! ».
Karine Vanasse: I’m always talking about her and it was one of my favourite things to shoot with her. She’s so down to earth. She is such a generous and attentive woman on set, she was always giving me lots of little life tips. She’s incredibly talented. I identify with her path a lot, which is similar to mine.
There are too many! Every set is so different, I can’t pick the best one. Here is an anecdote that is funny and happened on my last film. They put hot broccoli and curdled milk in the water. It was like swimming in soup. We were all peeing in it too, it was really disgusting and made me realize my job isn’t as “glamorous” as it seems. Yes, there are many perks and I am pampered, but there are also things that are not that interesting about it.
How do you prepare for the release of one of yours film knowing that there will be a lot of media interest? Does it have an impact on your daily life?
Honestly, not really. I’m just myself and when one of my movies is released, of course I’ll get some pictures done and talk about it. It’s always difficult because at the same time you want to spread the word, and at the same time, you don’t want to be the annoying actress promoting her film relentlessly. But on the other hand, it’s so important to do this to save the cinema industry.
We always have to do a media tour to support a film release. For instance, last week, I was in LA promoting “47 Meters Down Uncaged.”
I also get sent reviews, but I never read them. Everyone has a different opinion and I prefer not to read negative comments. That said, I often go to see my movies with friends at the cinema to gage the audience’s reaction.
Of course, I’m careful with what I publish on my social channels but I stay myself. Actually, I can’t not be myself in life and it’s funny since my job is to become someone else. But I think it would be so taxing to try and be someone else online and it would feel strange since I meet a lot of people who see the real Sophie.
Being authentic is something that has always helped me. For instance, when I am interviewing or auditioning, I don’t try to act a certain way to please the other person. Of course, I have a positive energy and I’m an extrovert, which are traits that are important to succeed in my job.
If I had to give one piece of advice, I would say: don’t give up. There are times that feel more difficult, but you should never throw the towel in and listen to those who say you should do something else.
In my industry, it’s about timing and chance circumstances. When I’m not selected for a part, it feels like a blow on the spot, but I believe everything happens for a reason.
If you could use only one application forever, which one would it be?
Facetime!
Netflix or YouTube?
Netflix.
What kind of music do you listen to in the car?
It depends on my mood. Either rap (Drake, Eminem) or pop classics, or Indie Pop. I really listen to everything!
How many contacts do you have in your phone?
541 and I probably really know only 40 of them.
If you didn’t have to go to work and school tomorrow?
First, I’d go to New Zealand, and then, I’d do a world tour.
Your favorite Instagram accounts?
What is your biggest addiction?
Ice cream.
The last movie you watched?
47 Meters Down: Uncaged, my shark movie.
3 things you’d like to accomplish?
