In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Michalina Scorzelli, a multifaceted filmmaker who has made significant strides in acting, producing, and directing. From her early dreams of acting in New York’s Theater District to her acclaimed work in independent films, Michalina shares her journey, insights, and the passions that drive her both on and off the screen.
HI MICHALINA SCORZELLI, WELCOME TO ABOUT INSIDER! THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO CHAT WITH US! CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.
Hi, I am a filmmaker. I use that term because it is a wide umbrella. I crave and love working both in front of and behind the camera.
YOUR CAREER HAS SPANNED ACTING, PRODUCING, AND DIRECTING, WITH NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS IN EACH ROLE. CAN YOU SHARE WHAT INITIALLY DREW YOU TO THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY AND HOW YOUR JOURNEY HAS EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS?
Great question. Its funny I don’t remember a time not knowing or feeling like I wanted to be an Actor. My dad lived in Hells Kitchen. I would walk through the Theater District and dream. The start of my journey began as an actor. I studied, studied, studied and did as many plays and musicals as I could. From there I started working in Independent films. It was workig on independent films that my carreer also evolved into being a producer.
YOUR FILM “NATE DOGG” MARKED YOUR DEBUT AS BOTH AN ACTRESS AND A PRODUCER, AND IT RECEIVED SIGNIFICANT RECOGNITION, INCLUDING WINNING BEST DEBUT FEATURE FILM AT THE RAINDANCE FILM FESTIVAL. HOW DID THIS EXPERIENCE SHAPE YOUR APPROACH TO FILMMAKING, AND WHAT LESSONS DID YOU LEARN FROM WEARING MULTIPLE HATS ON THE PRODUCTION?
It was very exciting and an honor for the first film I Produced to garner such great recognition. It definetly encouraged me that I was on the right path. The challenge and lesson I learned I still have to beware of, is when I am in front of the camera to temorarly %100 let go of what is happening behind the camera. By that I mean I cant be thinking about is the food being delivered on time, are we going to make our day, are the actors in hair and make-up for the next scene. All of the stuff. I have to surrender to trust my team.
“DISTRACTIONS,” ANOTHER ONE OF YOUR DIRECTORIAL EFFORTS, AIRED NATIONALLY ON BET AND BET-J AS PART OF “LENS ON TALENT: A FILMMAKERS CHALLENGE.” WHAT THEMES OR MESSAGES WERE YOU AIMING TO CONVEY WITH THIS FILM, AND HOW DID ITS RECEPTION INFLUENCE YOUR FUTURE PROJECTS?
I am very proud of Distractions.The technology has changed so much sense we shot that. The quality is very different but I still love every one of my shots. Shorts are very challanging. One of the things I love most besides the shots was the reception from audiences! They laughed, gasped and applauded. And while applauding feeling uncomfortable. It was very interesting not only what we accomplished in 6 minutes but how people took away different messages. It did really well on the festival circuit.
BEYOND YOUR WORK IN FILM, YOU’RE ALSO INVOLVED IN RACING AS A CREW CHIEF FORA SUPERLATE MODEL. HOW DOES YOUR PASSION FOR RACING INTERSECT WITH YOUR CREATIVE PURSUITS, AND WHAT SIMILARITIES DO YOU SEE BETWEEN THE TWO WORLDS?
There are so many similarities between making a film and car racing! Both require a level of passion that you have to have because both are very hard. Its known in racing the race isnt won at the track its won in the garage before you get to the track. It is all the work and preperation prior to have good race day. Just like film its all the hard work and planning before you shoot determines the tone and success of the shoot. I am big believer in Pre-Production. Another similarity is it takes a TEAM!!! Its all about the Team! The team supports the Directors vision to tell the story and the team supports the drivers vision of winning. I can express enough on both fronts the resuts are as good as the team!!
FAMILY SEEMS TO BE A SIGNIFICANT PART OF YOUR LIFE, WITH YOUR SONS AND YOUR HUSBAND PLAYING INTEGRAL ROLES. HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS WITH YOUR PERSONAL COMMITMENTS, AND HOW HAS YOUR FAMILY INFLUENCED YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?
I love my family so much! Balance has never been a struggle for me. Deffietly time managment is one of my strengths and the thrist to live every second! I am blessed my husband has the same drive. We literally live in the fast lane and love it.
LOOKING AHEAD, WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON, AND WHAT ASPIRATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE FUTURE OF YOUR CAREER IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY?
Currently I have a film that I am one of the Executive Producers of being shopped at Canne title “Bad Man” Directed by Michael Dilberts that stars Seann William Scott and Rob Riggle. Its based on a true story and I can not wait for it to come out. I have one that I am an Actor in I am not at liberty to talk about yet but it is very exciting. I have several projects that I am both in front of and behind the camera coming up. I feel so blessed, humbled and honored to be a working actor and producer.
WHAT’S SOMETHING WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT MIGHT SURPRISE US?
Something that might come as surprise about me is my passion and obsession with car racing, boating and fishing.
WHERE CAN OUR READERS FIND YOU ONLINE?
You can find Michalina on all social media platforms. You can connect on linktr @michalinascorzelli
