Romuald Hivert graduated from the VFS Acting for Film & Television program in 2011. In between acting gigs, including an upcoming stint on the Vancouver-shot science fiction series Continuum, Romuald is a Teaching Assistant in the Entertainment Business Management program.
You may also recognize him from his role in Captive, the first ever VFS feature-length film. We recently spoke with Romuald about what led him to acting, the VFS community, and life since graduation.
Have you always wanted to be an actor? How did you come about choosing it as a career?
Romuald: No. I always knew I loved performing but didn’t know I wanted to be an actor. I was working at a bank and very unhappy. I decided that I would do something that I had always wanted to do. I immediately enrolled in a two-year theatre program in Ontario. After the first year, I wasn’t sure if it was for me, but the Director of the Adult Acting program wouldn’t let me go. He said I was a gem. That second year, it finally clicked that I wanted to pursue this as a career. After the program ended, I decided to move to Vancouver and go to Vancouver Film School. I wanted to take my acting to the next level and VFS is one of the best schools in Canada for that.
As Naseem in Captive.
What was your experience like in the VFS Acting program?
Romuald: Learning how to act is a lifelong thing. I received a great skill base at VFS but I also got access to the VFS community as a bonus. The network I was able to build at VFS is not something you can put a price on. I wouldn’t have known anyone otherwise. I do have to cultivate it but it truly is one of the most valuable things I took away from the school. The community that I became a part of, including teachers, alumni, classmates, students from other programs, producers, directors, photographers – it’s a pool of resources. It’s better than the yellow pages.
What was life like after graduation? What were the first steps?
Romuald: I went back to the real world. I took a flexible job that I could do while I went on auditions. I found an agent right away and booked my first gig out of school, The Arrangement, a film that comes out next year.
After a year, I changed agents. This was when I started getting a lot more auditions, sometimes three a day! I realized how important it is to find the right agent, one that fits you, someone you can work with and create a partnership. My advice is to find the person who can help you maximize your talent and your uniqueness – almost like a soul mate.
With my new agent, I was able to take a bit of control and make an action plan together, as opposed to leaving it all to chance. I shared with her my three strongest characters – thug, professional man/love interest, and high school student. That’s what I excel at. Obviously I still audition for other types of characters but I think it’s fair to say those three are my current base and where I am strongest.
Romuald (second from left) in an ad for Vancouver Actor's Guide.
Tell us about your experience on Continuum.
Romuald: I filmed an episode of Continuum in February which airs Sunday, May 12. I thought it would be intimidating and I was really worried about having to show them I could act but it was very comfortable and the atmosphere was great. I was so used to being on camera at VFS that I felt like I was at home. At the same time, it was also scary because I thought I should be freaking out. I got really good feedback on set, especially for one of my lines in particular. It felt great and I was happy. I was even more convinced that acting is what I really want to do for a living.
Simon Barry, the creator of Continuum, recently visited VFS as a guest speaker and spoke about the road he took that led him to his success. I sat up front, ready to hand him a thank you card for having me on the show since I didn’t get a chance to meet him on the day. When the talk was over, I nervously walked over in his direction. Before I could say anything he said, “I know you! You did an awesome job on Continuum!” He also told me that it was great that my character didn’t die – so you never know what could happen, fingers crossed!
Meeting Simon Barry.
What are you working on now?
Romuald: I am currently a TA in the Entertainment Business Management program. I am also auditing some of the classes, learning more about how to use social media to market myself, how to create a personal brand, and more.
I also took part in Evermore, a short film and personal project. It was produced by Ian Berg, a Foundation Visual Art & Design and Digital Design grad. He is a now a post-production specialist and wanted to use his visual effects skills in the short. It was written by Bobby Henwood, a Writing for Film & Television grad. In fact, about 99% of the people involved in the film are VFS grads. It’s a great example of how the VFS network can come together. It was a great experience and I am very excited for the final product. Ian is hoping to release it this fall.
On the set of Evermore.
What are you goals for the future? Where do you see yourself in five years?
