Victoria Justice is only just at the start of something big, with the star of Nickelodeon’s award winning show Victorious recently hit the big screen in Fun Size, a comedic Halloween romp, and is set to become the latest teenage star to break out into the mainstream.
At the launch of her new video game, Victorious: Taking The Lead, which hits shelves this Friday, we got some time with the actress and singer to talk to her about the game, her upcoming career shift and why her fans mean so much to her.
So, what can you tell us about Victorious: Taking The Lead?
Well, it’s a game where you can play as either my character, Tori, or Jade and it’s kind of an interactive game where the player can explore Hollywood Arts and there’s also rhythm and dance aspects based on the music from the show.
Is it ever odd seeing a digital version of yourself?
I guess it’s a little weird; I have to say I never expected to have a virtual version of myself, but at the end of the day I’m honoured, it’s really a cool thing to have.
As the titular Tori though, are you actually any good at the game?
This is going to sound terrible, but I haven’t been able to play it yet! I’ve been so busy since I came out here, I’ve wanted to play it but I haven’t had the opportunity. I know we had it on set, and people were playing it in the green room, but it looks like a lot of fun. I can’t wait to get my hand on it.
You also were in the studio recording dialogue for the game. What was that like?
It was cool. There were lots of different lines I had to do and I was in the studio for a while, but it was fun!
Victorious must come to an end sometime though, so what are you plans when you decide to leave Nickelodeon?
Well, funny that you mention that. The show was not picked up for another season, so I actually am moving on from Victorious and Nickelodeon. But I really am grateful for my experience and the time I had on the network and it was an amazing opportunity.
I have my first leading role in a big studio movie called Fun Size, a Halloween comedy, that just came out, so hopefully I can continue to do more films and branch out from Tori Vega. I’m also working on my own solo album, writing my own music, so I've definately got plans.
Fun Size just came out, how excited were you about starring in your first feature film?
Yeah, I’m really excited about it! I’m really proud of this film, I think it’s super funny and it’s the perfect transition movie for me. It’s a little bit edgier, a little more mature, it’s a PG-13. It’s for teens and adults, and I hope that everyone enjoys it and gets a good laugh out of it.
So, you’re an actress, a singer, a dancer and a model. Is there anything you don’t do well?
Lots of things! I’m not good at waking up in the morning, I’m definitely not a morning person. Time management too, I tend to run a little bit behind and lose track of time. Running! I’m not good at running either.
Is there ever a friendly rivalry between you and the other teen stars like Selena Gomez?
I don’t think so. I think we’re all just doing our own thing and following our own paths.
Did you ever think that Victorious was going to make you such a star at the start of it all?
I don’t know. I think that when I realised I’d been given my own show that it was a massive opportunity and I felt very lucky to be chosen as the new girl to have her own show. I feel very lucky, and I’m really grateful. I always hoped that the show would be successful and that a lot of people would watch and enjoy it.
The fans of Victorious have surpassed any expectation, they’re extremely supportive of my TV and a lot of them are the same for my career as well. I’m so grateful to them, because without the fans, I would be nowhere. I literally owe everything to them. Well, not everything, but most of it to them.
You interact with your fans a lot, is that connection important to you?
It’s very important, I’m super involved with my fans, especially on Twitter and Facebook. I’ve become really into social media over the past few years. It’s not because I want to share everything of my life with the world because I think it’s so interesting, because I really don’t.
I just like to keep in contact with my fans and keep them up to date because they’re so supportive and amazing and I feel like honestly, it’s the least I can do.
To be able to reply to them, and answer their questions makes them really happy, which makes me happy. So, I’m more than happy to do it.
So, to finish off, you said you’re working on your album. How’s that gong and what else can we expect you to be doing in the near future?
I’m going to be working on my album for the rest of this year and the beginning of next year and I’m still writing that. I’m super excited about that, I can’t wait for people to hear my original music, outside of Nickelodeon and Victorious.
Hopefully I’ll be doing another film next year and maybe another tour, we’ll have to see what happens.
Victoria’s new videogame, Victorious: Taking the Lead, will be available on Nintendo Wii and DS on 30th November and you can get it right here.
FemaleFirst Cameron Smith
Tagged in Games celebrity interview Victoria Justice