Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Victor.
Abby, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As a nine-year-old in Albuquerque, New Mexico, I left notes all around the house for my mom to find, begging her to help me follow my dream. Even as a kid, I knew I would work in the film and television industry. I loved performing, acting, singing, and dancing – the whole triple threat thing. I basically wanted to be Hannah Montana. One thing led to another, and we ended up moving to Los Angeles. I was a really shy kid, but when I was on stage or on set performing, I was completely different. I loved to entertain and make people feel something. Since I was auditioning and filming a lot during the week, I was homeschooled middle school through high school. My childhood was really unique because I had so much free time.
After finishing school work for the day, I was either in dance class, playing guitar, writing music, performing in musicals, acting on set, or filming my own funny (embarrassing) music videos with friends. After high school, I decided I didn’t want to pursue acting as a major since it felt like my whole life I had already been doing that. I wanted to explore other sides of my mind creatively. I was accepted into the competitive Directing & Producing track at California State University Long Beach. In film school, I wrote, directed, and produced films of my own, as well as worked as Assistant Director, Script Supervisor, and other roles for my fellow classmates’ films. It was a complete whirlwind. I think I got so much out of college because I put so much into it. I was all in.
On top of attending school full-time and shooting on the weekends, I interned at various companies in LA, such as Funny or Die, Odenkirk Provissiero Entertainment, and Viacom: MTV/VH1/Logo. I also worked as the Lead Producer at CSULB’s video marketing company, ASI Communication Video Production Production. I dedicated my time and energy into perfecting my craft as creator, while also wearing many different hats. After graduation, I worked as an Office Production Assistant on the 7th season of Brooklyn Nine-Nine. I learned so much about the industry, as well as myself, and absolutely loved working on such a beloved show.
As amazing as it was on B99, I do want to explore more of the development side of the industry. At the beginning of 2020, I will be supporting the Film and Television Development teams at Gotham Group and could not be more excited! I am so grateful for my creative childhood since it really ingrained in me how important it is to chase your dreams and do what makes you happy. Every day, week, month, and year I come closer to discovering who I am and what I want to do with my life.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
One of my favorite quotes that I always refer back to is “pressure makes diamonds”. Similar to most people, my journey hasn’t been easy. I had severe scoliosis as a kid which required me to wear a painful back brace from middle through high school. I think that’s also why I spent so much time on stage and in dance classes because that was the only time that I didn’t have to wear my brace! My parents got divorced as well, which comes with a whole other set of challenges including financial difficulties.
Through everything, my mom was my rock. She always supported us in everything we did. She taught me how to keep pushing through, no matter how difficult it is, because in time, it will always get better. I usually infuse my music, films, or whatever I am creating with truth from my own hardships. I like to turn the bad into good. Life is still difficult at times today, but I choose to focus on gratitude and positivity. Without the bad, you’ll never appreciate the good.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am interested in many different aspects of the industry. I still really enjoy performing and being in front of the camera, as well as producing and directing. I think my experience and passion in both sides of the industry make me unique and will only enhance my ability to tell heart-warming, inspiring stories. It’s the journey of the creative development process that brings me the most joy and fulfillment. I hope to find a balance in my life that allows me to do everything I enjoy one day!
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I am proud to say that I wouldn’t have done anything in my life differently. Sure, I have made plenty of mistakes and have regretted certain things, but I believe everything up to this point in time has shaped who I am today. And I like who I am, so why would I want to change those parts of my story?
Contact Info:
- Website: www.abbyvictor.com
- Instagram: @abby.victor
- Facebook: @abbyvictormusic
- Twitter: @abbyvictormusic
Image Credit:
Joy Watanabe
Logan Cross
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