Romuald: Five years from now I want to be working as an actor, mainly in Vancouver but also throughout Canada and the United States. I want to be a lead character on a hit TV show. I would like to be in at least one action film – doing stunts, fighting, using guns, etc. I want to be in at least one blockbuster movie as well – and stay alive throughout the movie! My characters always die! (Laughs) Now that I’ve said all these things, I really have to do it!
It is important to continue taking classes. I know that I will always need to keep training to get to the next level. I received some great advice about who I am as an actor – I need to understand my stereotypical hit. I love the fact that I look dangerous and have a strong presence. The man within – the actor – is a humble kid, full of wonder and play. I like to be bold, fierce, daring, and loving. I just want to share with the world stories that they will never forget. For that, I am willing to share generously the essence of what makes me, me.
I hope people can relate to my characters and that will make them want to learn more about them and their circumstances.
Thanks for sharing this with us, Romuald!
For more information on what Romuald is up to, check out his Facebook Page. You can also catch him on this Sunday’s episode of Continuum, airing on Showcase.
Here’s something surprising about the VFS Summer Intensives. Every year – every year – people come from all around the world for one (or more!) of the 5-day programs. This is what we mean. Behold: It’s kind of astonishing, when you think about it. We all know that VFS is something of a global village, but how exciting is it condense that experience into a single week? We’ve heard from past Summer Intensive students that they’ve made lasting friends and professional contacts in those five lightning-fast days. Now imagine that network extending around the globe. Live far away and thinking of making the trip? Based nearby but want to work alongside talented new friends during a week-long creative boot camp? Seats in our ten programs are limited and going fast, so register today!
VFS Advisory Board Member Matthew Lillard (The Descendants, Scream), was in Vancouver recently for a special workshop with our Acting for Film & Television students. Student Emma Brandrup-Wognsen was there and shared some of the highlights with us. Guest Post by Emma Brandrup-Wognsen Two days have gone by since the workshop with Matthew Lillard ended, and I am feeling what I can most accurately describe as a sense of loss. I went in to the weekend very apprehensive about being face to face with someone so successful, but one of the first things Matt talked about was his belief that he is not more talented than anyone else. He is just a normal person with a very strong work ethic and an endless passion for the craft who just absolutely refuses to give up. He said that if we are all willing to put in the time, each hour another rung on the ladder, we are all enough. I experienced so much that I feel like I spent a week in that room rather than just two days. When it comes down to it, the most significant thing that I learned was the importance of community – having a place to come back to when the industry is getting the best of you. A place where you can let your light shine when there’s no other outlet, where people thrive and live off of that light, instead of trying to cover it up. Where you get a chance to inspire and be inspired. A place where you are safe to give up all pretensions of who you need to be and where you need get to and just play again, have fun, and be reminded of why you are in this business in the first place – for those simple magical moments of real contact. However, it is very easy to get caught up in the romantic side of acting, and reading through what I just wrote I realize that I’ve let myself get swept away yet again. The reality is that this is a hard business and the only way to survive it is to keep working, keep collecting those long hours. So let it be this time. Let it be my time, let it be your time, let it be our time. To quote Matthew Lillard, “All of this is very Kumbaya but tomorrow I want you to actually do stuff.” Thanks for sharing this with us, Emma. For more photos from the workshop, check out the Acting for Film & Television Facebook Page.
Simon Barry, creator of the science-fiction television series Continuum, recently visited VFS to share his insights with our Acting for Film & Television students. Student Rebecca Reid gives us an inside look at the event. Guest post by Rebecca Reid Amidst filming Continuum at CBC Studios, Simon Barry managed 90 minutes for a Q&A with VFS students. Simon is the creator, executive producer, and writer of the hit TV series, and will also be directing a few episodes during the upcoming season. With his insane schedule and long work days, plus the fact that the series was filming during his visit, it was deeply generous of him to make time for us. It was inspiring to hear about his career, his ups and his downs, and his current struggles. It was a reality check for many people, with such truths as: “If you can’t handle rejection then get out now. Don’t waste another minute of your time. You will be rejected 90% of the time, and those are the successful ones.” “You have to love it. You have to love everything about the business. Even the parts that aren’t so great.” “You will always spend five times longer prepping than shooting. If you don’t over prepare and plan ahead for possible problems, you’re done.” Simon gave us the business as straight-fact reality. He openly admitted that you will always spend more time not working than working. He said the only way you can survive is if you love everything about the business so much that you are willing to do it for free. He admits that it’s hard when you’re not being paid, but you will be eaten alive if you’re in it for the money and not the joy. I am deeply grateful that he set aside this time for us, even on his crazy schedule. I hope the others in the audience learned and took away as much as I did.
