Julia Garcia is best known for her recurring role on Disney Channel’s Sydney to the Max as well as a recurring role on ABC’s Fresh off the Boat. Julia has started working behind the camera as well, producing movies in 2022. Her first short film Abuelo qualified for Oscar consideration and her second short Sharing the Floor won numerous awards. Her most recent producing credit is the documentary Shura, which is in the final stages of being Oscar qualified as well. About Insider was able to interview Julia about her career to get to know this talented young actress.
HELLO, WELCOME TO ABOUT INSIDER! CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF, WHO IS JULIA GARCIA IN YOUR OWN WORDS?
My identity is a direct reflection of my family, I’m real, authentic and genuine. I’m an actress who’s always chasing the next creative challenge. I also like to push boundaries and make my own rules when it comes to filmmaking.
YOUR ROLE IN “SYDNEY TO THE MAX” HAS BEEN QUITE POPULAR INTERNATIONALLY. HOW HAS THIS EXPERIENCE SHAPED YOU AS AN ACTRESS, AND WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM WORKING WITH YOUR CO-STARS RUTH RIGHI AND JACKSON DOLLINGER?
It gave me the opportunity to develop another side of acting. On a multi-cam comedy I was able to hone the art of setting up a joke. Timing is everything and being able to learn physical comedy in a nurturing atmosphere was truly a blessing.
My co-stars have shown me the importance of building real connections on and off the set. Which translates into authentic performances and a stronger ensemble. Both Ruth and Jackson are incredibly talented and collaborating with each of them has helped elevate my technique and performance.
YOU’VE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK ON A VARIETY OF SHOWS, FROM DISNEY CHANNEL SERIES TO ACTION-PACKED DRAMAS LIKE “S.W.A.T.” AND “STATION 19.” HOW DO YOU APPROACH PREPARING FOR SUCH DIVERSE ROLES?
With each role it always begins with analyzing the character. Often some research is involved, this allows me to create an individual backstory. Understanding the character’s point of view is key. It can be difficult to hop from single to multi-cam but distinguishing each role and finding that character’s voice helps me bring them to life. It’s important to stay adaptable through the process since it’s a collaboration between the director and your costars to ensure authenticity.
WITH YOUR SHORT FILM “ABUELO” BEING OSCAR-QUALIFIED AND YOUR DOCUMENTARY “SHURA” IN THE FINAL STAGES OF OSCAR QUALIFICATION, WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO MOVE BEHIND THE CAMERA AND START PRODUCING FILMS?
Oscar Alvarez and Kayvon Derek Shanian are the heart of Love Project Films and both of these projects tell beautiful stories. I’m so thankful to have these two mentors who have not only taught me how to see a project through from start to finish, but who have allowed me to produce projects that tell important and necessary stories. Being behind the camera has given me the ability to create things my way.
YOU BEGAN YOUR CAREER AT A VERY YOUNG AGE. WHAT WERE SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU FACED GROWING UP IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY, AND HOW DID THEY SHAPE YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON ACTING AND PRODUCING?
For me, navigating rejection and criticism was quite difficult growing up in the industry. The lack of normalcy was a big challenge too, although I did have structure and routine it was not a normal childhood. Missing out on birthday parties due to work or even not attending regular school was hard at times. Not having a traditional childhood actually allowed me to see the world through a different lens. I was able to travel at a young age which shaped me to understand people and cultures. Growing up outside the “norm” helped me to be resilient and adaptable which allowed me more creative freedom to break conventional molds.
AS A CLASSICALLY TRAINED BALLERINA NOW ASSISTING WORLD-RENOWNED CHOREOGRAPHERS, HOW HAS DANCE INFLUENCED YOUR ACTING CAREER AND VICE VERSA?
I do train with world renowned choreographers and dancers to which I have assisted in their dance tutorials. That alone is an insane opportunity. People around the world use those tutorials to learn and train when it’s not physically possible to travel to LA. The Millennium family has been such a blessing in so many aspects of my life, they really encourage me to take my art to the next level. Ballet has given me technique and discipline in dance and in life. The performing aspect of dance whether it’s been on stage or through the camera goes hand in hand with acting. Dance and acting are linked together by both physical and emotional connection.
YOU HAVE BEEN VERY ACTIVE IN SUPPORTING CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS LIKE CHLA AND ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL. CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT WHY THESE CAUSES ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU AND HOW YOU STAY INVOLVED?
My older brother was a sick child, when he got sick I was about eight years old and I felt like I got the wind knocked out of me. He is my best friend and it was a long battle but thankfully we got through it, so anytime I can support the Children’s Hospitals I will. I’m now also an ambassador for Teen Cancer of America, supporting these brave warriors and raising awareness is important to me. Bringing hope and encouragement in difficult times is essential.
YOUR WORK IN MIXED MARTIAL ARTS AND BOXING IS QUITE UNIQUE FOR SOMEONE IN YOUR FIELD. HOW DID YOU GET INTO THESE SPORTS, AND WHAT DO THEY BRING TO YOUR LIFE BOTH PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY?
My father is really into MMA, so you can say it’s always been a part of me. I started boxing and sparring when I was four years old. Then came kickboxing and jiu jitsu. Personally it brings discipline and focus which helps with my personal growth and self confidence. Professionally it gives me a positive work ethic and allows perseverance which helps me push through setbacks.
WITH OVER 120K FOLLOWERS ON INSTAGRAM, YOU HAVE A SIGNIFICANT PLATFORM. HOW DO YOU USE SOCIAL MEDIA TO CONNECT WITH YOUR AUDIENCE, AND WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HOPE TO SHARE THROUGH YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE?
I use my platform to bring a personal connection to those around me. I try to show a different side of myself with my friends and family so people can get to know the real me. It’s important for me to be authentic and relatable with my content. I hope to cultivate a space where people can support creativity and inspire each other.
WHAT’S SOMETHING WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT MIGHT SURPRISE US?
I’m learning photography, it’s just a hobby but it’s really fun. I’ve got a couple of vintage cameras and I’m experimenting with different techniques. I love capturing details that often go unnoticed as well as everyday moments.
ARE THERE ANY UPCOMING PROJECTS OR ROLES YOU’RE EXCITED ABOUT THAT YOU CAN SHARE WITH US?
I’m currently working on a film called ‘Depiction’, what’s super exciting is that this will be my directorial debut. I play a girl named Alex who is the kind of person that stays tough although she’s barely hanging on. She struggles with depression and loss. ‘Depiction’ tells a story about love, loss and friendship.
