Vincent Vermignon
Vincent Vermignon, originally from the French Caribbean island of Martinique, played Dr. Joshua Maury in the TV series, “Chronicles of the Sun” and Stefan in “Cut.” Currently, he appears in HBO MAX’s “The Staircase,” with Parker Posey, Toni Collette, and Colin Firth, which tells the story of Michael Peterson, a crime novelist accused of killing his wife Kathleen after she is found dead at the bottom of a staircase in their home, and the 16-year judicial battle that followed. “Zépon” is a film to be released later this year.
Top and Bottom by SAINT PERRY / The Confessional Showroom
Scarf by SAINT PERRY / The Confessional Showroom
Why did you decide to take this role? I understand it’s a true story and a complicated case, with Michael Peterson initially proclaimed innocence and it is still debatable if he was really guilty. Now he is a free man, correct?
Yes! “The Staircase” is an American true crime drama streaming television miniseries created and written by Antonio Campos and Maggie Cohn. It is based on the 2004 true crime docuseries of the same name created by Jean-Xavier de Lestrade. The series stars Colin Firth as Michael Peterson, a writer convicted of murdering his wife Kathleen Peterson (Toni Collette), who was found dead at the bottom of the staircase in their home, and it gets wilder from here!
I play Jean-Xavier de Lestrade, the documentarian who followed Michael Peterson throughout the entire judicial proceeding.
Tell us about playing, Jean-Xavier. What was it like and can you tell us about the character?
I enjoyed playing that part and finding the perfect distance with his movies’ protagonists. As a documentarian the hardest thing is to catch true life all the time. In order to do so, you have to make people forget that your cameras are all around them so they can be truly themselves and yet, still be able to create enough report and trust to at some point ask intrusive questions. It is a thin line to find, and I had a fantastic time working on such a subtle material.
How did you personally prepare for or connect with your role?
The first thing that I had to do was to watch “The Staircase” documentary to understand fully what was at stake. I watched it many times and was immersed in such a particular atmosphere. Then, I felt it was the time to start talking with Jean-Xavier de L’Estrade, the documentarian who shot that documentary. We spent hours on the phone, and he generously shared facts of course, but also how he had felt during the entire trial proceeding. Before being in touch with him, I hardly realized how much time he had spent on that case. He made more than 50 return trips between France and North Carolina to cover the story. He has never felt the same after and I needed to understand why.
The last thing that I felt was important to do was to watch and listen to a lot of Jean-Xavier’s interviews to capture his mannerism, overall demeanor, and language rhythm in order to create a believable character.
What was it like working with Parker Posey, Toni Collette, and Colin Firth? What did you learn from them?
It was beyond expectations! There is a reason they’re such big names in the industry: they’re simply amazing actors. They come on set so prepared and focused to get the best of each scene so that you are in perfect conditions to perform your art. The exacting but considerate work atmosphere they created throughout the show made feel I belong from the very first day. That type of experience changed me as actor but also as a man.
Jacket by Art Point / Flying Solo
What inspired you to start acting, and when did you know you wanted to pursue it as a career?
I've always wanted to be an actor. Even if Martinique is a French territory, when I was younger I watched a lot of American shows and was inspired by actors such as Denzel Washington and Wesley Snipes. My dream was then to be on set with them one day. I hadn’t allowed myself to pursue that ambition for a while.
I was 28 when my mother pushed me to do some theater on an amateur level. I guess she didn’t think that it would awake the fire passion I have always had for acting. Very quickly I got cast on major French shows, fueling my desire for more ambitious projects.
Before acting, you graduated from the French National Business School and had a career as a realtor. What as the most exciting thing of being the realtor?
Both are action-packed occupations. When I started working, It is like acting in many ways when I think about it: it is an extremely competitive, high-pressure job but it can also be tremendously rewarding. Having a life before acting has allowed me to be grounded and grateful for all these fantastic opportunities that come up.
I was a luxury real estate advisor in the French Alps, so I dealt with diverse type of clients, which was a thrilling and enriching experience.
Left:
Bomber and pants by June79 / The Confessional Showroom
Shirt by Stefan / The Confessional Showroom
Right:
Top and bottom by BE SIDE /Flying Solo
CUFF by gras ‘roots URBAN /Flying Solo
Glasses by Breathe /Flying Solo
You’ve been featured in numerous French short films and TV shows, including “Cut.” ’ Tell us about French film and TV production; what are they like?
The special thing about French shows is when you work on a project you feel like you are part of a family. Usually, productions are smaller than the U.S. endeavors, so the crew and cast create stronger bonds. Sometimes it feels a bit like a summer camp. Oh, I forgot to mention lunch breaks and French food are yummy!
Do you have a dream role or project?
My plan is to keep working on primetime U.S., international endeavors and playing leading, complex characters. I am attracted to projects dealing with the ambivalence of people such as in “The Staircase.” That show was an extraordinary experience and I want to cherry pick projects of that level of ambition and inventiveness. My geeky side would also have major fun in SCIFI and Comics universes.
Can you give us any insight as to what you are working on next?
I’ve just finished shooting the feature film “DRIFT” by Anthony Chen, Camera d’Or winner at the Cannes Film Festival. I can’t wait for that project to come out.
Outside of acting, what are your hobbies?
I am a passionate rum and whisky connoisseur. One of my dreams is to create at some point my own rum brand. I am also a big sports fan (basketball and soccer) and quite found of travel. When I can, I go back to the Caribbean to chill by the beach and spend quality team with my siblings.
Top and Bottom by SAINT PERRY / The Confessional Showroom
Scarf by SAINT PERRY / The Confessional Showroom
Tell us about growing up in Martinique? Where do you recommend visiting when traveling there? Martinique is a French Caribbean Island where we speak French but also Creole. Form an early age I switched from a language to another. Surrounded by English and Spanish speaking islands, Martinicans are at a crossroad of civilizations, rhythms that influences my performance as an actor. When I get into character, I always draw my inspiration from that unbelievable mix of cultures to bring a unique performance.
I miss everything about Martinique: the food, the music, the landscapes, the weather and above all my family. Martinique is my homeland and I go back there very often. This is where I retreat to recharge my batteries before facing next challenges. Martinique is the perfect mix between the Caribbean quality of life and the French lifestyle. As an example, you could taste one of the finest rums in the world accompany by a refined French pastry. Not bad don't you think?
Social Media.
The easiest way to reach me is on Instagram at @vincentvermignon!
CREW CREDITS:
Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
Creative Director: Mike Ruiz
Talent: Vincent Vermignon
Photographer: Boyz Bieber
Fashion Stylist: Ayoka Lucas
Hair & Makeup: Jojo McCarthy
Photographer’s Assistant: Malike Sidibe
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Alison Hernon, Editor-In-Chief, PhotoBook Magazine
