Born and raised in Los Angeles, Makena Taylor comes from a diverse ethnic background with Hungarian, Lithuanian, and Eastern European ancestry. From a very young age, her dream was to be an actress and got her first job at 17 in the role of Pierce Brosnan’s Teacher’s Assistant in Some Kind of Beautiful. Makena’s career is rapidly growing and has worked alongside various top Hollywood names including Salma Hayek, Christina Robinson, and Elisabeth Rohm. “I discovered my love for acting in high school, in John Kirby’s acting class,” says Makena.
Last the Night (originally titled, Pacerville) borrows the pain and anguish of America’s mass shootings that continuously make headlines. Makena plays Sadie,’ a high school student who alongside other friends undermines and disrespects teacher John Dunbar (Green). Green, their already distressed teacher eavesdrops on their teenage rebellion plans and decided to plot an act of diabolical revenge.
indieactivity: Tell us about the improved career you have?
Makena Taylor (MT): I knew I was meant to be an actor at a very young age, maybe 6 or 7. It was either acting or becoming a therapist! My first coach was John Kirby and I studied with him for years. I learned what acting truly is from him. I also studied with Joe Palese for years. He was my mentor and second father. Unfortunately, he passed a couple of years ago. I coached for Last the Night with Rebecca Kitt who’s amazing and studied with Natalie Ford via zoom for a while during Covid. Now I’m back in person with John Kirby. I think what helped me the most was finding trust within the work and getting to know who I really am.
Watch the Official Trailer for Last The Night starring Makena Taylor
How has your acting improved?
Makena Taylor (MT): I don’t have a specific method. But I love John Kirby’s teaching method. I love moments of spontaneity where you maybe didn’t expect something to happen and that forces one to react truthfully in a scene. Then I try to make it feel as real as possible so the audience can truly feel something. I bring myself and the character together as one.
You are an experienced actor, how much work: creativity, energy or focus do you put into your scenes?
Makena Taylor (MT): I try not to overthink it, but I definitely put a lot of energy into my scenes because I don’t want them to be mediocre. I want the audience to feel something real. So I have to make sure I give each scene my all.
You have worked on popular shows, and films, how has each show impacted your work as an actor and your career? for example 600 Bottles of wine.
Makena Taylor (MT): My first lead in a movie was One and the Same. This is how I met Nick Leisure. We connected very easily and I had the honor to star in his next film, Last the Night. I think one thing always leads to the next, even if you don’t see it at the time. Everything is connected and will lead you to where you’re meant to be.
How does the work you do on one show, compared to another?
Makena Taylor (MT): I have a different process depending on my character and who they are. I do research on the type of person I am portraying and the other characters in the script I am relating to.
Let’s take a show you’ve done, how did you prepare for such a role: the cast, the physicality the terrain, the climate, weather, and the demands of the show?
MT: I read the script many times and work with a coach on all the scenes. I spend a lot of time working on my character too.
How do you get into character?
MT: I find the parts of the character that I have within myself. I do research on the type of person they are and the people I surround myself with. Then I study my relationship with the other characters and how I relate to each of them. I study the script and my character with a coach. Rehearsing is something I prioritize!
What are your principles on a production set?
MT: I think of my objective and the character I am portraying. I confer with the director to make sure we’re on the same page and I love to rehearse!
Explain one creative choice you took on the set?
MT: I decided to play my character sweet but also strong. The director agreed with my choice.
Tell us about your new exciting projects?
MT: I’m writing a television show about my dad’s life. I’m creating a pitch book on my dad’s life journey with addiction.
Talk about the industry here, making the move over, and especially how Hollywood has been affected by the pandemic?
MT: Television was stronger during the pandemic because everyone was home watching TV. This increased the visibility of television shows. Now films are catching up because people are going to the theaters again. Nothing stays the same but I believe we will come back stronger.
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