from the editor HELLO THERE, READER! In this Star Power Issue, we got to chat with actress Brooke Timber who can be seen starring alongside Jessica Chastain and Peter Sarsgaard in the film Memory. Timber talked to NYOTA about how modeling prepared her for acting, working with Director Michel Franco, and crafting her character, Anna’s inner world. I hope you enjoy reading the issue and that it inspires you to go after your dreams.
YOURS TRULY, Carol Wright EDITOR IN CHIEF @_CAROL_WRIGHT
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contents 1. Editor's Letter 4. Get to Know Brooke 5. Brooke’s Playlist
7. Star Power: Brooke Timber
14. Brooke’s Top Picks
Follow us @nyotamagazine
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Get to Know Brooke I’m the oldest of three.
My birthday consists of 8’s: 08/18/2008. Only redhead in my family.
I have an Italian nickname “Aguri.”
I’m a Leo for all the zodiac heads out there!
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#NyotaMusic
Brooke’s Playlist Fleetwood Mac // The Chain The Cranberries // Dreams Mannequin Pussy // I Don't Know You Solange // Binz Amy Winehouse // Rehab Fiona Apple // Sleep to Dream Dancing Le Tigre // Eau D’bedroom Strawberry Switchblade // Trees and Flowers Jeff Buckley // Forget Her Jeff Buckley // I Want Someone Badly
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BROOKE TIMBER Interview by Carol Wright | Photographer: Molly Magnuson | Hair + makeup: Clelia Bergonzoli
Actress Brooke Timber, who can be seen in the tender and captivating film Memory, talked to NYOTA about how modeling prepared her for acting, working closely with Jessica Chastain, and crafting her character, Anna’s inner world.
What led to you becoming interested in acting and performing? I became interested in acting at the age of nine when my mom introduced me and my siblings to the world of theater, or should I say, home theater. She gave us something to look forward to and keep us entertained. We would print short plays to put together and we did it all from learning about the character from “set” decoration to costume designs. At first I didn't realize the profound meaning of this activity held by my mom. I enjoyed the attention, the sense of purpose, and the excitement. Yet from the start I realized the feeling of comfort and confidence. It’s within that activity I felt being my true self. So next thing I knew I signed up for school plays and local theater and started looking for the scripts!
You modeled prior to becoming an actress. Do you think your background as a model helps give you the confidence you need to audition and continue putting yourself out there as an actress? Certainly. In the world of modeling you have to adapt to the exposure and vulnerability when you are in front of the camera and in the public eye. I am grateful to this experience because it taught me a certain level of discipline and professionalism that is demanded in the industry, and I carried these experiences into my acting career; the rigorous schedule, attention to detail, and adaptability to uncertain changes that are required have equipped me and I must say in the way prepared me for an acting world as well.
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Tell our readers about your film Memory. What was the audition process like for this project? Memory follows the story of Sylvia, [Jessica Chastain] a single mother, and resilient social worker who has to overcome her difficult past which at times still lingers. It's a film about vulnerability and allowing yourself to love and for others to love back. Even if it comes from the most unexpected people. The auditioning process was simple for the most part. I read the script, fell in love with Anna’s character and did a self-tape. Sometime later I had an in-person callback with the Director Michel Franco and the incredible Casting Director Susan Shopmaker. I was super nervous but excited as well because I knew this had to mean something. I read the scenes a couple of times, Michel and I talked about films and shows, and the rest is history. I found out the next day they were offering the role of Anna to me and at that very moment it all became very real. I was so happy! Michel Franco often creates films that focus on the complex relationships family members can have. Was one of the exciting aspects of working on this project having the chance to be directed by Michel Franco? Absolutely! Everything Michel did to craft the family dynamic was fresh and something new that I hadn’t seen before. He had Jessica and I meet for the first time before starting to film which off the bat made me feel more comfortable and less nervous about shooting. I was also given certain freedom in creating Anna's inner world, so for example, items that could be found in Anna’s room came from me personally choosing those things: paintings, drawings, lights, and sculptures to help create the overall vibe I had in mind for Anna.
What did you do to step into your character Anna’s shoes each day? When Michel wasn’t shooting in Sylvia's apartment I would go into Anna’s room and isolate myself in there for a bit just like any other 13-year-old girl in her room and would listen to music from the playlist I had created for her or sketch or doodle in a notebook. Speaking about the playlist, I had songs put on there that I thought she herself would listen to, for example songs from The Smiths, Fiona Apple, and The Cure. In the film Anna is playing the daughter of a former addict. Did you have to do any research on the fraught relationships addicts can have with their children or how addiction impacts families? First and foremost I want to acknowledge the pain and emotions that this subject brings to many and the resilience the families are facing. I know of the struggles from personal stories… so my learning and listening to those experiences came from the place of empathy and that's how I approach Anna and her relationship to her mother, with empathy. Sometimes when a project is particularly intense or requires a lot of emotional performances actors have to work to not let the project stay with them after filming. How did you keep yourself grounded while working on Memory? While we had a very tight schedule I still had my days when I was not on set, so I took advantage and connected with friends and family. My support system was there for me too from my mom, to our on-set teacher, to my agents. I also had my music and books with me too. I read on set A LOT lol.
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How did working closely with Jessica Chastain, Peter Sarsgaard, and Jessica Harper on this film affect your process as an actor? Working closely with Jessica, Peter, Jessica, as well as Merritt Wever and Josh Charles affected my process as an actor because they were all incredibly inspiring and thoughtprovoking to be around craft-wise. Being able to surround myself with brilliant scene partners every day on set helped me grow, change and mature as an actor and added new levels to my craft.
You’ve been in extremely interesting television projects such as Russian Doll and Maniac before making your film debut in Memory. What usually gets you interested in a script and makes you want to be involved in a project? What usually makes me interested in a script is the well-written storyline and its characters. I am particularly interested in characters that separate themselves from the rest. I think ultimately that was what made me so drawn to Anna. She is also a thinker and observer with a voice of her own. Also, collaborating with particular directors and their style of filming makes me want to be involved in a project as well because I see this as an opportunity for personal and professional growth.
“Never stop learning, support your fellow actors, create an ensemble and grow together.”
What advice do you have for aspiring actors? Never stop learning, support your fellow actors, create an ensemble and grow together.
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Brooke’s Top Picks
Movie: Promising Young Woman
Book: My Year of Rest and Relaxation
Fashion Trend: TV Show: Netflix’s YOU
Bows, kitten heels and big belts
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NYOTA Magazine STAR POWER TEAM
PUBLISHING
EDITOR IN CHIEF
CAROL WRIGHT
WWW.ISSUU.COM/NYOTAMAGAZINE
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
CAROL WRIGHT
HTTP://NYOTAMAGAZINE.COM
COVER DESIGN
NICOLE COX
COVER ACTRESS
Brooke Timber
CONTRIBUTORS PHOTOGRAPHER
Molly Magnuson
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