Check out our interview with child actress Carina Battrick who stars in Oscar nominated actor Viggo Mortensen’s highly anticipated directorial debut Falling set to screen at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival this September.
Falling is about a conservative father who moves from his rural farm to live with his gay son’s family in Los Angeles. Carina plays Little Sarah who is shown in flashbacks as the younger sister of John Peterson (portrayed by Viggo Mortensen), played in older years by Laura Linney. Her role is important in establishing the love/hate relationship with their father.
Carina also plays the role of Michelle in the new Netflix Original feature Feel the Beat, about a failed Broadway dancer who returns to her hometown and is recruited reluctantly to train a misfit group of young dancers for a big competition. The film was recently dubbed as one of Netflix’s top streamed movies of the summer.
Follow Carina @carinabattrick
Hi Carina, please tell us a little about you?
I am an 8 year old girl from Toronto Canada. I am a middle child. I have one older sister and one younger sister. I love being in the middle because I am the older and the younger sister at the same time. I love to read books. One of my favourite books is Nancy Drew. I have a dog named Texas and a cat named Tiny.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Funny, Creative, Imaginative
Who is your role model?
Audrey Hepburn. She was able to become an amazing actress and fashion icon because she never gave up even though she was told that she would never make it. She pursued her dreams through all the adversities she faced.
How did you get started into acting?
I actually started dancing before I was walking. I think due to the fact that I am the middle child, I would always need to work extra hard to get attention. I actually learned to read by reading scripts. I also naturally gravitate towards people, so acting is a great way to meet different people and learn more about the world outside of my comfort zone. I could approach any kid in a playground when I was younger and ask: Do you want to me my friend?
How has this changed your life?
I think I get to experience things a lot of the kids my age don’t like meeting people, being on set and being responsible.
Tell us about your work as Little Sarah in Viggo Mortensen’s highly anticipated directorial film debut “Falling?”
“Falling” is a movie about the relationships we form with our family through the course of our life. I get to portray Sarah who is Viggo’s younger sister in flashbacks. Her character helps show how we never really know people’s story and should not judge other’s choices.
And about your work on Netflix Original feature “Feel the Beat?”
Being cast as Michelle has been an amazing experience because Feel the Beat is a dance movie and I am a dancer in real life. All the dances have been choreographed by the famous Mia Michaels. I actually did not know that Sofia Carson was in the movie until I actually got cast, went to the first dance practice, and that was the first time I got to meet her.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Actually the first time I got to experience that was when some people who had watched Feel the Beat sent me messages on how the movie and my character had a positive impact on them. I felt really proud of that.
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
Comedy. Because I am really good at making people laugh and I like to make people happy even just for a moment.
What is your favorite food?
Cheese Pizza
How would your best friend describe you?
Loyal and generous, because I am ready to help anyone who needs me. I would give up her my favourite toy for a cause.
What’s next for Carina Battrick in the last months of 2020?
I would like to go back to being a normal kid. Go back to dancing, acting and being outside the house.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Happiness is when you achieve something you really worked hard for. It is a very satisfying feeling.
What is a normal day in your life?
School, dance, homework, scripts
What is your idea of a perfect Sunday?
Playing with my sisters, playing outside, nature walks, reading a book
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Jason Momoa because he is such a cool dude
Best advice ever given?
Anthony Hopkins – Don’t waste time, do things right away as there might not be a tomorrow
Do you support any charities?
Kids to Kids runway of hope. Kids to kids participates in multiple charities through the year and also there is an annual fashion show where kids raise money towards the main charity million dollars smiles.
Favorite song?
Dance Monkey
What do you think of Social Media?
I am only 8 so I am not really on Social Media. I have an Instagram account that my mom manages for me. She showed some of the messages that I received from all over the world since Feel the Beat was released. It was really nice.
Where can we follow you?
You can follow me on Instagram @carinabattrick
You can visit the Battrick channels on YouTube
Or visit my IMDb page
Quote: Never give up!
Favorite Singer/Artist: Billie Eilish
Movie: Aquaman
Travel Destination: Disney World
TV Show: The Series of Unfortunate Events
