Rising Stars: Meet Mika McCalla of Film and Television

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mika Mccalla

Hi Mika, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been involved and energetic about the entertainment business for as long as I can remember. I started out pursing the behind the scenes side of the business when I was 15 while attending high school at Santa Fe Christian in Solana Beach. I utilized the new tool (at the time) of my generation – the internet – to get my foot in the door of entertainment by doing social media work for The Chainsmokers (EDM/Electronic duo). By my senior year of high school, after cheer and tumbling season had finished, I would commute from Encinitas to Burbank multiple times a week and then still make back it time for Bible class in the morning. In Burbank, I interned in artist management for an alternative artist who had affiliations with Warner Music Group, and even dabbled in song writing with her (our song unfortunately “got beat out” by an Ed Sheeran piece.. It was a crazy moment!).

Then I attended college at the University of Southern California during the height of the pandemic. Despite the circumstances, I graduated early with honors, earning my Bachelor of Science. While at university, I continued working in the entertainment business including working backstage at Insomniac festivals (EDC, Beyond Wonderland, Countdown, Escape…), interning for Marshmello, Alesso, Eagles, and Harry Styles. I had the privilege of learning from Styles’ senior team for his Love on Tour and launch of his lifestyle brand, Pleasing.

During my last semester of college, I studied within the world-renowned School of Cinematic Arts at USC and truly fell in love with film. My cinema studies opened my eyes to my passion for the screen – a love that was in front of me throughout my life.

Since then, I have jumped into pursing acting!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The entertainment industry is a bumpy ride, but I have always found a way to navigate it. For the sake of time, I will spare you the trials I’ve endured during my time in music, but am happy to share the lessons I’ve learned behind the camera have helped me today. With a strong support from my amazing mom, I have been able to use common sense to make wise decisions and will continue to stay safe (God willing).

A struggle I am currently facing, and one I feel many actors face, is that this business is a “whole lotta nothing until it’s something”. This phrase is definitely informal, but describes the business for an actor accurately. Booking a role, whether it be big or small, is a long and competitive process that requires persistence and dedication.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a proud USC Trojan who is pursing acting! I was born and raised in the beauty city of Encinitas and have commuted for work and school in the entertainment industry since I was 18 years old. As Los Angeles continues to become more crowded, many people in the business choose to separate their home and work lives. The amount of people (usually individuals who occupy prominent positions in the business) who have recognized, shared great memories, and/or live down here in San Diego (especially my hometown of Encinitas) is amazing!

My goal is to bring back classic Americana to the big screen. I am truly inspired by the Golden Era of Hollywood and the women who dominated the time period. I have studied many starlets of the era (Grace Kelly, Liz Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, Lauren Bacall, Vivien Leigh..) and aim to become an actress who brings the same sense of awe they brought (and still do) to audiences.

At the time of this article, my resume includes a nationwide commercial, a ScHoolboyQ music video (filmed at Warner Bros. Lot), and the lead in a Paramount+ Comic Con promotional event broadcasting onto the studio’s international social media.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
In the next 5-10 years, I hope the film industry rejects the trend of AI and returns to beautiful handmade sets, with actors who value their craft. When I watch a film, I look forward to reading the ending credits as it is so fascinating how many people it takes to make a film, and how many substantial jobs the film creates. I am saddened to see how the use of AI and extended green screen usage has not only lowered the quality of a film, but also the significant amount of jobs it has taken away. As many know, a major issue in the now ended SAG-AFTRA strike was the use of AI, and I admire how SAG’s President (the amazingly fashionable and funny) Fran Drescher fought for an actor’s future.

I also believe that going back to “physical movie making” will reap a positive impact on society, as film is a great vessel of human emotion. Film and television brings people together, sparks conversation, and offers a healthy escape from the stressors of life, and I hope actors are able to continue providing these forums in the future.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://mikamccalla.my.canva.site
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikamccalla/
• Other: https://vimeo.com/1014450187?share=copy