The True Heroines are finally here! The brand-new musical dramedy web series about three ’50s housewives with super powers – co-created by and co-starring Acting for Film & Television alum Jovanna Huguet - has officially launched with its two-part pilot episode, the culmination of years of planning and production. All the while, the series’ stars (Jovanna, Fiona Vroom, and Paula Giroday) have been keeping the Heroines in the limelight with live cabaret shows. The web series earned great reviews from an advance screening last week at Vancouver’s Rio Theatre (here’s the Huffington Post’s take) and now it’s here for all to enjoy! Check out the pilot below, and bookmark thetrueheroines.com for future episodes!
We’re excited to announce Vancouver Film School’s Summer Intensives are back this July and August! These five days could be the experience you need to prove you’re ready to start your path towards a demanding and rewarding career in the entertainment industry. And if you apply to a full-time VFS program, the cost of your Summer Intensive will go towards your tuition. For anyone seriously considering VFS, this summer is going to be your best. You can also save 10% on your fees by taking two or more intensives. Find out more about VFS Summer Intensives 2013 and register today! Want to learn more about what it’s like inside VFS? Download our new viewbook, inspired by the passionate and dedicated students behind all the jaw-dropping portfolios and reels we see every day.
Last year, we told you about seven of our 3D Animation & Visual Effects grads working behind the scenes on the CW’s Supernatural. Now our Acting for Film & Television and Acting Essentials alumni and faculty are getting in on the action. You can catch Acting Essentials Senior Instructor Jennifer Clement on tonight’s episode, while next week’s show features appearances by three Acting grads, Adam DiMarco, Ava Vanderstarren, and Cole Vigue. We spoke with all four actors to learn about their experience working on the long-running show and what it’s like reuniting with fellow VFSers. Behind the scenes with Jennifer (left). What does it mean for the Vancouver acting community to have a show like Supernatural filming in Vancouver for so many years and using local talent? Jennifer: It is so important for Vancouver to continue to have core, long-running series being shot in our community. It serves to highlight our place as an important film and television production centre. Supernatural has been a solid success for eight seasons. They are huge supporters of the local acting community – they know the talent pool, trust the talents, and hire our actors for excellent roles. This not only gives more established actors parts but opens important doors for our young, up and comers to get some high profile credits on their resumes. Supernatural is aired around the world and has a deep fan base. This makes it an exciting, recognizable credit on anyone’s resume or demo reel. I’m so excited our grads are landing some of these breaks! What was your experience like on the show? Jennifer: It was loads of fun, especially as my character, Demon Wendy, was in large curlers for the scenes. I got to play a PhD candidate who becomes a demon. It was a challenge to act the scene and make room for all the cool special effects. The crew is so well oiled after eight seasons that they work seamlessly together. I just happened to get to work with a very dear friend of mine, Kevin Parks, who is the First Assistant Director. He runs the set with a strong, clear hand. He also had the opportunity to direct an earlier episode this year. I’m hoping to get him into to VFS this spring to talk to our students about the Director/Assistant Director/Director of Photography/Actor relationship on set. Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles, who play brothers Sam and Dean, were gracious and committed. They were incredibly supportive during my demon scene. They are certainly easy on the eyes as they say, but equally easy to work with. Check out a trailer of Jennifer’s episode: Adam, Ava, and Cole appear on next week’s episode, Freaks and Geeks, airing March 27. Did you guys get the chance to film any scenes together? What’s it like to work with fellow VFS grads? Adam: I was in one scene with Ava and one scene with Cole, but I only really got to interact with Cole’s character. We actually got to do a little stunt within our scene, so we blocked it out and rehearsed for a bit before shooting, which was fun. I had no idea it was his first post-VFS gig until he mentioned it. Both he and Ava were wayyyyy more professional/composed than I was on my first job. Working with fellow VFS grads is always a fun surprise. There’s an instant connection there. Ava: It was pretty amazing! I saw their photos up on the wall at the fitting and I was so happy! I didn’t see Cole on set, he had different days of filming then I did, but both days that I was there I got to see and work with Adam. We were in one short scene together and that was very cool. We weren’t in the same class at VFS but I knew him from doing a day of stand-in on Arctic Air, so it was fun to see him again doing something totally different! Cole: I only worked with Adam. It was my first time meeting him and he was great to work with. He looks comfortable while working and is good at what he does. It’s always nice knowing that people from VFS are booking. I think it says something about the school. Cole and Adam film a scene (left). What was your experience like on the show? Adam: Well, Supernatural is in it’s eighth season, so coming in I really got the sense of being a cog in this huge machine of a hit television show. The cast and crew have been doing it so long that I felt like I had to just show up to set with my homework done, do my job, then go home – which isn’t a bad thing. Actors sometimes forget that a project or even a scene isn’t necessarily about them, it’s about the greater – the other characters, the scene, or the show as a whole. Also, Jared and Jensen were very friendly and welcoming. I could tell they still loved their job and wanted to be there. I learned a lot from them and they answered all my derpy questions – audition stories, industry-type stuff, how to hold a gun, etc. Ava: I had an incredible time on the show! I got to be there for two days and it was a blast – I didn’t want it to be over. Everyone on the set was so warm and welcoming. They are like a family because they have been working together for so long. It was an honour to be brought in as a guest to their set. The other actors who had larger guest star roles in the episode said the same thing. So nice to work there! I enjoyed every minute of it and I learned a lot. Cole: It was my first role, so I can’t say I wasn’t a little nervous. I think playing a vampire on Supernatural was the best part I could have got for my first role. Although, I never thought it would be so hard to convincingly bare my fangs. The two leads, Jared and Jensen, are really cool guys, so that was nice. Can you tell us about what you’re working on right now? Adam: Right now I’m working on a Clive Owen/Juliette Binoche movie called Words and Pictures, which I’m really excited about. It might just be the best thing that I’ve ever been a part of. I’m probably going to screw it up. Ava: I am a model as well and this week I am participating in Vancouver Fashion Week. I was also in a short film called A Day With Sofia, which will be released this April. It was also a great set and I met fabulous people. This summer, I am participating in the Miss BC 2013 Pageant, which raises money for Cops for Cancer. I’m currently putting together a charity fashion show that will take place on May 4. Cole: Auditions and workshops. Have to stay busy! Check out more photos from the episode here. Supernatural has just been renewed for a ninth season so we can look forward to at least one more year of Sam and Dean fighting all things evil, and maybe a few more appearances from VFS grads. Supernatural airs Wednesdays on the CW.
