Meet Mikaela Phillips | Producer & Actress

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

Hi Mikaela, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’ve never been one afraid to take risks, especially when it comes to work and career moves. I’ve learned firsthand how sometimes taking the more unconventional approach, really pays off. That being, looking at something with a different and fresh perspective and approaching it in a way that someone hasn’t before. There’s all these set out steps and process that generally every filmmaker “should” take and is taught or told that, that is the only way to do it. You can’t do this, you can’t do it that way. When we were making Counter Play – a hit tv drama filmed in Australia – we approached the process of creating as an independent production in a totally new light and very entrepreneurial way. Not only did we utilize and leverage all our own personal connections and network of contacts but we procured a lot of locations, sponsors and wardrobe, through product placement and contra deals – something that hadn’t been done before for a web series turned commercial television series. Those risks, along with self-investing and financing the production, are one of the fundamental testaments to its success! When we first set out, we had no idea what distribution the show would acquire and still we took the risk financially, emotionally, creatively and professionally to swing it out of the park and hit a home run because we believed in what we were creating, we had a vision, unwavering work ethic and drive and the gumption to take risks that paid off. When I think of risks, I’ll gladly roll the dice cause I know what I can achieve and bring to the table. No one ever got anywhere playing it safe. Be smart and take calculated risks

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

Great question! Getting where I am today, wasn’t always an easy path. There were a lot of hurdles to overcome and it’s been nothing short of a character building and lesson learning process, as I started in the industry at a young age and have grown through many experiences. In my career thus far, I have been fortunate to work both front of camera and behind the camera, with acting roles, as a presenter/host for some of the biggest red carpets and celeb interviews, as well as in a producer capacity on tv shows and movies. I first began theatre and front of camera, with a passion for performing and acting. The hosting was a passion and something I pleasantly and serendipitously fell into… combined with hard work and a relentless enthusiasm/drive, that’s what eventually landed me a coveted spot as one of the Hosts for AfterbuzzTV’s Los Angeles studio – the world’s largest online network. It was then, at the fresh age of 18 where I set the record of becoming their youngest host ever to be accepted and a new journey in entertainment began for me. At ABTV it opened my eyes to producing and skills that I was able to then carry over to producing my first ever TV show Counter Play, which went on to become a success. Since then, I’ve worked on countless TV pilots and programs and transitioned into feature films, with already three movies under my belt, including my debut feature the award-winning Amazon Prime flick ‘Madison and the Happiness Jar’ and James Pratt’s buddy comedy ‘Malibu Crush’ which premiered at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.

Currently, my slate has a few productions in the works, for both TV and Film. It’s been a busy time. We recently optioned a script to PLUS Entertainment and are currently in the process of partnering with a literary agency for another novel and story in development.

Unfortunately, due to the impact of the strikes, our TV series The Secret That Binds Us, was significantly delayed like many others and couldn’t launch or be promoted, so right now we are all cylinders and working to get things back into a place of scheduled preproduction and to launch, along with continuing the pre-production on the book to screen adaption for best-selling saga ‘Magic Wars’.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ooh I love to play tour guide when friends are visiting LA! Some of my top spots to show around would have to be: The Grove, Manhattan beach, Malibu, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills Hotel, Balboa Island and the Hollywood sign. When it comes to nightlife, I’m more of a westside girl and prefer the laidback coastal bars/restaraunts, so anything along the coast or where a mate is performing musically at. There’s so many great spots to visit and experience, especially in different seasons and I like to tailor it to suit the person I’m showing around!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Let’s give a shoutout to my mum “Chrys Phillips” for all the amazing work she’s done! Not only raising me as a single mum but for what she has contributed to the screen industry with numerous job opportunities, her roles and invaluable advice on film festival jury’s and her storytelling through the captivating stories and worlds she creates!

Website: www.mikaelaphillips.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/mikaelaphillips

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/mikaela-phillips-7769a0b4

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Miki_Phillips

Image Credits
Winnie Angel Photography