For Nova Valentina’s first feature film, she plays Bettie Dahmer in the historical crime thriller film By Any Means, which released in cinemas across America last month and had the premiere at the Paramount Pictures Studio last month. Nova works with a cast including Giancarlo Esposito and LaChanze as her on-screen parents Vernon and Hattie Dahmer, with the film starring Mark Wahlberg and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. Alongside her acting career, which Nova will continue, she is a model. Answering our questions, Nova spoke to us about being in the cast of new historical crime thriller film By Any Means, having Bettie Dahmer as her first feature film character and what it was like working alongside her on-screen parents Giancarlo Esposito and LaChanze.

You are in the cast of the new historical crime thriller film By Any Means as Bettie Dahmer; how would you describe your character, and what was she like to play?

Bettie Dahmer is a lot like me. She was a strong little girl and is still a strong woman today as she continues to carry on her daddy’s legacy. Bettie was just a regular little girl who loved her daddy and her family. It wasn’t hard to play her during the happy moments, but it was very sad to reenact what happened to them as a family.

How did you prepare for filming, and what was it like reading the script for your scenes?

First, when I got the script, my mom, dad and I looked up everything we could find about the Dahmer family because we had never heard their story. We watched interviews and really tried to learn as much about their history as we could.

I also worked with one of my acting coaches, Elana Bohm from The Prep. She helped me through the tough scenes and helped me understand that, while those moments were real for the Dahmer family, they weren’t real moments in my own life. Sometimes, it’s hard to snap out of a scene because you get so overwhelmed with emotion, but she’s really good at helping me do that.

How was it having Giancarlo Esposito and LaChanze as your on-screen parents, Vernon and Hattie Dahmer, and what was it like meeting the rest of the cast, including Mark Wahlberg as Gregory Scarpa and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Special FBI Agent Wayne Strider?

It was such a special moment when I met the cast! I was already a fan of Yahya because of my love for horror movies. I love Candyman and always told my parents I wanted to meet him one day.

Having Giancarlo play my dad was amazing. He was so encouraging and always took the time to teach me things and give me tips while we were on set. LaChanze was a sweetheart! She always made sure I was okay and would check on me during the intense moments on set.

I didn’t meet Mark Wahlberg until the premiere, but he was so kind. I was shocked when he knew my name, even though we had never met before! It was so cool. Everyone was so happy to see me, and it was just an amazing experience.

Had you seen any of your fellow cast members on screen previously, and what was it like finding out you’d booked your role in the film?

My dad let me watch Do the Right Thing before we started filming. When I saw Giancarlo, I recognised him immediately! And since I’m a fan of horror movies, I had seen Yahya in Us and Candyman, so when I learned he was going to be in the movie, I got super excited!

Funny story! The director, Elegance Bratton, hired me on the spot during my callback. It was so crazy! I finished my scene, and he said, “Well, you are the best Bettie I’ve seen!”. He even compared me to his good friend Jurnee Smollett!

Then he said, “I’ll see you on set. I can’t wait to watch you do your thing!”. I said, “Thank you! See you soon!”.

After that, I closed my laptop, and my parents ran in. We were all jumping and crying with joy! We couldn’t believe it. It was such a blessing, and I couldn’t believe it was real!

What did you enjoy most about your time on set of By Any Means, and what did you learn from filming as Bettie?

On every set I visit, I immediately head to “crafty”! For those who don’t know, crafty is where all the snacks are, and you can get whatever you want! But there’s one rule: don’t grab anything that will dye your tongue!

I also learned so much about the Dahmer family since I had never heard their story before. I learned that they were just regular people living their lives who, unfortunately, had to battle hatred and racism. But they overcame so much, and their family has continued to fight for voting rights and carry on their father’s legacy.

How did you feel when the film was released in cinemas in America last month?

I was super excited to see myself on the big screen, and my family was excited too! I couldn’t wait for everyone watching to learn about the Dahmer family. Their story is so important, and I think it needs to be told in books as well.

You attended the By Any Means film premiere at Paramount Pictures Studios in Los Angeles; how did you find the experience?

It was so fun being in LA because visiting Los Angeles was actually on my bucket list!

The premiere was so cool! I got to dress up, have my makeup done and do my very first black carpet interviews. I was nervous, but it was a good kind of nervous!

I also got to meet Mark Wahlberg for the first time while we were taking photos on the carpet. I was a little shocked, but when he walked past me and said, “Hey, Nova!”, all my nerves went away. I remember thinking to myself, “He knows my name!”.

I was just overjoyed and excited! Everyone was so nice and welcoming, and just happy to see me!

What are some of your favourite memories from being part of By Any Means for your first feature film?

During the scene where Giancarlo tucked me in, he gave me a kiss on my forehead, and I said, “OMG, I’m never washing my forehead again!”. Everyone on set laughed!

Also, when I met Yahya, I said, “Hey, Candyman!”. He laughed, and instantly all the nerves left my body.

As you can tell, I love making people laugh!

How did you get started in acting?

I first began modelling and worked on a lot of campaigns for brands like Target, OshKosh, Carter’s, Graco, Rooms To Go, Chase, Purina and more!

Then I started doing commercials and eventually moved into TV and film. It’s all been such a blessing!

And if I’m not mistaken, I was actually discovered on Instagram! A lady reached out to my mom about signing me. It took a lot of convincing because my mom wanted to do her research first!

Can you tell us about your work as a model?

I love modelling! It’s so much fun because you get to wear all different kinds of outfits and meet new people.

Is there anything you find most rewarding about being in the acting and modelling industries?

The most rewarding part of acting and modelling is meeting new people and getting to see first-hand how movies and commercials are made. Being able to watch everything come together is so cool, and I love getting to be a part of it!

Do you have any favourite films and TV shows to watch?

My absolute favourite movie of all time is Zapped with Zendaya!

My family and I are also really big horror movie fans. We love the classics, and my favorite is Halloween because I love Michael Myers!

I also love watching Shake It Up with Zendaya! I’m a huge fan of hers and hope to work with her one day!

How do you like to spend your free time?

I love getting into my pyjamas, watching movies and eating lots of snacks!

What are you hoping the next year brings for you, and do you have any projects coming up that you can talk about?

I’m hoping to book another movie or TV show and just continue doing what I love!

No new projects to announce so far, but I’m auditioning and working hard to land that next role. I feel so blessed to get to do what I love every day!

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