Instagram

@emilyskinner__
for
@teenlionaire
photos by
@fiorella_occhipinti

Talented actress, dancer, and model from Mission Viejo in Orange County, California, Emily Skinner @emilyskinner__ is widely known throughout the world thanks to her role in diverse top-rated television series, in movies, and in music videos. Even though the majority know her as Amber in Disney’s Andi Mack, she unveils a little more about herself, her career, and her upcoming projects to Teenlionaire.

Today, we have the beautiful, multi-talented Emily Skinner who can be described with three words: charming, vibrant, and pre-eminent. She is known for her roles in Andi Mack, Austin & Ally, Criminal Minds, Total Eclipse, Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp, Shake It Up, The Mindy Project, Sam and Cat, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, NUMB3RS, Days of Our Lives, Rizzoli & Isles, Sodales, and the list goes on with TV shows, web series, short films, and music videos… With more than a million followers on Instagram, Emily has a wide range of fans who enjoy the characters she plays on television, or are fascinated by the fact that such a nice girl can play a villain so well. First, Emily, how did you first start in the industry and what led to your success?

My mom put me in acting classes when I was six years old because honestly, it was the only thing I would agree to do. I was not interested in any sports, but I did want to go to acting classes. I was actually quite shy, but loved imaginary play, so my mom thought that it would help me come out of my shell. So she was very surprised after a few months, when my acting coach pulled her aside and asked her if she would take me to LA to meet with a couple agents he knew in the industry. She actually thought it was some sort of a scam and decided not to pay for headshots, so we just took photos ourselves and printed one out to bring to the meeting. I ended up signing with Abrams Artists Agency that day and we are still with them today! Once you get signed with a theatrical agent, they send you out on tv and film auditions, so I have been auditioning ever since. Social media really wasn’t a part of my life during my young acting years. I wasn’t allowed to have an instagram until I was 12 years old; and it was private. After I did the Avicii music video “Broken Arrows” at 13 years old, my representation began talking to us a little more about social media and my mom allowed me to open up a public profile. Since that time, booking the role of Amber on Andi Mack and Diana on Total Eclipse has made me a more recognizable actress, in both cases by playing a mean girl role.

Hmm… In all honesty, you possess a very extensive portfolio. If you were to be some sort of a corporate employee, several companies will be on the lookout for a gem like you… And on that note, what are the greatest accomplishments you’ve had since you began acting?

I think one of my greatest accomplishments was booking the role of Amber on Andi Mack because it is such a progressive Disney show and I am proud to be a part of it! But honestly, in this industry it is very competitive, so I consider any and all bookings as blessings and cause for excitement! I love acting so much! I have loved every part I have ever played, from acting in student films to television roles on multi camera and single camera shows, to working with Brat on webisodes, to film work! Any time I am on set, I am happy!

Interesting… So, Sodales—let’s talk about this short film… Since it is still one of your favorite works so far, tell me more about it—the filming, the production, your role, those you had to work with, and just about everything that made it a recherché project.

Sodales was part of a series of short films produced by Glamour magazine called Glamour Reel Moments. Readers were asked to write and submit a story about something in their past. Five were selected to be turned into short films. Then Glamour selected five actresses to direct each of the five stories with the intent of enticing more females to become directors. Jessica Biel was chosen to direct one of those stories called Sodales and I was cast as one of the leads of the film. The story was centered around two eight year old best friends who are heartbroken when one of them (my character) has to move away. They engage in a world of pretend play to help deal with their emotions surrounding this move. As part of the pretend play, they fight against the evil Crimson Queen (my mom in the film, played by Julie McNiven) who is trying to tear them apart. Liam Neeson is the voice of the girls’ wise and fearless leader/teddy bear! Check it out on you tube:

Another cool project is Andi Mack, which is probably your most popular project… Everyone loves “Amber alert! Amber alert!”… Can you tell me about a funny or inspiring moment that happened when filming this show?… It could be a funny moment, behind the scenes, a special episode, an exclusive occasion, or anything at all.

My favorite episode of Andi Mack was the Snorpion because we got to do a night shoot at a carnival! It was hilarious because Peyton had to ride the ferris wheel over and over again! After we wrapped for the night, the crew ordered pizza for all of us and we had a big, late night pizza party! But the thing I will remember most from Andi Mack was that we were one of seven programs that received a 2018 Television Academy Honor. This award celebrates programming that impacts society by presenting and dealing with current social issues. It was overwhelming to be recognized amongst so many ground breaking shows, and amazing actors and actresses! I will never forget how inspired I felt that night as I saw how television shows can truly play a role in changing the world for the better.

Well, that’s enough about acting… Tell me, what are some memories of growing up in Orange County that you don’t ever want to forget?… I’m guessing you enjoyed the theme parks, surf culture, historical points of interest, and—most importantly—growing up with the Skinners.

