Hailing from the beautiful coastal shores of Australia, Mikaela Phillips is a highly esteemed Producer and Actress who continues to make waves and a name for herself in the industry. From her tenure at Afterbuzz TV (Los Angeles), where she produced content that reached ratings of a viral level and that rank in the Top 5 YouTube results to producing the Australian TV series Counter Play (Nine Network, Amazon Prime) which she oversaw from pre-production to final completion and sale of rights/distribution.
Since then, Mikaela has masterfully transitioned from TV to film, coming right out the gate with not one, not two but three movies under her belt! We had the chance to talk with this busy and trailblazing woman in film.
indieactivity: You’ve just come off successfully completing three feature films in the span of a year! Congratulations! Tell us a little about that?
Mikaela Phillips (MP): Thank you! I certainly have been busy [laughs]. 2020 marked my debut into film, transitioning from TV to producing my first feature film, the feel-good teen summer flick Madison and the Happiness Jar which is now streaming on Amazon Prime, Apple TV & Roku. Also that year, I received a call from a close friend of mine, actor & producer James Pratt who at the time was shooting his LA and Sydney-based US comedy, Malibu Crush. James brought me on board to Malibu Crush which was such a blast to produce and a great jumping-off point, as he and I are currently teaming up to work on another upcoming film. Last but not least, earlier this year I took a role in the upcoming gritty rock n’ roll drama The Rise of Billy Jones which is due for a 2022 release.
Wow! You’re a powerhouse. Talk us through what inspired Madison and the Happiness Jar as your feature film debut?
Mikaela Phillips (MP): “MATHJ” initially had interest from a top-tier production company behind some of your favorite Netflix teen flicks who met with the Creator in its initial script stage. However, then the pandemic hit, forcing all production, filming, and industry to an immediate halt. Following suit of many other US productions, like Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis and Dwayne Johnson’s NBC Young Rock tv series who were filming in Australia, the beautiful Gold Coast Australia soon provided a new option and landscape for the movie to be shot in. To be able to see it through that this film be made, despite the hardships upon the world was what inspired me and to produce a heartfelt movie with an equally unique and inspiring storyline of a happiness jar, that anybody at any age can relate to.
Where do you think your strengths lie as a producer?
Mikaela Phillips (MP): My determination, drive, and knowledge. The determination to succeed personally and to see the production succeed. My drive and self-motivated attitude that fuels my energy to bringing 100% to the job. Hard work doesn’t scare me and I put in the hours. Knowledge. My extensive experience thus far in the industry excels many my age and is an unparallel strength of the following skills; how to adapt and think on your feet, work with a budget, oversee from pre-production to final completion and sales of rights/distribution, pitching process and liaising with high-profile talent agencies and network/studio departments. My strengths lie here and continue to excel as I learn and grow as a Producer.
Your recent endeavor, The Rise of Billy Jones, sees you jump back in front of the camera as the feisty Monique Cruise. Tell us about that!
Mikaela Phillips (MP): Yes! I’m selective of what roles I take and when the role of Monique was presented to me, it was the opportunity to play a role I haven’t had the chance to yet. I love how she’s a force to be reckoned with and a strong businesswoman whose job is to keep the floundering, wealthy, and playboy musician of Billy Jones in line, as his record-label agent. Filming was an absolute blast with this cast and crew and probably one of the most fun I’ve had on a production, with the amount of laughs everyone had. That’s what’s awesome about the movie border lining between drama and moments of comedy… it makes for a lot of fun creating it!
With all this under your belt, we must ask… what’s next for Mikaela Phillips?
Mikaela Phillips (MP): I have a few upcoming projects in discussions and a few in the development stage I’m really passionate about. It’s not necessarily what’s next for me, but more so, where do I see myself going. I think some great female role models in my field are Mindy Kaling, Margot Robbie and Fran Drescher, who have all successfully mastered developing and producing content, without having to forgo acting opportunities and which also allows them to choose their on-screen roles.
As a producer, what do you look for when casting?
Mikaela Phillips (MP): Ha-ha this is a great question! I always look for someone who I could work with again or bring onto another production. In fact, I recently did this for two actors who I had worked with on past productions and brought them onto two entirely different films in cast roles.
Additionally, someone who is a team player and first impressions go a long way with me. Don’t turn up to an audition unprepared and looking like you don’t want to be there. Take pride in your appearance, you’re representing yourself as a brand after all. Otherwise, maybe you should re-think if this career is for you.
Respect everyone. From a PA to the Director to camera dept. People talk and will know if you’ve been disrespectful, rude or unprofessional. Your reputation could be the defining difference of why you do or don’t book a job.
What advice do you have for independent filmmakers?
MP: You can do it and you will get through it! [Laughs]. Independent filmmaking does present its challenges at times, which I totally sympathize with. My advice would be, see it through and stick it out. No matter the obstacles, budget – or lack thereof, completing what you set out to create will be one of the most rewarding feelings. And be smart and realistic about what you’re trying to achieve and create, meaning… utilize what you have at your disposal, rather than what you don’t. Make your surroundings and connections work for you, even if it requires a script re-write.
Tell us what you think of the interview with Mikaela Phillips. What do you think of it? What ideas did you get? Do you have any suggestions? Or did it help you? Let’s have your comments below and/or on Facebook or Instagram! Or join me on Twitter.
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