Exclusive Interview: Brec Bassinger Talks About Her Starring Role in V.C. Andrews’ Dawn, How the Project Challenged Her, and More

Brec Bassinger is one of the industry’s most exciting young talents. Already in her award-winning career, she’s brought dynamic characters to life in projects including Stargirl, Bella and the Bulldogs, and Black Box. This July, she leads the extraordinary cast of V.C. Andrews’ Dawn.

V.C. Andrews’ Dawn is a four-part limited series that follows the story of Dawn Longchamp (Brec Bassinger), who after growing up in humble surroundings with a very hardworking family including her devoted father Ormand (Jesse Metcalfe) and older brother Jimmy (Khobe Clarke), suddenly has everything she loves ripped away from her. After discovering the shocking truth about the people who raised her, she is thrust into a new family whose dark and twisted secrets change the course of her life forever.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Brec about her starring role in V.C. Andrews’ Dawn, how the character challenged her creatively, and more!

PC: You’ve played so many powerful female characters throughout your career. Who are the women in your own life who shaped the storyteller that you are today?
Brec: That’s a lovely question. Obviously, my mom. I’m so lucky to have such a wonderful relationship with her. I wouldn’t be acting if it wasn’t for her. When I was fifteen, she traveled back and forth between Texas and LA with me so I could follow my dreams. She’s so selfless. I strive to be more like her every day.

PC: You’re no stranger to playing characters who’ve lived in different mediums and have this already-established fan base. Does that bring a different pressure as you start filming these projects? Have you found your experience working on Stargirl helped alleviate some of the pressure heading into Dawn?
Brec: Definitely. I remember when I first got Stargirl, I was super nervous because comic book fans are so passionate and very particular. I love that about them. But honestly, it was received so well that after that every time I’m trusted with bringing an adaptation to life, it feels like such an honor to get to be part of a franchise. That responsibility is such an honor.

PC: While so much of Dawn’s life is impacted through the reveal that happens in the first film, music remains a cornerstone of her identity. When you’re playing a character who has such a strong connection to music, how does that alter your preparation?
Brec: I’m actually not a singer. I told them that in the first audition. [laughs] They were like, “Can you sing?” I was like, “No.” But they were so kind to trust me to portray that. I do like to create playlists for my characters. With Dawn, it was even more important to spend time and effort on that playlist. It’s fun because it starts in the ’70s. I had to figure out what Dawn would listen to on the weekends.

PC: Do you remember what was on that playlist?
Brec: Definitely the Beatles. She’s vibing to the Beatles 1,000%.

PC: In addition to the incredible work that you’ve done on screen, you’ve also started writing. Have you found that your experiences behind the scenes have now impacted the way that you approach your work on screen and vice versa, specifically with characters like Dawn?
Brec: Absolutely. When I’m writing specifically, I do almost go at it from an actor’s perspective. I’ll be saying the line and I’ll be like, “How would I want this said? There needs to be a ‘the’ there.” And very much vice versa. Now I feel more confident with my writing. When I read something, I think, “How did the writer write this? What did they envision when they were writing this?” I try to do my best to present that.

PC: There’s so much vulnerability that you have to tap into when you’re playing a character like Dawn who has had her life turned upside down at the start of these films. You brought so much nuance to that journey as an actress. How did you create the space for yourself to dive into that emotional arc?
Brec: This was honestly probably the most emotionally taxing character that I’ve done so far. It was challenging, but I was so grateful for it. I remember there would be days when there were a lot of things that Dawn went through that I personally haven’t gone through. I had to do research in different ways. Normally, I pull from my own life experiences, but I watched films and shows and it inspired my work.

PC: Speaking of that emotional journey, you’re such a standout in these films and there’s so much thrown at your character. Is there a scene in particular that you’re excited for fans to see? Which were you the most nervous to film?
Brec: I was definitely most nervous to film the scene with Michael Sutton because it’s very different. I’ve never experienced something like that, that teacher-student relationship. But Joey McIntyre was so professional and such a wonderful scene partner. He was so present with me. I was very proud of the work we did on those days. I was equally as nervous for those scenes as I am excited for people to see it!

PC: There’s so much trust that’s needed when you’re tackling storylines like this. How were you able to build that trust with the rest of your costars?
Brec: Honestly, we were all thrown into it so quickly. It was a whirlwind. We didn’t get much time to prepare these characters. There had to be so much trust within us for that support, so I think that bonded us so quickly.

PC: We’re also going to see your character throughout various decades from when she’s a child all the way to when she’s a parent. What was that process like for you preparing to tackle such a long arc throughout four films?
Brec: I worked very closely with the hair, makeup, and wardrobe departments. How can we present her to seem younger? How can we age her? They were so receptive to it. It was such a collaborative experience. But also the posture, how she walked, and her tone of voice were important. Typically with a voice, it gets deeper and raspier as you get older. I played with some physical elements that I never had to use before. It was so fun because now I feel like I have that in my tool belt to use.

PC: You’ve also said in previous interviews that this project pushed you as an actor and storyteller. What’s been the biggest thing you’ve learned about your craft embodying Dawn and leading these films
Brec: Sometimes being intimidated by something doesn’t mean I shouldn’t do it. In the past, there was certain content that if it scared me I would step back. There was a lot of content here that made me really nervous because I have never experienced that. It’s about throwing yourself into the role. It taught me not to be scared about things you don’t know about.

PC: There are so many universal themes that these films will cover. Was there one in particular that hit home for you? What do you hope audiences take away after they see it?
Brec: Probably the chosen family aspect. In the beginning, she finds out the people she thought were her biological family aren’t. She goes through this journey of almost choosing, despite blood, who her family is. That’s so beautiful. I love my biological family, but I do have a chosen family in my life as well. Respecting chosen family is so important.

PC: There’s such fantastic chemistry that comes off the screen between you and the entire case. Do you have a favorite behind-the-scenes moment?
Brec: We have so many. You always hear people say, “I was so close with the cast.” These people will be my friends for life. After I finished filming, I went to Austria with the girl who plays Trisha (Corey Woods). We traveled Europe together. I’ve gone snowboarding with half the cast. We honestly had too much fun. It didn’t feel like we were working. There’s a wedding scene—not to give away any spoilers—but the entire cast was there and we had so much fun that entire day.

PC: Outside of this project, what’s next for you?
Brec: I’ve been so fortunate to be really busy. I just wrapped a movie with Tricia Helfer. Outside of that, I can’t talk too much about it. There’s no release date for that. I did a movie last year called The Man in the White Van that will be coming out sometime this year. I’m going to Utah next month to film my next project!

PC: You’ve done it all throughout your career. What’s left on your bucket list, either as an actress or as a writer?
Brec: I can’t lie. One of the biggest things on my list was a book adaptation. I’ve done a comic adaption so getting to do this was so fulfilling. This was such a bucket list thing for me. I’m going to say a biopic and getting to portray a real-life person and bring them to life!

To keep up with Brec, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Watch the four-part limited series every Saturday on Lifetime at 8/7c.