Chats with
Laura Albert
About her leading role in
Netflix series
OUTER BANKS
Photography: Graham Dunn
Fashion Director: Deborah Ferguson
Interview by Laura Albert
Dress and Jacket: KENZO Paris SS21, Heels: TATA-LA
L: Your passion for acting and your exquisite ability to give life to characters has defined your performances, from The Originals to Stranger Things and now Outer Banks. Do you take a specific approach when you begin working on a character, or do your methods change with the roles you play?
M: I’m still learning as I go. I don’t think there is one right or wrong approach to preparing for a role, only what allows you to get where you need to be on the day. Obviously, I think it’s necessary to do your due diligence and research but beyond that, for me, I think a lot of it starts with empathy, understanding, letting go of your own ego, and allowing yourself to make discoveries as you go.
L: Darnell praised your good instincts and deep emotional access, as well as the capacity to make quick adjustments, in portraying a rich inner life of your character. How do you manage to stay close to the work and continue to be present to it now that the show has grown in popularity? How do you tune out the noise?
M: The noise can be distracting, it’s incredibly overwhelming at times and very exciting, but I never feel like I can relax until I’m satisfied with my work. There’s always room for improvement. I’m incredibly grateful and I’m soaking it all in, but there’s always more you can do.
L: Your character Sarah Cameron is rebelling against a parent she clearly loves, but she has come to understand that person is everything she is rebelling against. Are you hearing from people in similar situations? Have you found a commonality?
M: No, I personally am not. I can only imagine that what Sarah is going through is a figurative death of her father, her brother, and her younger sister. Sarah’s mom isn’t in the picture at all, it would be devastating for anyone to go through, much less a 16-year-old.
Dress and flip flops: KENZO Paris SS21
L: Are there aspects to the role of Sarah Cameron you find inspiring – or frustrating? Do you have to deal with people who confuse you with her?
M: Of course, there are times Sarah frustrates me. But I have to remember, that’s me, not her. My job is to empathize with and portray her thought processes and decision making to the best of my ability. It’s interesting though, because sometimes people think that because I play her, I must agree with everything she does, which I don’t.
L: Do you ever find yourself needing to push back against any of the old media tropes or stereotypes in playing her?
M: I do my best to portray her as honestly as I possibly can. Season 2 I wanted to be the season she broke free of her family, which was tricky. If we’re lucky, I hope to see her be independent and happier in future seasons. I’m excited to create who she is outside of her family.
A new LES EAUX DE CHANEL fragrance.
PARIS – ÉDIMBOURG LES EAUX DE CHANEL – Eau de Toilette Spray
In 1924, Gabrielle Chanel discovered Scotland for the first time through her relationship with the Duke of Westminster, whose Highland home she would visit to rest, revitalize and spend time outdoors. As an homage to the lush green landscape that so enchanted Mademoiselle, In-House Perfumer Creator Olivier Polge crafts this aromatic, woody fragrance with notes of juniper berry, cypress and vetiver. A scent that conjures the warm comfort of a tweed jacket worn on a walk in the Scottish countryside. 1.7 fl. oz. $80.00; 4.2 fl. oz. $130.00
AVAILABLE ON CHANEL.COM AND AT CHANEL BOUTIQUES: MAY 2021 AVAILABLE AT SELECT DEPARTMENT AND SPECIALTY STORES: JUNE 2021
L: What was your major when you enrolled in university? What went into the choice to pursue acting?
M: I wanted to declare English or Journalism. Anything to do with language. Regarding pursuing acting, honestly, I just thought, “fuck it,” why not give it a shot while I can.
Dress: Stella McCartney PF21, Heels: Schutz
L: You spent some time in Greece filming Knives Out 2 with Daniel Craig. Can you tell us about the Covid protocols on the set and what the shooting was like? Did you get to spend time touring there?
M: Any set that is filming during a global pandemic, is going to have extensive protocols in place. It’s not taken lightly, and everyone works even harder to make it all happen. Obviously, it takes some of the spontaneity out of the filming process but it’s still very fun and exciting. I didn’t spend time touring because I wanted to be extra careful, but I do have plans to go back when I’m not working. It is a magical place.
L: Is there a dream role you’d like to play?
M: I’d absolutely love to play a role in the sci-fi genre. For now, I feel lucky that I’ve gotten to play the roles I have.
Eau de Parfum 31 rue cambon
Composition: Evoking the timeless elegance of CHANEL, this scent is imbued with simple-yet-powerful accents: the radiance of a chypre accord heightened with iris and black pepper. A true reflection of brilliance.
Dress: Nanushka
Eau de Parfum Bois DES ILES
Composition: A spellbinding scent, BOIS DE ILES features an accord of New Caledonian sandalwood, ylang-ylang and tonka bean.
n°5
Eau de Parfum – Factory 5 Collection. Limited Edition. – 3.4 FL. OZ.
Composition:
With its unprecedented use of aldehydes and layers of complexity, N°5 was the world’s first abstract fragrance. The Eau de Parfum draws inspiration from the original Parfum. This floral bouquet, composed around May rose and jasmine, features bright citrus top notes. Aldehydes again create a unique presence, while the smooth touch of bourbon vanilla leaves an incredibly sensual trail.
Photography
GRAHAM DUNN
Interview
LAURA ALBERT
Creative Director & Fashion editor
DEBORAH FERGUSON
Makeup
CEDRIC JOLIVET @thewallgroup
Hair
JILLIAN HALOUSKA @thewallgroup
Fashion Assistant
JUAN MARCO TORRES
Web Layout
VICTORIA SMITH
Thank you
IMPRINT PR & NETFLIX
View the trailer for Outer Banks season 2 here:
