What initially drew you to acting, and how did those early experiences shape your decision to also pursue producing?
It’s funny I do not know what drew me to acting. I’m sure that sounds ridiculous but the truth is I do not remember a time that I did not identify as an actor. When I was a little girl and we had company, I would get a hairbrush to use as a mike and sing and dance for anyone who would pay attention lol Then came musical theater. It was at that time I became obsessed with the craft of acting and gave up musicals for theater plays. The next natural transition was into film and television.
My Producing was never a conscious decision like hey I want to be a Producer. It grew out of doing independent films. I was Producing before I knew that’s what it was. The Director would mention we need a location or hotels etc. and I would volunteer to get it done. I have such a collaborative spirit. I just wanted to help. Next thing I know I’m being asked to help Produce other projects. Now, I don’t just do it out of the necessity of my early days. I love it. I am a proud member of the Producers Guild of America.
You’ve successfully transitioned from acting to producing. What inspired this shift, and how have your skills as an actress influenced your approach to production?
The transition to Producing was out of necessity but I now really enjoy being a part of the entire process. I feel like my time spent in front of the camera has strengthened my approach to production. Being on both sides of the camera you really get the entire picture. I am very sensitive to creating an environment that allows everyone to have a safe space to collaborate and create.
Producing involves juggling numerous responsibilities. Could you share one of the most challenging projects you’ve worked on and how you navigated its difficulties?
Productions can be challenging. I would rather not mention which were the most challenging. I think most of the challenges are universal. We always wish we had a bigger budget and more time. Time is probably the biggest challenge. Making your day without compromising shots. It’s a balancing act to allow space for the Director to find the magic and fulfill their vision and get all that is scheduled done for the day.
Looking back at your acting career, which role has been your favorite to play and why?
My favorite character to date is Geri in “Girl in The Palms” It is out currently on Amazon, VUDU and Apple I love Geri so much. She at first glance appears to have her life together but she is messy. I love that in the film you see her entire arch in a few scenes.
Can you share a particularly memorable moment from your time on set, either as an actress or as a producer?
One of my most memorable moments as a Producer was shooting Girl in the Palms. We were very lucky to get permission to shoot at Cassadaga in Florida. It is a community that is known as the Psychic Capital of the World. As the Producer I can say the medium who agreed to be a part of the film had no knowledge of us or the film. She did not want to even know about the story of the film and only agreed on terms it had to be a real reading. In the film she does a reading for the lead character. She did not speak to her prior to shooting. We went in with a very small crew and filmed the live reading. No stopping, interrupting, or redoing. We ran two cameras. We had no idea what it was going to be or if it would fit with our story!! When she was done, we were all very still, quiet and emotional. The reading was shockingly accurate for our character, film and touched on the actress’s real life. A moment that will stay with us all forever.
How have changes in the film and television industry, like the rise of streaming platforms, affected your approach to producing and selecting projects?
This is a very interesting question. The industry is always evolving. The writing was on the wall that streaming was going to be a major way people watch movies. Then came covid and sped everything up. There are always pros and cons to change. As a filmmaker I love going to the theater! But the change has shifted my end goal. It was all about getting my films in theaters but for independent films without the marketing budget of the studios it’s hard to get bodies in seats. A pro to all the streaming platforms is the independent films do have more opportunities to get their work seen.
What advice would you give to aspiring actors and producers who are trying to break into the industry?
When asked what advice I could give aspiring actors and producers is first there is no magic sauce. There is not one road to get where you want to be. For an actor I cannot express the importance of learning the craft! STUDY, STUDY, STUDY!!! When I started, I studied different techniques, Stanislavski, Meisner, Chekhov, Method, Strasburg, and Transformational Acting. I realized I could not know what works best for me unless I understood as many as I could. So, fill up your toolbox!! I can’t say I use any one technique. What I use depends on character and where I am on any given day. I am grateful to have a lot of tools.
As a Producer I personally learned by doing. You can go to school but at the end of the day you still need to get hands on experience. It’s really important to have problem solving skills, organization, adaptability, and people skills. You can start by networking and I’m sorry to say because everyone needs to make a living but volunteer to help just to get some experience and build your resume. Try to get on films as an Associate Producer and learn!! Wither your goal is to become an Actor or a Producer be ready to work! There is a perception of the business as glamourous. The work is not! It is long days and so much work! If you want to do it to become famous don’t waste your time do something else. You must eat, drink, and breathe it. You must feel like you can’t do anything else because it is hard.
Are there any upcoming projects that you are particularly excited about? Can you give us a sneak peek into what’s in store?
I am so excited for what is coming next! I have three feature films in Postproduction “Bad Man”, “In Fidelity” and “Werewolf Game” all very different with incredibly talent! I also have a Pilot in Postproduction “Witch Mafia” that is a really fun, cool, and edgy show. Also, as an Actor I am really excited and honored to be a part of the cast for “The Entertainer” that is now in Postproduction Directed by Robert Sweeting, produced by Pete Dorton and starring the legendary Andre’ De Shields. I have a couple of more features shooting this summer that I am not at liberty to talk about right now, but wow are they exciting! Stay tuned:)
Could you walk us through your creative process? How do you decide which projects to take on, and what steps do you follow from concept to completion?
The creative process is different for each project. I like to work with people I know. The projects that I take on has as much to do with the team creating as much as content. From concept to completion wither I am just an actor, or a producer is the focus of fulfilling the Directors vision for telling the story.
Who are your role models in the film industry, and how have they influenced your career path and professional ethos?
I am influenced by everything I see. I am always learning often more from things that don’t work then do. I am such a fan of movies and have so much respect for any filmmaker who gets their film made and out in the world even if a film is not for me. I honestly do not look at other professionals’ path and try to emulate it. Everyone has their own journey there is no one way or right and wrong way, I am enjoying creating my own path.
Where can someone follow you on social media at:
I can be found on all Social Media Platforms as Michalina Scorzelli and my work is on the IMDB. To find everything in one place go to myLinktree:
