'Van Helsing' tv series, interview with actress Rukiya Bernard

Van Helsing is a dark fantasy horror drama television series on Syfy. It was inspired by Zenescope Entertainment's graphic novel series Helsing.

Q. In the TV series "Van Helsing" you play the doctor "Doc”. Please can you tell us about this role?

A. Doc is an introverted everyday kind of person. The person you wouldn't really notice on the bus though you've been riding it together for 10 years. She prefers to keep to herself as she can keep a sense of control. However in the vampire apocalypse she is forced to come out of her shell and work with other survivors including Vanessa Van Helsing. We discover she has some shortcomings and doesn't do well under pressure and throughout the series she's tested to rise above it all.

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Tv series Van Helsing

Q. "Doc" lives between the fear of having been a vampire and the actuality of human condition. How did you make this duplicity?

A. The writers of the series really helped in terms of having lots of discussions about it. Also I tried to think of what she was like human and what the vampire expression of that is. If she's quiet and introverted t as a human, then she is loud and forceful as a vampire. I built the character on those kind of opposites. Also I thought of her as an animal for the vampire stuff which was fun.

Q. Is there a funny episode that happened during the filming?

A. There were lots of interesting things that happened on set for both season 1 and 2. Off the top of my head, I was really fascinated by the whole make up process they did on me when I was Doc the feral vampire. It would take 2-3 hours every day in the chair. Sometimes I was at work for 3:30 a.m. just so that we could start shooting by 6:30am. The funny part was in between takes when i'd be on break, I'd try to have casual conversation with people forgetting how gnarly by face looked. People would talk to me but always with a look in their eyes like this is...weird...

Q. You also worked on the film "Wonder" with Julia Roberts and Clive Owen. How was the experience?

A. t was amazing. To be in the presence of such great iconic talent was an experience I won't forget. I looooved Julia. She has the warmest heart and was very creative and welcoming with the whole process.

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Van Helsing

Q. In the film "Colossal" with Anne Hathaway you perform Maggie. The film is a science fiction and a black comedy with a great critical success: according to you, what is the reason?

A. I loved that film. I think the film was successful because it's so quirky and out there. We can all relate to feeling like we are "losers" no matter how successful we are in life, and the idea of being a hero despite our flaws is relatable and inspiring. Nacho Vigalando who wrote and directed the movie taps into that in the most absurd way making everyone laugh out loud - and I think that's why it's been so successful. Not to mention the cast is amazing.

Q. In the TV movie "Christmas In Evergreen" - broadcast on the Hallmark channel - you perform Hannah. What is your relationship with Christmas?

A. I love the Christmas season. One of the reason why I love shooting Hallmark Christmas movies. I try to get my shopping done early but there have been years when it's done on Christmas eve. Like I'm currently shooting a movie in Winnipeg so I'm thinking this year may be a later year too. Favourite Christmas tradition? There are a few but I love eggnog. I buy it throughout the year.

Q. Do you have hobbies?

A. I love taking dance classes be it ballet, jazz or hip hop. I'm pretty low key when it comes it aesthetic. Like I tend to wear make up only for work. Though I do spend a fortune on my skin care. I love facials.

Q. Have you ever been to Italy?

A. I've never been to Italy and really want to go. Growing up in Little Italy in Toronto I heard such amazing stories of the food, culture, farming, beaches, art scene - I would love to spend a month there.

Q. What is your favorite movie?

A. I don't have a favourite movie - there are too many to choose from, too many genres and too many that reflect an aspect of my life and what my soul is craving or needing. But if I had to choose without thinking too much about it: American Beauty, Lion, Godfather 1 & 2, Do The Right Thing, Wolf Of Wall Street.