VFS Acting Essentials and Acting for Film & Television graduate Emilie Ullerup, who hails originally from Denmark, has been working steadily since her graduation in 2005. She debuted in Battlestar Galactica and followed that with co-starring roles in Sanctuary and the television adaptation of Douglas Coupland’s JPod. Her most recent role is Astrid in CBC’s Arctic Air, which earned the largest audience for a premiere of a new CBC drama series in a decade. We had the opportunity recently to sit down with Emilie here in Vancouver, where she lives with her boyfriend – actor Kyle Cassie - to hear about her time as a student and her eight-year career. When did you start thinking about becoming an actor? Why did you choose to come to VFS? Did you know about the school before you moved to Vancouver? Emilie: I learned about VFS kind of by fluke. I had moved to Canada from Denmark and was attending UVic. I was planning on doing a bachelor’s degree in theatre. However, one semester in, I realized that I didn’t care one bit about all the electives you are forced to take, which have nothing to do with your career path. So I went to a fair of some sort and there was a booth with people from the Victoria film school. That piqued my interest, so I researched what was available in Vancouver, because that was where the industry was really alive. And voilà, VFS! I didn’t know much about it, so I definitely took a chance. Best chance ever. What was your experience like at VFS? What was the hardest thing about it? What was the best thing about it? Emilie: It was intense. There were times when we spent all night there. It was every day, with no real breaks. I did the full-year program, but I also did [the four-month] Acting Essentials [program] before that – so, I was there for a year and a half. But it was more emotionally exhausting than it was exhausting time-wise…. Because even when you went home, you couldn’t get away from all the things that you were processing. It was all-consuming for a year and a half… If you wanted it to be. The hardest thing about it was also the best thing: I learned how to let go. They helped me figure out when control was needed and when it was important to let go of it. That helped me learn how to manage my interior life, to express it correctly according to the role. Sometimes, I resisted what I was being taught – I questioned certain classes, for example – but once I got out there working, I realized how important it was to be prepared for anything, and VFS really helped me with that. There’s a lot that you have to go through before you can become true. The things that people have to confront in class are often the things they’ve shied away from their whole lives, and then, all of a sudden, they have no choice, they have to confront it, and they find themselves every day for a whole year in over their head with it, and I think that’s super scary for a lot of people. Was it scary for you?
If you’re reading this, well, you probably know a thing or two about VFS. But we have another side, too. It’s our new viewbook - a different look and a fresh angle on the people, places, and history that make up our DNA. It’s a chance for us to wear our true colours, to show you what we believe, and to share students’ stories – because they’re the ones who make VFS go. Got a few minutes? Explore, download our student manifesto, say hello, and meet us again for the first time at vfs.edu/MyYear. Ready to take that first step right now? What are you waiting for? Speak with an Advisor!
This March, VFS will be at South By Southwest (SXSW), the annual music, film, and interactive conference and festival in Austin, Texas. If you’re interested in VFS Game Design, you’ll want to join us at the SXSW Gaming Expo to learn more about our world-renowned one-year program. A VFS Unity Instructor will be on hand to offer demos, and we welcome participants to stop by our booth and help us build a Unity game. At the end of the event, we will be able to show off a Unity game, created by the attendees of SXSW! Event: SXSW 2013 Gaming Expo You can also visit us at the SXSW Trade Show to meet with a VFS representative, as well as Michael Baser, head of the Writing for Film & Television program. For those looking to kick-start their writing career, Michael be sharing his insights during one on one and group consultations throughout the event. To book a session in advance, please contact eventinfo@vfs.com. Participants are also welcome to book their time while at the event. Event: SXSW 2013 Trade Show We’ll also be sharing a number exciting scholarship opportunities that will be available to potential students enrolling in any of our 13 programs. We hope to see you there!
How You Can Connect with the World at VFS Summer Intensives
A Weekend With Matthew Lillard
Continuum’s Simon Barry Visits VFS
The True Heroines Are Here to Save the Day… At Last!
How Can One Week Change Everything? Join VFS at the 2013 Summer Intensives
VFS Summer Intensives 2013
Art, Film & Design – July 8-12 *Offered at a $400 discount when paired with a second intensive!An Experience of the Supernatural for VFS Acting Grads
Becoming True: Meet Actor Emilie Ullerup
There’s A New Way to Get to Know VFS: Check Out Our Viewbook
Meet VFS at SXSW 2013
Date: Friday, March 8 – Sunday, March 10, 2013
Time: March 8: 3:00pm – 9:00pm • March 9 & 10: 12:00pm – 8:00pm
Place: Palmer Events Center, Booth #131
Address: 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin, Texas
Date: Sunday, March 10 – Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Time: March 10 – 12: 11:00am – 6:00pm • March 13: 11am – 4:00pm
Place: Austin Convention Center, Exhibit Halls 3 & 4, Booth #14
Address: 500 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, Texas