When I was young, my favorite thing to do was put on dress up clothes and pretend play. I would do this all day long. Maybe that is where my love for acting began! My sister, Lauren and I also loved having picnics at the park and doing arts and crafts in our backyard. But even as a young child, I loved amusement parks and roller coasters, and I still do today! Some of my favorite memories are going with friends and family to Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm and Six Flags Magic Mountain. I will go on each and every roller coaster in the park and really enjoy going with friends who will go on all of the crazy roller coasters with me! One of my other favorite past times is going to the beach with friends. I love spending the day at the beach and then barbecuing hot dogs and smores by the fire once the sun goes down! Our family also enjoys going for hikes in the many canyons surrounding our home and more recently my sister and I have learned to snow board and love taking family trips to the mountains in the winter! One of our favorite places to go in the summer is Lake Tahoe with friends; as we also enjoy inner-tubing, rock jumping, boating, and water sports on the lake!

And do you have anything new on the way?… We all like surprises, should we be expecting anything new from Emily Skinner anytime soon.

I am currently filming season 3 of Andi Mack, season 2 of Total Eclipse, and I am on hold for a lead role in an independent film project filming at the end of summer so fingers crossed it works out!

Do you have some advice for upcoming teenage entertainers…?

Enjoy the process. Be thankful for each and every audition because it’s a chance to practice becoming a new character. And don’t hold onto failure. Look ahead and get excited over new opportunities instead of dwelling on things you didn’t book in the past.

And last, a beauty tip from Emily.

Always remember that beauty is on the inside and when you are using your skills and talents to help others, you will feel the most beautiful, confident, and happy!

Full interview below:

International teen model superstar, Samantha Beining @samanthabeining is the youngest ever model to be signed by NEXT Model Management. Model for top brands such as Ralph Lauren and Guess Marciano, actress, singer, and martial artist, she reveals to Teenlionaire.com @teenlionaire her beginnings, her plans and aspirations in this exclusive interview.

From becoming Miss Blumarine at 8 to modeling for international brands (like Bebe Girls, Ralph Lauren Kids, O’Neill, Bon Prix, Otto, Original Marines, Next Directory, Terranova, and Guess Marciano) and adorning the covers of reputable publications (like Babiekins Magazine, Mini Maven, and Vogue Niños), let’s welcome the beautiful Samantha Beining to Teenlionaire… Born in the United States, Samantha has enriched her exceptional career with projects and affiliations with far too many names from all over the world… Needless to say, she’s pretty much of a big deal at just 14 years of age; for one, she is the youngest person to have ever signed with NEXT Model Management… So tell me, Samantha, how did this modeling thing begin at the tender age of 6?

My mom heard a commercial on the radio about Disney Auditions and my older brother was 16 a great speaker and funny guy and always wanted to act and model. My mom and dad set up an appointment to meet with their talent scout and the whole time we were in the audience while the talent scout was speaking, he could not take his eyes off me and my brother.

After personally meeting with the scout he suggested to put us both in the event called THE at Disney World, so they did just that. Out of 4000 people I ended up winning a trophy for the most callbacks. My mom, dad and brother were sitting in the audience not expecting anyone to really win anything. Then they announced my name and my brother heard it and so did I and I took off running up to the stage. All my mom saw was my dress flying like the wind up to the stage. That was a very exciting moment. I was on stage with all the Disney kids actors & actresses.

Before we signed with the manager I asked my dad if I could make money modeling and give part of it to help handicapped kids like my niece Maliah. He said yes of course. So when I make more money as an adult model I want to start a foundation for a school for severely handicapped kids on the oceanfront.

I then signed with Global Management 101 and they set me up with several agencies. My first gig was a formal fashion show in Buffalo New York for GAP KIDS and my brother walked for Oakley. The show benefitted “Make A Wish” and we gave a check to a little girl and her dad on stage. Then I participated in an anti-bully campaign in New York City. All of my bookings began from there… Ford wanted me in NYC but I lived in Florida and they did not have a kids division there, so I was set up with Karen Greer Models who formerly worked with Ford.

Would you say you prefer a different profession or you’re truly rocking this one right here?… If the former, what and why?… If the latter, well, we can all agree that both runway and print modeling are your heaven-sent gifts, yet what are the things—maybe personal or public goals—that motivate you to continue modeling?

This profession can be a lot of fun! I believe as long as I am working with NEXT Model Management I will keep rocking this profession. I love the crew in the NYC office, LA office and Miami office. What a great group to work with. Working with people that believe in you is all about you being successful. I would like to be a top model. I like the idea of traveling and all of the new people I will meet. I do like runway and print modeling.

