STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE. From troubled teen to sci-fi heroine, Sofia Black D’Elia takes on every role with a definite spring in her step. This is part of her story, as told to DA MAN
Fur coat by Line & Dot, bra by Elle Macpherson
Having cut her teeth on acting through the long-running “All My Children” TV series, Sofia Black D’Elia deftly stepped into the gritty world of teen drama—including the uber-controversial “Skins”—and now heads into sci-fi territory while shoring up her presence on the big screen. Yet, the rising star is still just as enthusiastic about her career as she is about the more down-to-earth bits of life.
DA MAN: Hi Sofia, “Project Almanac” is just hitting theaters right now. How was your experience filming this movie?
Sofia Black D’Elia: Filming “Project Almanac” was an incredible experience. The cast and crew quickly became a family, and we absolutely loved working together.
Robe by Flora Nikrooz, bodysuit bra by Calvin Klein
DA: Did filming a found-footage movie provide any unique challenges?
SD: Found-footage is such an exciting medium, and, luckily, Dean was more than prepared to lead us on that journey. As actors, we were given a lot of freedom to play within the circumstances to make the scenes feel as real as possible.
DA: Another show we’re highly anticipating is the upcoming “The Messengers.” Can you tell us about your role in this TV series?
SD: What drew me to “The Messengers” was the character, Erin Calder. She’s a young single mom, struggling to find her voice and her strength. I was thrilled to play someone with such great responsibility.
Shirt by A.Moss, bra by Stella McCartney
DA: With “Project Almanac” under your belt and now “The Messengers” as well as “Viral,” how do you like doing science-fiction films so far?
SD: I love doing science-fiction-themed projects. It’s fun to try to convince yourself of these crazy, other-worldly ideas and be thrown into other universes.
DA: What was it like promoting “Project Almanac” at last year’s Comic-Con?
SD: Promoting “Project Almanac” Comic Con was a blast. It was my first time there, so Hall H was a bit intimidating but we were thrilled to share the movie with fans of the genre.
Negligee by Dita Von Teese
DA: For most people, your real breakout role was as the beautiful but troubled Tea Marvelli in the US adaptation of “Skins.” Do you feel that it’s a hallmark of your career?
SD: Playing Tea is one of my prouder moments. The set of “Skins” is where I fell in love with acting and playing complicated young women. Working with [series creator] Bryan Elsley was an honor and a privilege.
DA: Your character in “Skins” was hailed as a fan favorite since early in the series’ run. How did this recognition make you feel?
SD: I am so happy that Tea connected to people. I think that the young LBGT community needs as much representation in film and television as possible.
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Photographer Mitchell Nguyen McCormack
Styling Alexa Rangroummith Green
Makeup Elie Maalouf using Kevyn Aucoin
Hairdo Giannandrea at the Wall Group using Macadamia Professional
Styling Assistants Jaz Jenkins and Nadine Gamie