Meet Makayla Leilua | Screenwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Makayla Leilua and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Makayla, what makes you happy? Why?
It’s taken me quite a while to get to the state of happiness I find myself in today, at home and in my career. I find each day different in terms of what I need to maintain my mental health. Some days I am more motivated to work out and go out with friends, while other times I want to stay cooped up in my room and have no human interaction. Learning to respect and validate each of those emotions has helped keep me in a very content place. Career-wise, I feel most at peace when I use my storytelling to speak up for others. It only sounds corny because it isn’t necessarily a priority for every screenwriter, however, I find it crazy to be in such a position and not want to use your platform for the betterment of others. The sorts of scripts I write or the kinds of articles I put out will always have the goal of spreading representation within the industry and that sort of self-agency brings me the most happiness.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
It was never a question of what I wanted to concentrate on in film school; I mean, I applied with two SNL-inspired comedy sketches. Comedy has always felt like home to me. Yet, I believe what sets my art apart from others is the way I blend my work with my morals. I will never shy away from using my platform to amplify the important conversations that need to be had and I choose to do that through comedy. That is why I am so excited to be polishing my first ever pilot, District 3. Taking place in Colorado’s District 3, protagonist Mable Andrews works alongside a diverse team of interns intending to elect Abigail Conrad as the new district representative against frontrunner Roland Patterson. My series navigates themes of race, LGBTQ+ rights, religion, and their relationship with politics. The next step for me is to enter my screenplay into competitions and find a writing agency to help get the series off its feet. I got to this place professionally, due to my education at NYU. I entered film school through hard work and burning passion… and absolutely no technical skills or confidence. I am where I am today due to two amazing professors, Habib Azar and Vondie Curtis Hall. Both teachers are responsible for building the sort of confidence I have as a woman in film and the impact I want to make on the industry. As a third-year student, I’ve already learned so much, but I would say the most important lesson is that respect is the best technical skill. You may have the best film, script, or concept, but at the end of the day, no one wants to work with an asshole, so don’t only be a hard worker, but be respectful.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am a Rowland Heights native, so I’m 100% biased towards my area. So, if I’m taking you out, you better believe we’re having boba every night. Rowland Heights is hands down boba capital, from Tastea to Tiger Sugar to Gong Cha (my sister Jordynn’s favorite spot), there will be one site you’re bound to like. I am also half Filipino, so I will of course be taking you to West Covina for bangus, rice, and eggs at Ito Ay Atin. I’m also a quarter Samoan, but I must say home-cooked chop suey and taro just hit a little different, so I’ll be taking you to meet the Heights family throughout Hawthorne, Lawndale, Gardena, Carson, and Compton. While we’re there, we also have to stop at Aunty Maile’s Hawaiian Restaurant in Torrance. Another day, I’ll take you to Pro Tacos in Walnut for birria tacos or Show Sushi in San Dimas for All-You-Can-Eat. Controversial opinion, but my favorite ramen spot has to be Slurpin’ in the City of Industry. Right across the street is Cocary, my family’s favorite Shabu Shabu spot. Clubbing-wise, my best friend Aaron will take us to 340 in Pomona, an LGBTQ+ friendly club with the kindest workers and dancers. On your last day, I’ll pick us up some Tierra Mia coffee on our way to Downtown L.A. where we’ll get some steals at Santee Alley. For a little sweet treat, we’ll go to Pie Hole in the Arts District, right next to the iconic New Girl building. If we’re up for it we’ll take our pies to the Griffith Observatory and watch the sunset.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Of course, I have to give my shoutout to mom; she is my entire story. My mom, Stefanie, is one of the most creative people I know. Having me at such a young age, she sacrificed almost everything to make sure I had a chance at anything. If she never enrolled me in that community center theatre program in the summer of 2012, I would have never fallen in love with the arts. Most importantly, she is without a doubt the kindest person I know with absolutely no ulterior motives. She has taught me that the best skill to have, in any field of work, is to be a good person and I owe everything I am to her.

Instagram: makaylafaiith

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/makayla-leilua-7599171aa/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/makaylaleilua

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004272797299

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIpowo0eRNHJoyEApz1AJvQ

Image Credits
Film of OC and Makayla: Kaitlyn Clevenger “Till Forever Falls Apart” (Woman With Arms Out Wide): Dominic Leano “Confidently Lost” (Woman With Sunglasses): Dominic Leano