I plan to attend college but really have no idea what I would want to study as of now.
When I begin adult modeling and making more money then I will start my foundation for the school for the severely handicapped kids on the oceanfront and that’s my plans for now.

So far in 2018, what are your biggest accomplishments that you believe will blow my mind and your fans’?

I have been cast in a love horror movie to be filmed in Asia more specifically the Philippines. My role is an exchange student who falls in love with a teenage Filipino boy. I will talk and sing in Filipino which is not familiar for me. That is how I will be concluding 2018.

According to you, describe the best moments you’ve had in the modeling industry?… I mean, we can continue counting the number of projects and fashion shows you’ve done all day, but what are those that incredibly standout—those you call your favourite?

Shooting for the German magazine Gala, they were so kind and so much fun! When the issue came out “Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were on the cover” and my story was longer and had more full page photos than theirs and I even had a photo on the title page… I thought that was funny because they were famous…not me.

When I was doing the VOGUE shoot with Ruben Vega the boy I was shooting the series with was cool!! His name was Bradley and he and his twin brother played the baby boy on Marley and Me.
I loved launching the Guess Marciano Girls site! The clothing was amazing and suited me so perfect. My mom says I always have the most expensive taste. The photographer Matthew was fun to work with.

The Ralph Lauren Fashion Show in the Central Park Zoo was the best fashion show ever!! It was so much fun. I enjoyed sitting by Ralph Lauren because I never had a Grandpa and he was so kind to me. He reminded me of what it would be like to have a Grandpa. I enjoyed working with Levi Miller, from Pan he was a nice considerate person. I would like to be in a movie with him someday.

When I shot with Kymberly Marciano for Mini Maven I actually got to ride a race horse. The owner of the horse said he was usually skittish around people and she could not believe how he took to me and my dad and mom. I loved that horse, he was so sweet.

On that note, what is the big picture for Samantha Beining?… You probably have brands you want to model for, things you want to do, places you want to visit, and people you want to meet or work with.

I would love to model for Armani, Dior, Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana, Tommy Hilfiger, Roxy and would love to continue with Bebe, Ralph Lauren, Guess Marciano, Habitual, O’Neill, Vintage Havana, Original Marines, Bon Prix, Terranova, Nanette Lepore and the many others I have modeled for.

My favorite shoots are location shoots. I am really an outdoors kind of girl.

I would love to meet Gigi Hadid and do a shoot with her for Tommy Hilfiger. Some people refer to me as Gigi Jr. saying that I resemble her. Maybe we could shoot some basketball together. I heard she liked basketball and so do I.

I would like to do a shoot with Max Angel a well-known teen model in Belgium. My mom tried to set up a shoot with his dad in Miami but flights were so expensive. She is hoping one of the teen magazines like Tiger Beat could set up a shoot. They are always covering teens that act or dance or sing so she thought they could change it up and do a feature on teens that model but Max also sings and has an album that has been released.

I would love to visit Europe and the UK and look forward to being able to do that.

Having heard you’re into martial art, dancing, sports, and many other activities, what should we know about your non-professional life?… And school, what’s up with school?

I practice Tang Soo Do two times a week and I have dance once a week a double class. One class is Tap and the other is Ballet. Dance is done for summer and starts back again in August. I attended basketball camp and hope to hit up surf camp in July. I love California and look forward to surfing Doheny Beach. Last summer I saw the surfing championship in Huntingdon Beach and that was awesome!

I have 2 dogs and a bearded dragon. We used to have horses but we travel so much it’s not fair to the horses, so we sold them to a good home.

I do have a go-kart and minibike and I like to ride my bicycle. I love to go to the beach and boogie board and surf. My mom makes me hunt for sharks teeth. She loves finding sharks teeth.
In my spare time I practice drawing. I like to draw cartoons and pop art.

I am also guilty of binge watching NETFLIX…lol

In school I am entering the 8th grade and I’m really not sure what I like. I have a summer birthday so my mom decided to keep me back a year when I was little.

So no high school for me until next year. I just turned 14 June 19th.and a lot of my friends are going to high school. I will miss them this year.

… And I also heard you’re in for a number of acting and vocal classes… Tell me, what should we expect from these?

I plan on working on my vocals and you may hear me singing in the future. My vocal coach is out of NYC and he is amazing. His name is Clurel Henderson and he always gets me singing my best. If I get famous singing I will have to take him with me!!

Acting has always been fun for me. I plan on focusing a little more on acting this year and I am looking forward to the film I am shooting in Asia this year.

On a concluding note, a beauty tip from Samantha Beining…?

Be yourself and don’t wear too much makeup be natural. Use lotion daily on your skin and natural wipes for cleansing on the go. Use 100 sunblock and protect that beautiful skin!

Credits: Photos by Lee Holt