We met with the very talented actor, singer, producer, writer, and filmmaker Sydney Scotia back in June of 2022. Please have a look at that article.
We felt it was time to have another conversation.
Here is our current conversation with Sydney.
HNMAG: You have a strong connection to Cape Breton Island, I mean your name is Sydney.
Sydney Scotia: People that don’t live there, but have a strong connection to Cape Breton Island, often say it’s the home of their heart. Both of my parents grew up in Sydney, Nova Scotia-hence, my name-Sydney Scotia. I have family there and I love the ocean coastline and all the small towns along the Cabot Trail. I was born in the US so I am a dual citizen with a strong connection to both countries.
HNMAG: When did you first move to Canada?
Sydney Scotia: At fifteen, I booked a series regular role as Geneva on the children’s comedy sitcom Some Assembly Required. I moved to Burnaby and later Vancouver. I loved the city, the people I worked with, and the work itself and I still feel the same.
HNMAG: Do you still work on any comedies for kids?
Sydney Scotia: My most recent comedy series was Pillow Talk filmed in Montreal but that was intended for an older audience.
HNMAG: Where did you train to perform on a Sitcom?
Sydney Scotia: I started training in Scottsdale and Phoenix Arizona. I took weekly classes. Just before my 14th birthday, I moved to LA where I attended camps, workshops, intensives, scene study classes, and master classes until I was training every day of the week with casting directors, agents, managers, producers, comedy improv studios and the best coaches. I continue to study in class and privately and have recently studied at RADA in London England, and Improv at the Upright Citizens Brigade in New York.
HNMAG: Before you booked Some Assembly Required, did you have a desire to do comedy?
Sydney Scotia: I grew up on a stage doing competitive dance. I loved to perform. I did a dance/gymnastics tour in Hong Kong with my coach, Olga Korbut, when I was 10 and fell in love with the cameras, mics, film crew, etc. That’s when my focus shifted from dance to film. I yearned to be a part of a children’s comedy series. I remember flying to Vancouver to test for Some Assembly Required. I could hardly breathe. I wanted the role so badly. It is so difficult to land a series regular role and to get that close was a miracle. Some Assembly Required was a dream come true and continued to be a dream for all three seasons.
HNMAG: The comedic TV series Pillow Talk was shot in Montreal. Vancouver was the first Canadian city you lived in, and then you were brought almost across the country but not quite where your family resides. What was that like?
Sydney Scotia: Pillow Talk’s Lydia was a fun challenge because she’s much more sarcastic than I am. I had to work within that trait but still make her likable and funny. It was a thrill to film another comedy and to return to Montreal. I had spent time in Montreal while performing in Prom Queen:The Musical at the Segal Centre. It was fun to revisit some favorite and familiar places.
HNMAG: Did you shoot in the summer at least?
Sydney Scotia: The weather during the first season was beautiful and warm. It was early September. The second season filmed during the end of September and we had torrential downpours every day, it was cold and wet. But rain or shine, I love Montreal.
HNMAG: Why are there not more movies and television series set in Canada?
Sydney Scotia: I am guessing that is because most of the major studios are in the US and Hollywood has been the entertainment capital of the world for so long but, now, with globalization and streaming networks, that is changing. There is growing support for the Canadian film industry and incentives to film in Canada. The world now recognizes that Canada has a very talented film community with world-renowned film festivals. I recently co-wrote a script that is set in Vancouver and Vancouver Island that I hope to produce in 2025 and I know many writers and producers that are also finding Canadian settings for their work.
HNMAG: Tell us about Sawtooth Mountain.
Sydney Scotia: I am very excited about Sawtooth Mountain. I am producing and acting in it. It’s a Vancouver-created film by a wonderful Vancouver team. Everyone is all-in and working so hard to make something special. The film follows three college students who want a weekend escape only to be trapped in a chilling adventure in Sawtooth Mountain. I am in awe of the crew We’re shooting it in Pitt Meadows.
It was great to speak with a dual US/Canadian citizen who moved to Vancouver for work. She’s smart, creative, and ambitious. It’s nice to confirm that we are on the right track with projects being set in Vancouver. International audiences want to see authentic movies and TV shows that tell stories that are new and from places like Vancouver. There is enough talent here with unique voices. We just need to be allowed to express that.