11 Quick Questions for Vivica A. Fox

Actress-entrepreneur-director Vivica A. Fox, 58, is working to draw attention to a new streaming documentary, Skilled, that highlights the importance of the modern trade workforce. She talks about her connection to the docuseries, current projects, go-to movies and enthusiastic attitude about aging.   

How did you get involved with Skilled?

I’ve got several friends that are in trade positions. Like my girlfriends Vanessa [Zeno] and Alyssa [Nelson], a mother daughter duo from Detroit. They drive their forklifts, have on their hard hats. … Here, on this film that I’m working on in Atlanta, the first and second ADs [assistant directors] are both females. It just makes me proud. Remember, Regina King made that challenge [at the 2019 Golden Globes] to start seeing women in front and behind the camera. And to challenge movie folk who hire the crew to make sure the crew had diversity, and let women do jobs as well, too. It’s been great to see that subtle change when you see women as gaffers and electricians and stuff like that.

You mentioned you are on set in Atlanta. What are you working on?

I am doing a sequel to this thriller, Twisted House Sitter, from Tubi. I hosted the Tubi Upfronts last year [previewing upcoming shows], and they were so impressed with me doing the presentation that they said, “We’re going to figure out a way to work with you.” Tubi also has a library of my work, my films. So it’s been a really good marriage. I’ve been really enjoying filming so far. We have a Black director. My costar is African American. It’s so wonderful to be doing a movie and look around and see my people working in every department.

You’re also directing a movie. How did that come about?

I worked with [movie production company] MegaMind Media when I did a short film last year. Every year, [the TV network] BET Her dedicates a month letting five new female directors work with causes that affect our community, especially women, [such as] mental illness, homelessness, breast cancer and domestic violence. My film, Through Her Eyes, was dealing with mental illness and homelessness. [MegaMind Media founder] Tressa Azarel [Smallwood], who hired me to direct Through Her Eyes, said, “I want to work with you again.” She kept her word.

Fox, seen here with those featured in "Skilled," attended the media screening of the documentary at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.

David Becker/Getty Images for 3M

Is directing part of your grand career plan?

My life is going into such a new beautiful chapter that I never saw coming. I’m grateful that people are trusting my skills to produce films — to direct and deliver them. I believe that, like skilled workers, women can do anything. We’re here to change misconceptions about qualifications and what women can do and deliver well.