Check out our interview with TV, Film Producer & Actress Mikaela Phillips.
Mikaela is one of Australia’s most youngest and emerging breakout talents! A Producer, Actress and Presenter, Mikaela already has worldwide credits under her belt, has broken records in her fields and is known for her work in both producing and acting as Lead character, Faith Morgan in the Australian TV Drama Series [Counter Play] airing on Amazon Prime and Australia’s Channel Nine Network.
Follow Mikaela @mikaelaphillips
Hi Mikaela, please tell us a little about you?
I was born and raised in Melbourne Australia – only child – and am a lover of chocolate, free spiritedness and good music and vibes! I also have a huge passion for cooking/baking
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Strong, Creative and Extraverted
Name one your strengths?
I’m really good at seeing the commerciability and potential in a product. Be that a script, book or individual’s profile. I effectively find ways and new creative angles on marketing to help turn those ideas into a sellable “brand” that people want to invest in and that people love
Who has been the biggest influence on your life?
That would be my mum. Sure there are other individuals I’ve looked up to as inspirations along the way however my mum is the person I’ve spent the most time with and definitely someone others could learn from as well. It’s funny, you don’t realize someone is as big an impact or influence on your life, til an older age but I couldn’t have asked for a more stronger, innovative, encouraging or loving influence in my life
How and when did you start into acting?
I started acting from an early age, around six years old. It wasn’t something I “set out” to be from such a young age but was driven from the passion for the craft and stage. My first gig was in a well-known independent Theatre company’s musical of Gigi. That’s where I was able to get a real insight into the world of theatre and performing outside of school and quickly but surely fell in love with all of it. I’ve always been surrounded by the arts in many forms from a youngster and have always loved it. My passion and creativity only grew from there and translated into TV and Film…
What did you learn from your biggest failure?
The one thing I take away from any failure or rejections, is sometimes it wasn’t meant to be. For whatever reason, it wasn’t a match. This can be hard to accept at times but I’ve always found it’s for the better. Personally, I bounce back from those situations quite well as I prefer to leave no stone unturned and believe that not trying, is more of a failure than never giving it a go!
What is fun and rewarding about acting? And what is not?
What’s really fun and rewarding to me, is getting to connect and work with so many amazing and talented individuals, who share the same passion as you. Most of my close friends are creatives as well, Singers, DJs, Producers, Actors and there’s something really cool about being able to have a conversation with someone who just “gets it”.
The not so rewarding aspect of the job I would say is there’s this constant need to feel like you have to prove yourself and be better than your last project and better than anyone else doing the same job as you. I think a lot of people get stuck in this unhealthy cycle that’s sometimes unavoidable if you’re not confident in what you bring to the table or confident in your work.
What’s your best advice for an aspiring actress?
The right time is now! Often when asked this type of question, we only relate ‘aspiring actress’ to a young individual. But what about the more mature female who also is an aspiring actress? Since the #MeToo movement, we’ve seen such strong females take charge and come forth of all different ages, ethnicities and backgrounds, and I think this question should apply to those older as well as younger. So the right time is now! It’s never too late to start and you should just get out there and go for it! Sign up for classes, get headshots, apply to castings, create your own material and opportunities! There’s so many platforms, all that’s holding you back, is not starting…
What’s next for you in 2021?
Well I just wrapped up Post-Production on a feature film I’ve been working on over the last 4-5 months. We’re currently in discussions with distributors and will be able to share that exciting news and announcement in due time. So 2021 is already looking like a busy year and I’m looking forward to it!
Now talking about Instagram, can you share some tips for keeping your account interesting?
Full disclosure: I don’t have that many tips other than be your authentic self! I try to keep my account interesting and REAL ha-ha. Insta stories I love, because they’re what I believe are a better way to engage with your following, more interactive. Sometimes I’ll do a Q&A session, or a while back I used to a ‘Guess the Song’ only playing a snippet of line for followers from a song and they had a multiple choice to answer and guess. Just fun little things every now and again to keep it interesting and not just another story they’re swiping through of a pretty picture. I also love posting throwbacks when I get the chance! I think showing people what you looked like when you were little, is always fun. It’s a laugh and shows a relatable quality amongst the picture perfect red carpet shots etc.
I bet you get millions of it, but what are the best and worst Instagram DM pickup lines you received so far?
Ha-ha love this! Too funny. Hmm… yes I’ve had my fair share of a few. One of the worst but funniest might be one that wasn’t too long ago… it read: Do you want a GJB? Which translates to ‘Good Jewish Boy’ LOL.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Does Pasta count? Ha-ha
And your favorite cheat food?
Does it really count as a cheat food if you eat it regularly? Lol.
What is your own definition of happiness?
If you strip back the materialistic things, the vanity of social media and your career, are you happy? If you are happy as the person you are, the people you surround yourself with and life in general without those things, that’s happiness stripped down to it’s core. I’m not saying those other things shouldn’t bring you happiness at all, just saying, if that was all gone tomorrow and all you had was yourself, family/friends and the small joys that make you happy like a sunny beach day or your puppy, are you happy?
What is your workout routine these days?
When I find time for a workout is more like it these last few months haha! I’ve been working such long hours and seven day weeks during the last few months, it’s hard to fit in. When I’m pressed for time, I like to fit in a walk. It’s great cardio, takes you away from your desk for a while and into fresh air. My other favorite is a quick swim and dip in the pool.
How would you explain your fashion style and what items in your closet can you not be without?
I’d say my fashion style is comfy, on-trend and cute ha-ha. Staple items I can’t be without include: denim shorts, graphic tees, Skechers sneakers, anything linen or white and funky statement pieces like a metallic bold blue crop top, red sequin cardigan and a go-to sexy LBD.
Holiday destination?
New York or Italy. Don’t make me choose ha-ha
3 things you can’t live without?
Wifi. Chocolate. My mum.
Drink: Coca Cola or Chocolate Iced Frappe
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Sleep in. Big delicious continental breakfast. Work already done or minimal work to do, so can enjoy a day off. Entertaining friends at mine with a bbq and pool day or hitting up a favorite beachside venue with friends for an afternoon of laughs and fun.
Where can we follow you?
W: www.mikaelaphillips.com
IG: @mikaelaphillips
Twitter: @miki_phillips
